Having received citizenship this Summer, I've finally got around to applying for my passport. Just wanted to share the steps as there are a few things you must do to get one.
1) At the citizenship ceremony they give you the passport application packet, but I think you can also pick one up from the post office.
2) You need to fill out the form which includes a countersignatory. This person has to have know you for 2 years and is willing to put their name, address, job and passport number.
3) 2 passport photos. Additionally, one of them has to be signed on the back by the countersignatory saying the photo is a true likeness of yourself.
4) Probably the easiest and most error free way of applying is to go to an eligible post office and have them do the Check and Send service, they'll check out everything and stamp the appropriate docs and send off your form. Also, they'll have to send your Naturalization Certificate and your US passport.
I feel rather bereft of international identity now that I've had to send those off!!
5) Pay £42 for the passport + £7 for Check and Send + £4.25 (if you want secure/signed-for delivery of everything you sent when the passport comes through)
6) Check and Send has a 2 week turnaround, whereas just mailing everything in yourself is 3 weeks. You can do faster services if you go to the special passport offices - 1 week or even 1 or 2 days if you need superfast turnaround but it costs a lot more.
For Check and Send, if you don't get it in the 2 week time, I believe you can get a refund of the fees.
That's about it, I'm just waiting until November 15 now! I hope it comes thru then as we're flying to the States on Dec 13.
Matt
