Emergency! Need A Passport ASAP

Anyone traveling outside of the United States today must have either a passport book or passport card. This law went into effect June 1, 2009. In order to re-enter the U. S., even from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, persons must have this documentation. This applies to persons traveling by land, air or sea, so if you have family living outside of the U. S. you will need to make preparation for emergency situations. This can prevent need of having to apply for an emergency new passport.

People with family living abroad should have plans for emergencies. The best preparation is to take the time and pay the fee for a normal passport. Keep the passport in a safe location at all times in order to be ready to travel at any time.

There is a specific procedure to follow in order to obtain a passport. If you have never had a passport before, you must visit a processing center in person. You will probably be able to locate one in or near your hometown. Currently, it is taking four to six weeks to obtain a passport using the normal application method.

Individuals who need to travel in less than fourteen days or need their passport for issuance of a visa can pay an additional $60 for an expedited service. In addition, they can pay fees to have the passport sent by overnight services. Proof of the need for expedited service must be provided.

Turn around for an expedited passport is approximately two weeks. You will want to pay the extra fee for a passport book. The passport book can be shipped overnight, however the card is only shipped by US mail.

In life or death situations, you can apply for an emergency passport. To make this application, you or your agent will need to travel to a regional passport agency to submit your paperwork. There is no charge for the appointment and you can schedule the appointment twenty four hours per day seven days a week using the toll-free passport number. Appointments are often available within twenty-four hours and you will normally receive your passport at the appointment if you supply all the necessary documentation, including proof of travel within the 14 day period.

If travel to the passport center is not possible for you, then you can also hire an passport agent to make the application on your behalf. You will need to include time to send your documentation to the agent and for the agent to send your passport to you using overnight delivery. Many agents are able to process your passport within twenty four hours.

Employing a new passport agent may increase the price you pay for a passport. In addition to the $135 government fee, you will need to pay for the agent's services and for shipping costs. While this can increase the cost of the emergency passport application, it is often less expensive than having to travel to the regional center by yourself.