Contacting your government or visiting its website is the best way to get passport assistance. Many governments do a good job of keeping information like passport regulations and frequently asked questions up to date on their websites. You can visit a passport outlet in person for more specific assistance, which is likely required if you are applying for a passport. Stolen or lost passports should be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible to avoid the possibility of someone else fraudulently using the document. Finally, if you need assistance with passport photos, there are professionals who specialize in this type of photography.
Many governments recognize the importance of having a website and have staff dedicated to keeping it up to date. If your government’s website is available, it’s the best place to start looking for passport help in general. This website is usually found by searching for “passport help” in a search engine. Government websites that are well-maintained are one of the most reliable sources of information on passports, local driver’s licenses, and laws. You can frequently find contact information on these websites, which you can use to call or email with specific questions.
Nearly all passport applications are completed in person. You may be able to partially complete a passport application online, but you will almost always need to visit a passport office to complete and submit it. The location of these offices varies by country, but they are generally numerous and easy to locate. Contact an outlet for information about the location of the nearest passport office if you need passport assistance. This can be done over the phone, via email, or via postal mail in some cases.
If a person’s passport is lost or stolen, assistance is almost always required. Depending on the circumstances, different countries have different procedures for reporting and dealing with lost and stolen passports. If a passport is stolen overseas, for example, the US government advises citizens to contact their embassy; otherwise, it is usually handled by phone or mail.
Passport photos are one area where people frequently seek assistance. Most governments have strict photo policies that are easy to break if you aren’t prepared. Many services exist in various countries to assist people in taking proper passport photos. Governments have a variety of requirements for passport photos, including restrictions on the type of clothing worn, as well as facial expression and photo size.