A 24 Hour Passport Is Possible
January 8, 2010 by erin · Leave a Comment
Passport processing through conventional methods can typically take up to six months. On the average, the process takes six weeks. However if you need a passport in an emergency, it may be possible to get a 24 hour passport.
A 24 hour passport is definitely not the standard application process for a passport, but it is not impossible. If you need a 24 hour passport you can apply for one, but you should ask yourself if you really need it so quickly. This process could cost you $150 through U.S. passport expediting services.
There are services that are in business of expediting a passport. These services can be located via the Internet and are a possible alternative to traditional methods of processing a passport. There are several different time frames that these services will offer. Some services will offer two days, or three to four days, and they may also offer up to two weeks.
What you need to ask yourself is how much are you willing to spend and how badly do you need it? Naturally the faster it is processed, the more it costs. For this reason, you should have a definite idea of how soon you need it and how much it is worth to you to get it quickly.
There is a possibility that a 24 hour passport may not be available to you at all. There are some elements that can affect your ability to get a passport quickly. Whether you’re applying for your first passport, or if you are applying for a renewed passport, will affect how quickly you can get it. When processing a new application for a passport, you will need to appear in person at a passport processing location and have your signature verified by an authorized passport agent.
Renewed passport applications can be sent via the mail and do not need to be witnessed. There are some stipulations to being able to mail the application for a passport renewal, such as all correct information on the passport. It must also be in good condition.
Your location will also play a factor in how quickly you can process a passport. Living in a major city gives you access to a passport processing center. While the headquarters for the passport processing office is in Philadelphia, there are also offices for passport processing in major cities such as Dallas and New York.
Living close to one of these locations means that it may be possible to have a 24 hour passport. Some large cities also have processing centers for individuals who need emergency passports. While these offices typically prefer an appointment, they realize that the nature of an emergency does not always make it possible for an appointment to be made and will accept walk-in appointments.
Even if you live in a rural area you may be able to get a 24 hour U.S. passport. Some pass port expediting services, as mentioned above, will offer 24 hour passports for a price. You need to be prepared to pay additional fees, but if you absolutely have to have it, it is possible. You can process this by sending the application to an expedition service via overnight mail. They will possibly be able to process it in 24 hours. Some services may even offer to bring it to you as you catch your plane
