September 3, 2010
How To Get An Expedited U S Passport
When an individual is going to travel internationally, one of the first considerations should be gaining an understanding of the travel document requirements. Depending on the timing of the trip, there may not be enough time to accomplish all planning and acquire the proper documents. If the trip will be happening within a short time frame, it may be necessary to consider an expedited new American passport if the traveler does not already have a valid one.
As a new applicant for a passport, you need to understand the basics of what is required in order to make the application process as pain free as possible. There is an official application that must be completed and submitted with specific supporting documents to the official governmental agency that issues travel documents. With your application you must also provide some form of identification proving you are the applicant, along with a copy of that piece of identification that will stay with the agency. In addition, you must have a document proving your citizenship that is also submitted, along with the required color photographs that meet agency specifications. You must also pay a fee with the application.
If a short window of time exists in which to complete the application process, there are ways to accelerate acquisition of the passport. There are private companies that are in business for this very reason. They will assist in walking the paperwork through to completion. There is also the option of paying a higher fee to the issuing agency in order to obtain priority in getting through the process.
If this will be the first passport issued for an individual, the application must be submitted in person. This can be accomplished at an Acceptance Facility located in a local government agency office or post office, or at a Passport Agency office, if there is one nearby. However, if there is limited time before departure on the trip, requiring the passport faster than normal procedures will allow, the traveler must obtain an appointment with a representative at a Regional Passport Agency. The application and supporting documentation would be delivered at this appointment, along with the request for completion to meet travel schedules.
If having an advocate to assist with the application process is more appealing, then using the services of one of the several private companies that specialize in this type of work might be the right approach. What must be submitted as far as the application, identification, proof of citizenship, and photos does not change in this situation. What is different is that the company will take everything prepared by the individual traveler and move it through the necessary steps in a shorter amount of time. It should be emphasized that employing a private company to assist in this process, the traveler must still appear at an Acceptance Facility to begin the application.
While these companies can be of assistance to you in the application process, keep in mind that they do not work for free. Their fees are generally based on a sliding scale, meaning that the faster you need the passport, the more you are going to pay. However, if speed is your motive, then the cost may be worth the service provided. Many of these providers advertise that they can get your passport to you in 24 to 48 hours, and no more than two weeks.
When selecting a private company, there are several factors to consider. The first is the location of the company in relation to the individual’s completion of the application. Since your documents will be shared between the two parties, close proximity can be an advantage. The fees charged are another consideration. Generally, there is a sliding scale based on how quickly the passport is required. Be sure to learn if there are cancellation fees, should the services of the company be terminated. The reputation of the company should be evaluated to ensure that it is reputable and has a history of meeting their client’s needs.
The net of this is that the lack of a passport should not be a deterrent to making international travel plans on short notice. There are options available to assist you with meeting your travel goals and submitting your passport application form. With proper planning and execution, it is certainly possible to obtain an expedited new USA passport in time to take your trip, whether you do it yourself or have help.
Filed under Travel and Leisure by Joshua