Now, more than ever, it is important for a United States citizen to have a current passport. In the past, short jaunts over the border to Mexico or Canada or aboard a cruise ship didn’t require a passport. But after September 11th, 2001, the laws changed and every citizen must now present a passport or passport card when re-entering the United States. There are a few other documents accepted under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative such as a trusted traveler card, but for the ordinary traveler, it is important to have a passport.If you have never had a passport before, here are the steps you will need to obtain one. These guidelines are for applicants who are over the age of 16.A first-time applicant must fill out the application for a United States passport, Form DS-11 -- available