Ten years ago in the United States only a minority of Americans possessed a passport.  People who did not regularly travel abroad usually saw little need to apply for a passport.Today that trend is changing.  Even citizens who don't typically travel across borders are now being advised to carry US passports.  Border restrictions have become tighter in recent years, particularly since the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York in 2001.  That's why the federal government is now encouraging all American citizens to apply for passport. 

There are three very good reasons to apply for a passport, especially if you've never had one before.  First, a US passport is a legally recognized form of personal identification.  Not only is it recognized as a valid form of ID in the United States, it's good around the world. 

Currently there is speculation that within the next ten to twenty years a passport will be required even for certain types of domestic travel.  Many countries, including several European locations, require both local and foreign citizens to use passports for everything from rail travel to checking into hotels.  The United States may very well follow the example of Europe in order to further improve its efforts to maintain homeland security.  This is a compelling reason to obtain a US passport. 

Another good reason to apply for a passport: to avoid inflation.  Currently, it costs $100 to apply for a first-time standard-delivery passport.  Demand for passports has increased considerably over the last decade.  It appears that demand will only continue to rise in the years to come.  Naturally with higher demand comes increased cost.  That demand could see the cost to apply for a passport rise to $150 or more.  Since adult passports are valid for ten years, you could save $25 or more by applying for a US passport now. 

To apply for a first-time US passport, you must supply the following documentation: 

* Your US birth certificate. 

* If you were born outside of the United States and are a naturalized citizen, you'll need to supply your Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate. 

* Another piece of legal, photo identification.  This can be your driver's license, government-issued ID or Military ID card. 

* Two passport-regulation photos.  You can apply for a passport in a few ways.  If you have access to a computer and the Internet, you can download a US passport application form.  You can also apply in person at any local passport agency.  Applications are also available at your local US Post Office.