US how-to guides
Step-by-step guides for common US tasks — the documents, steps, fees, and timelines, in plain English.
How to Apply for a U.S. Passport
Documents, steps, cost, and timeline to get or renew a US passport.
Read guide →How to Complete and File FINRA Form U4
Learn how to prepare, complete, and submit FINRA Form U4 for securities industry registration.
Read guide →How to File a FINRA Form U4
Learn how to complete and submit Form U4 to register as a securities representative or investment adviser.
Read guide →How to Get a Social Security Card
Steps and documents to request a new or replacement Social Security card.
Read guide →How to Get a Driver's License & REAL ID
The path from learner's permit to a full license, plus REAL ID rules.
Read guide →How to Order a Certified Birth Certificate
How to request a certified copy of a US birth certificate.
Read guide →How to Get an EIN from the IRS (Free)
Get a free federal Employer Identification Number for your business.
Read guide →How to Register an LLC
Steps to form a Limited Liability Company in your state.
Read guide →How to Get a Personal Background Check
How to run a background check on yourself before a job or rental.
Read guide →How to Register to Vote in the U.S.
How and where to register to vote, and how to check your status.
Read guide →How to Complete the FAFSA
Prepare, submit, and follow up on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Read guide →How to Get an IRS Tax Transcript
Request a free IRS transcript online, by mail, or by phone.
Read guide →How to Change Your Address with USPS
Submit an official USPS change of address and avoid costly third-party sites.
Read guide →How to Freeze Your Credit for Free
Place and lift free security freezes with all three credit bureaus.
Read guide →How to Get Your Free Credit Reports
Request and review free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Read guide →How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Find the correct state program, file a claim, and maintain eligibility.
Read guide →How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
Find your state SNAP office, submit an application, and prepare for the interview.
Read guide →How to Apply for TSA PreCheck
Enroll in TSA PreCheck, attend the appointment, and use your Known Traveler Number.
Read guide →How to Apply for Global Entry
Create a Trusted Traveler account, apply, and complete the Global Entry interview.
Read guide →How to Get Business Licenses and Permits
Identify federal, state, county, city, and professional licensing requirements.
Read guide →How to Apply for a U.S. Trademark
Search, prepare, file, and monitor a federal trademark application with the USPTO.
Read guide →How to Register a Copyright
Choose the correct application, submit a deposit copy, and track a U.S. copyright registration.
Read guide →How to Register a DBA or Trade Name
Find local requirements and register an assumed, fictitious, or doing-business-as name.
Read guide →How to Open a Business Bank Account
Compare accounts, prepare ownership documents, and separate business from personal finances.
Read guide →How to Buy Business Insurance
Map business risks, compare coverage, and review exclusions before buying a policy.
Read guide →How to File a Federal Tax Extension
Request more time to file an individual federal return without missing the payment deadline.
Read guide →How to Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN
Get and securely use a six-digit IP PIN to help stop fraudulent tax returns.
Read guide →How to Make Estimated Tax Payments
Estimate quarterly federal tax, choose a payment method, and keep records for filing.
Read guide →How to Report Identity Theft
Create an FTC report, secure accounts, and follow a personalized recovery plan.
Read guide →How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
Document inaccurate credit information and dispute it with the bureau and furnisher for free.
Read guide →How to Sign Up for Medicare
Check enrollment timing, apply for Parts A and B, and compare additional coverage choices.
Read guide →How to Apply for Medicaid or CHIP
Use your state agency or the Marketplace to apply for free or low-cost health coverage.
Read guide →How to Enroll in Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage
Create a Marketplace application, compare total costs, and select a plan during an eligible period.
Read guide →How to Apply for WIC Benefits
Contact a local WIC agency, complete nutrition screening, and receive eligible food benefits.
Read guide →How to Apply for TANF Benefits
Find the state welfare office, submit a family application, and follow work and reporting rules.
Read guide →How to Apply for LIHEAP Energy Assistance
Find your local program and apply for heating, cooling, or energy-crisis assistance.
Read guide →How to Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher
Find Public Housing Agencies, join open waitlists, and keep application information current.
Read guide →How to Replace or Renew a Green Card
Use Form I-90 to replace, renew, or correct a Permanent Resident Card when eligible.
Read guide →How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship by Naturalization
Check eligibility, prepare Form N-400, complete biometrics and interview, and attend the oath ceremony.
Read guide →How to Apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa
Complete Form DS-160, pay the fee, schedule an interview, and prepare visitor-visa evidence.
Read guide →