The Advancement Of US Passports

United States Of America Passports - A Brief History

United States passports are given to citizens and non-citizen nationals of the United States of America. Passports are only issued by the United States Department of State. They allow a person to be able to travel anywhere in the World. Within the State Department, the job of passport issuance is given to the Passport Services Unit. This division is part of the Bureau of Consular Affairs. All passport issues, such as passport replacement or passport renewal, can be done on the internet.

Early American Passports

During the War of Independence it was American consular officials who granted passports to select citizens of the original thirteen colonies. These first passports were small pieces of paper that contained a description of the bearer, and were only good for three to six months at a time. Benjamin Franklin, who was at the time the minister to France, designed the first American passports to look like that of French passports.

State Departments Role

The Department of Foreign Affairs was responsible for issuing passports until 1789. It was then that the name of the branch was altered to the Department of State. They were in tasked with handling all foreign relations, and until the mid-nineteenth century, had numerous domestic duties as well. After World War I registering for a passport became a law that was enacted by an executive order. However, there was no way to enforce the policy and the law was eventually repealed.

Passports During Wartime

From 1921 to 1941 there was no necessary requirement for a passport under United States law. It was not until World War II (1939-1945) that the Travel Control Act was written. This act made it illegal to enter or vacate the United States without having an issued passport. This act came at a time when international travel was becoming more mainstream.

Passport Design

The physical design and contents of American passports have changed a few times over the years. For example, in 1926 passports had a stiff red cover. Then in 1941 they switched to green covers. In order to celebrate the US bicentennial in 1976 passports were given blue covers. In 1981, America became the very first country to have machine-readable passports. Now, all United States passports have digital photos as well.

Processing Passports

Generally, to acquire a U.S. passport renewal takes four to six weeks of processing time. There are, however, ways to have this tedious process expedited much quicker. Companies exist that are capable of offering expedition after they register with the Department of States National Hand Courier Program. These select companies are held to a firm code of conduct. Their employees who handle passport applications are required to have background checks. In addition, these companies must adhere to guidelines to make sure a passport applicants personal information protected.

To request a passport, or for US passport renewal, you can visit local post offices, public libraries or clerks of court. You can also get a childrens passport on the State Departments online site.