How To Apply For Expedited Passports - Necessary Documents And Processing Times

If you have a current passport you should check to see how long until it expires. This could be important, depending on where you are traveling. When traveling, some locations insist that your travel documents be valid for a period of time beyond your expected travel dates. As a matter of prudence, it makes sense to give yourself some leeway, just in case your trip is extended unexpectedly. If you determine that a renewal is in order, you will find that the process is fairly simple, and can be completed through the mail.

Whether you need a new or renewal passport, when time is short before departure it is important to know what your options are for getting your documents fast. There are two vastly different ways in which you can speed the application when dealing with the issuing agency. You can also hire a private company to work for you. There are companies that have representatives at the ready to assist travelers in this function.

The first option is the simplest. When you submit your application, whether in person or by mail, you can pay an extra fee of $60 to the agency and request faster service. This will allow your application to take precedence over others, and can cut the wait time for receipt of your document by half. Normal processing times are published on the agency's website, allowing you to check if this option will meet your travel needs.

If you are departing within a very short time, it might be necessary to visit a Regional Passport office. To utilize this option you must schedule an appointment in advance. At your appointment you present your completed application and documents to the agent, prove that your travel is imminent, and pay the extra fee. Following this process allows you to receive your passport more quickly, but it might not be convenient, depending on how close one of these offices is to your home. In some situations you might have to travel to another state in order to take advantage of this service.

In situations where the first two options are not viable, there is at least one other option available to the individual. A private firm can be hired to act as the representative of the traveler. There are several companies that exist purely for the purpose of assisting travelers in getting their documents in a hurry. The traveler would still have to provide a completed application, all supporting paperwork, and the necessary government fees to this representative. In addition, there are fees for this expedited service. The difference is the representative will take the application package directly to a passport office for immediate processing. These companies proclaim that they can get a passport within 24 to 48 hours. Keep in mind that the faster the service, the more expensive it will be.

As it turns out, this new world traveler doesn't have to worry about getting an expedited passport. With the options now available getting your urgent US passport can be accomplished quickly enough that it will not get in the way of most any planned departure date. The key is learning the options and deciding which one satisfies the conditions of the situation most effectively.