Many years ago, it used to mean that you were part of exotic lifestyle if you had a passport. It was only those who were a part of the elite rich and famous who had a passport. Now, however, things have changed, and it is important for everyone to have a passport, including those who believe that they will never be traveling outside of the country. What, however, changed? Why is it necessary for everyone to have a passport in today’s world?

The September Attacks
Those living in the United States before 2001 believed that they lived in one of the safest countries in the world. They felt as though they were completely safe from any type of terrorist attack. Unfortunately on September 11, we learned differently. As the trade center towers fell, so too did our faith in humanity. Bombings in London and Madrid, as well as the attacks that occurred at various embassies around the world soon made it clear that not everyone wanted the world to remain peaceful, and it became important to have a passport in order to prove that you are who you truly are.

Getting a Passport
Getting a passport is not as difficult as it may sound. To start your passport journey, you first need to apply for a passport. You can get the documents that you need at any federal building, online or at the post office. If you choose to get them online, make sure that you go to the correct website, and that you print the documents on the correct paper.

Proof of citizenship is also required before you can get a passport. All you will need to have for proof of citizenship is an official birth certificate. If you are unable to get one, you should contact the state department in order to discover what you can bring that will qualify.

Next it is necessary to have passport photos. In order to have photos that will qualify, they need to be head shots that have you wearing all of your natural attire, including your regular clothes, which means no uniforms, and anything that you wear on your head and face that you have on a daily basis, including your eye glasses. You need to have two photos to bring for your passport, and both of them must be in color. You can either get them done at any photographer or at your post office if they have that option available. Some local pharmacies offer these kinds of photos as well.

A driver’s license is also important to bring with you, as is your social security number. Then you simply have to visit an agency that can help you to file and get your passport. It can take up to two months to get a passport if you do not have it expedited, so make sure you plan far enough ahead so that you have enough time to receive your passport before you head out on any trips.