Planning your first trip abroad?  You have a lot to do to prepare for an international trip.  Planning your wardrobe and getting travel inoculations are just a small part of the pre-trip frenzy.  One of the most important things to make sure you have in order is your passport. 

If you don't already have a passport, there are a few ways to obtain a passport application.  If you have access to a computer with an Internet connection, the simplest way to find passport applications is online.  There are hundreds of passport processing agencies on the web.  You can either apply directly online, or download a hard copy for manual submission. 

If you plan well advance, you'll save the most money by submitting a standard passport application.  A standard submission takes about 4-6 weeks to process, though sometimes it can be quicker or slower.  A standard passport application costs $100 to process.  $75 covers the passport application fee.  The remainder is called the execution fee.  The execution fee is payable to the agency that processes your passport. 

If you need to obtain your passport faster than 4-6 weeks, you can submit an expedited passport application request.  Expedited passports cost more than standard passport applications.  The fees are usually graduated based on how fast you need it.  Expedited passports can be processed in a week, 48 hours and even overnight if necessary. 

Passport applications can also be obtained in person.  They are available wherever passports are issued.  That includes passport agencies as well as your local post office.  You can also request one by mail from the US Department of State.

Your passport application process will go much more smoothly if you make sure that your documentation is in order first.  First-time applicants must be prepared to submit the following items: 

* Your birth certificate.   

* Proof of US Citizenship.  If you were born in the United States then your birth certificate will suffice.  If you are a naturalized citizen, you must supply your Citizenship Certificate. 

* Proof of identity.  Along with your birth certificate or Certificate of Citizenship, you must supply one other form of official picture identification.  A driver's license, government-issued ID card or military card are all acceptable forms of identification.

* Two passport photos.  There are specific regulations concerning the size and quality of passport photos.  Make sure that you choose a photographer that is familiar with taking official passport photos. 

All of your documentation, plus your photos must be submitted along with your complete passport application.  All documentation must be original, not photocopied.  All of your documentation will be returned once your passport application is processed.