If you don’t travel much, or have not traveled outside the country for an extended period of time, you might find yourself in the position of planning a trip and not having the necessary travel documents. If this is the case, you must learn what documents are required for your trip and take steps to obtain them. If you wait too long to do this you might find yourself in the position of needing to file an expedited pass port application.
Whether you are applying for your first passport or renewing an expired one, there are specific actions that must be taken. The first step is to review the application requirements of the governmental issuing agency. The process for getting a new passport is a bit more involved than that of a renewal, as you have to file with the agency as a starting point.
Knowing which type of passport you are applying for makes it much easier to determine which application form is appropriate for your circumstance. The instructions with each application will explain not only how to complete the form, but also what documentation you must provide with the completed application. At a high level, what you must provide are documents that prove your citizenship, as well as your identity, along with special photos that meet passport requirements. The agency website can guide you as to what forms of proof are accepted. If you are renewing a passport, you are already on file with the agency, so your existing passport is submitted and serves as proof of your identity and citizenship.
If you are short on time before your planned trip, it is important to check how long the issuing agency expects the application process to take. This US passport information, found on their website, will give you an idea of how long you will wait to receive your passport after the agency receives your application. It could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on their workload. You do have the option to include an additional fee, along with the request that they hurry your application because you have a pending trip.
Do not be discouraged if it does not appear that the passport agency can complete your application and get your documents to you prior to the planned departure on your trip. You have other options to consider. There are several private companies that are in business specifically to assist travelers in obtaining their documents quickly. In fact, some of these firms claim that they can get you a passport in as little as eight hours, though an estimation of 24 to 48 hours is more realistic.
If you elect to use a private firm to act as your representative, do not think that you will have any less paperwork to complete. In fact, there is likely to be more, as you must authorize the company to work on your behalf. Most of these expediting companies have varying levels of service, depending on how quickly you need your passport, with a sliding fee schedule to match. Keep in mind that the less time you give them, the more money you will pay them.
While a private company can be a great help to you, they can’t do everything. In fact, you must start the process at an Acceptance Facility before you can turn your documents and application over to the expediter. The agent at the Acceptance Facility will review your application and supporting documentation. If you have done all that is required, they will then seal the documents in an envelope. This envelope becomes the package that your private representative uses to walk your application through the issuing agency to obtain your passport.
In evaluating which firm to use, be sure to research their success rate, their fees, their commitment for delivery within your window of time, and their reputation in the industry. If you are going to pay a high fee for this service, you want to be able to depend on their results. Knowing that there are services available to submit your expedited pasport application should relieve some of your stress, and allow you more time to enjoy the planning of your trip, instead of concerning yourself with tedious new passport information.
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