Passport

A passport is a document certifying an individual's citizenship. Since the passports began in the 19th century, they have been issued by the government to identify its subjects or citizens and provide government protection internationally.

A passport is essential to international travel, since passports are checked and stamped at all border crossings.

As a government-issued photo identification, passports can serve other purposes requiring identification, such as boarding an airplane or purchasing alcohol.

In the U.S., passports are issued by the State Department and can be obtained at local post offices. Long delays of several months are common, but there are private services in Washington that for a fee will cut through the red tape and a passport for a customer in a day or two.