A United States Passport is necessary for international travel. But it is becoming common to need your passport for other purposes. So, to get a Massachusetts passport, read this article.

In October 2020, TSA will tighten identification requirements for domestic travel. The approved ID must be a Massachusetts Enhanced Driver’s License or a US Passport.

 Applying for a passport isn’t tricky, but here are some essential tips. Depending on how fast you need your passport, there are various ways to apply.

Applying for a Massachusetts Passport In-person

In-person apply at an authorized Acceptance Facility. This includes your local Post Office, County Clerk, or Public Library. Other resources approved by the U.S. Department of State may be senior or community centers. So, all official Acceptance Facilities will accept and verify documents, applicant signature and identity. This information, including the official photo, will be sealed in a legal “adjudicated envelope.” The envelope is then forwarded to the U.S. Department of State for processing. This routine service can take up to six weeks.

To apply in Massachusetts, make an appointment with your local acceptance facility.

Documents You Will Need to Apply

In Massachusetts, contact your local acceptance facility for an appointment. You can complete the application form online as PDF or complete it in person at the facility. To apply, you must have your original proof of citizenship. This includes:

•  U.S. Birth Certificate
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Expired Passport

You will also need to present a valid form of ID, such as: 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid State-issued ID
• Military ID
• Expired Passport

The applicant must be present when applying. If applying for a minor’s passport, you will need consent from both parents/guardians. If one parent/guardian cannot be present, the non-applying parent must submit an original notarized consent form. Also, present proper identification. A parent with sole custody must give the original court order. 

Most Acceptance Facilities take passport photos. You can take them ahead of time at a local photo shop or drug stores such as CVS or Walgreens. 

Allow 7-10 weeks for processing and receipt of your new passport. For an extra $60 fee, a 3-5 week expedited service is also available. 

Getting a Passport in a Rush 

For emergency processing, U.S. Department of State has 26 locations issuing same-day passports. In Massachusetts, the only State Department location is in Boston. There are locations in surrounding areas, such as Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. 

To qualify, you must be traveling within fourteen days. You must present an official itinerary with your name, travel date, and destination. A plane ticket or hotel reservation (Canada/Mexico only) will suffice. Appointments are necessary and can be made online or over the phone. The Passport Agency will be unable to guarantee how soon you get a passport. But with the correct documentation, applicants should receive their passport in time to travel. 

American Passport

Americanpassport.com is an online passport expeditor with many years of passport processing. Regardless of where you live, you can get a passport according to when you need it. This online expeditor offers rush processing so you can get a passport in a day. Also, you will have additional processing options that range from the same day and up to two weeks.

So, if you need a passport for the first time (adult or child), replace any expired, damaged, lost or stolen one, speak with the agent about the process of getting your new document. 

How Does it Work?

Select Your Passport Type

As a customer, you get to choose from a list of the passport you will apply for. For example, will you apply as a first-time applicant, for a child passport, for a passport renewal, or to replace a lost or stolen passport.

Select the Processing Option

Then, you get the processing options. Will you need the passport the same day, in 2-7 days, or 10-15 days. The choices you select will determine the price you will pay.  

Provide Your Documents

You must provide a complete application that includes the form, supporting documents, and the fees. Package all the papers and send them by UPS or FedEx using overnight shipping. Include a prepaid envelope with your address to get your new passport.

Your Return Documents

Once Americanpassport.com receives your passport, it will be forward to you. Any package received without a prepaid envelope must pay for the return postage. You will receive all the supporting documents in the return envelope.

Renew an Expired Passport 

To renew an expired passport, your Massachusetts passport must have been issued for ten years and expired for less than five years. For minors, there is no passport renewal. The application process will be as if it was the first time applying. If you meet the guidelines to apply for a renewal, you do not need to apply in person. You will mail your current passport, passport photo, application, and your Government Fee.  

It is safer to have a passport whether you plan on traveling. Applying ahead of time will save you time, stress, and money. But if you find yourself in an emergency, chances are you will still receive your passport in time!