How to Get Travel Documents

While traveling and travel planning can be exciting, getting your paperwork together beforehand can be tedious and frustrating. The process of getting your travel documents, however, is easy and, as long as you follow the steps correctly and start with enough time for all your documents to be prepared, it can be painless. Several months before traveling, investigate the necessary procedures to obtain a passport and immunization record, begin the process and keep up with the paperwork to avoid headaches before starting your trip.

Instructions

Passport

1

Find the nearest location to complete a passport application.

Several post offices, courthouses and government buildings are able to process passport applications. In the United States, the State Department offers a website for finding the location closest to you.

2

Fill out and submit the necessary passport application form.

In the United States, you must complete form DS-11 and submit it in person if you are applying for a passport for the first time. Form DS-11 requires basic directory information and must be signed with the accepting agent as a witness.

3

Submit proof of citizenship. Most passport agencies will accept a birth certificate, a previous passport, a certificate of naturalization or a consular certificate of citizenship as adequate proof of citizenship. In most cases, you must turn in the originals, but they will be returned to you once the process is complete.

4

Present a valid picture identification to prove that you are the person that appears in the documents submitted. In some cases, you might be required to submit photocopies of your identification with your application.

5

Pay the applicable passport fee.

6

Submit valid passport pictures.

In the United States, these pictures must be 2-inches-by-2-inches, identical and feature an unobstructed view of the applicant's face.

After submitting the necessary documents, you should receive your passport within the established processing time. Be sure this time fits within your departure plans.

Immunization Record

7

Call your doctor and ask him or her if he has your complete immunization record.

Some destinations might require that you present proof of immunization. Your doctor can provide you with that information, but he or she might need help completing the record.

8

Locate any proof of immunization that your doctor does not currently have on file. This may include school records, birth records or immunization certificates you have for previous vaccinations. Call relatives, school districts and past doctors to obtain all of the necessary records.

9

Pass all your immunization information on to your current doctor and ask him to issue you a complete immunization record. Be sure that any new vaccinations you get, especially if they are required for your trip, are included in your record.