Your passport allows you to enter different countries but it also allows you to access consular services and assistance while abroad. Holding a passport enables you to re-enter your home country. European hotels may take your passport overnight while they prepare police records.
While the United States passport book allows citizens to travel internationally via air, sea or land, the passport card only allows holders to travel from the United States to Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders or sea ports; passport cards do not allow international air travel.
You will need to show proof of citizenship when applying for a passport, which could include a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate or a previously issued United States passport. You will also need to show present identification, such as a drivers license or military ID. You will need two passport photos, as well as a completed passport form, DS-11: Application For A U.S. Passport.
