One of the most important documents that you must have before you travel, a passport is often issued by the state department. It authorizes you to leave the country and fly to another destination. When applying for a passport, do it early so its processing does not inconvenience your trip and work closely with the relevant state departments to secure your passport at the right time. After consulting with the immigration department of your country, you will get appropriate advice concerning the necessary steps you need to follow in order to acquire your passport officially. Remember that failure to secure your passport through the right channels of state departments can affect your trip.