One thing that everyone should know about getting a passport for the first time is that the first time applicant must go to the U.S. passport office in person in order to apply. Locating a passport office is as easy as getting online and doing a simple search. In many cases, the local office will be located at the neighborhood post office.
There is simply no way to get around having to apply person for the first time United States passport applicant. Every form has to be filled out, every i dotted and every t crossed. In addition to all of the forms, there is very specific documentation that must be brought in for the application to be accepted.
This is the only way the government has to track people that are coming in and out of the country so they make sure that it is very thorough. With so many rules in place about national security and international travel, it is no wonder that the government wants anyone that is getting their first passport to go through the process in person. Even though the process can take up some time, the government does try and make it as simple as possible.
People are actually surprised at some of the locations and how convenient that they are. In addition to the local post office, they are also located in other government offices, libraries and county clerk offices. Many times, the passport office is very close to home, but people are not aware that it even exists because they never thought that they would be planning an international trip.
Because a passport photo is one of the requirements, it is best to try and get it done before ever heading to the passport office. However, there are many offices that actually have photo services at their location. This can be checked quite easily online as the services that the passport office provides are clearly listed on the site.
There will still be times when a person must still head to a regional office, but they are exceptions. When expedited service is needed, the local office cannot handle the task. When this happens, the trip to the regional city is going to happen. Those that are in major cities are in luck because most of them have a regional office. People that are living in smaller areas are in for a long road trip.
The bright side to the passport story is that the only time you need to go there in person is the first time. When the passport has to be renewed, everything can be done via the mail. As long as a passport is not lost, you will never have to go through this time consuming process again. Just download the forms, fill them out and send them in with the required documents.
Why it would be nice if the electronic age could be useful in avoiding the American passport office, there is simply no way around it for a first time US passport applicant. These laws are in place for good reason and it all comes down to national security. If they made the process too easy, anyone could get a passport and just about anyone would be able to get into the country.