You might not have realized it but time can come when you need your Passport within no time. It can be an urgent business meeting you need to go abroad to attend or once in a lifetime trip opportunity of an exotic vacation while your passport has just expired or you have not made one in the first place. A number of scenarios can be the cause of needing to get a passport on urgent basis. Through the normal processing channel, the one usually followed to get a passport, you can get your passport made in no less than 6-8 weeks but these circumstances don’t allow such a long waiting time.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting an expedited US password when you need it fast.
Determine how urgent you need the passport
If you need to go out of America, within two months, you cannot rely on the normal procedure to get a passport and will have to opt for one of the many expedited passport application processes. There are three of them and depending on how fast you want the passport, you can select one of the methods.
This type of passport can be applied at any Post Office or other passport acceptance office but it is not guaranteed to get your passport in time and any error in the documents can cause a delay in your passport’s delivery. The fee you’ll have to pay here is the normal passport fee and an additional $60 expediting charges.
If you need your passport to be in your hands in lesser than a fortnight, you can go to a passport agency near you. These bodies are established and run under the administration of the state department and offer swift passport services. The charges of getting an expedited passport from this channel are the same normal passport fee and an additional $60 for the hurry.
If you want to get your passport in less than eight days or overnight that can be made possible with passport expediting companies. These companies charge their own fee other than the passport fee and $60 expediting fee but can even get your work done in a day. You can even use a registered courier to get a passport in as little as 24hrs.
Gather the documents
Once you have decided how fast you need to get your passport, the next step is to collect the needed documents and assemble them for submitting the passport application. It is important to note that if there is an error in your documents, that can lead to delay your passport being released. Moreover, the documents are in different cases. Here is the list of documents you need to apply for a passport according to the type of passport you are applying for:
If you're going to get your passport for the first time, here is the list of documents you need
Proof of identity
Proof of citizenship
One Passport size photo
The fee needed for applying for this passport will be $110 for the passport, $30 for the passport card, $35 as an execution fee and a $60 expediting fee. You’ll have to fill Passport form DS-11 for this.
You’ll need to present all the documents needed for a new passport and the form DS-64 which is an undertaking for lost/stolen passport.
The first requirement is to bring the children to the passport office. For children under 16, both of the parents must come with the child to the passport office and bring the following documents
Parent’s proof of identity
Proof of the citizenship of the child
Evidence of the relationship with the child
One passport size photo
Passport Application form DS-11
You’ll have to pay $95 for the passport and passport card, $35 as execution fee and the same $60 expediting fee.
Fill the application form
The next step after arranging all the needed documents is to fill up the relevant passport application form. If possible, fill the form online and get a print of that in that way it will be easily readable by the passport office.
If you don’t have a printer at home, you can get the form at the passport offices and post offices. Be sure to fill the form in with black ink and write neatly.
If the DS-11 form is included in your application, be sure to only sign it in front of the agent in the post office or passport office.
Go to the passport office (this is subject to the need)
Other than passport renewal over mail, all types of passport applications need you to appear in a passport office or a post office even if you have hired the services of a passport expediting company to help you.
Wait for your passport to arrive
Once all the steps for getting an expedited US passport are done the last thing to do is to sit back and wait for your passport to be delivered to you.
Use a Registered Courier And Get A Passport in As Little As 24 Hours:
As we’ve already discussed that considering a registered courier can be the best decision for your particular needs and circumstances. These registered couriers or passport expeditors aren’t employees of the United State government but they have made their reputation on trustworthy and quick services. Some of the advantages of using a registered courier to get a passport are the following:
Benefits of Using a Registered Courier:
Passport documentation is very detailed and requires proper expertise. A small mistake or negligence can result in lengthy processing delays and even completely denials. Registered couriers providing expedited passport service are experienced enough in all aspects of the passport application process. It will enable you to avoid the mistakes and errors that ultimately help to get a passport as quickly as you need.
You may need to wait for hours in long lines while visiting a regional agency, and it can be time-consuming and frustrating. Instead, authorizing an expeditor or a registered courier will take care of all the processes and frees you up to spend your time in more important matters.
They always provide you personalized service by making sure you will receive quality service within your time constraints.
By using a registered courier service, you’ll not need to wait for weeks to get routine service. You can get a passport in as little as 24 hours depending upon your circumstances.
The cost of hiring a passport expediting company can vary widely and go up to several hundred dollars in case of same-day processing, but it can provide great convenience and save you a lot of time.
The Bottom Line:
That is the procedure for getting an expedited US passport. You can follow it and get your passport in the event of an emergency need. Approaching a registered courier is probably the best option if you want to get a passport in a quick time.