There are a number of considerations to take into account when obtaining a same day passport. Understand, first of all, that the US government rarely can produce anything in a single day. However, it’s entirely possible, if one is willing to work hard at making it so, to get such a passport in a hurry. It may involve added expense and even travel to a regional passport center, but it can be done.
In general, most people who need a passport in a hurry usually work through one of many different passport expediting services that can be found on the Internet. Just be prepared to pay a premium for such assistance, though it may not actually be all that much, relatively speaking. There are times, though, when an expediting service may not be available. If that’s the case, other avenues are open.
Keep in mind that none of the 14 regional passport centers accept walk-up passport applicants. This means an appointment at one of the centers is going to be necessary. For purposes of information, there are centers in Chicago, Illinois in the Midwest, Los Angeles and Seattle on the West Coast and Boston, New York, Miami and Washington DC, among other cities. Call one to set up an appointment.
If a passport is to be done on the same day, it’s important the person needing a passport show up in person at the center, because that’s the only way a same-day passport can be processed. Also, it will take between 3 and 5 hours to process a passport application. This means that those who need one are advised to make an appointment as early as possible in the day to ensure same-day processing.
Many people who have obtained a passport in a single day advise that people who need such passports work through the government automated phone system to set up their appointments. As well, they all make a strong recommendation that passport photos be taken ahead of time and brought along. Most passport centers don’t have facilities for the taking of photos. Many US post offices can do so, though.
On the day of the appointment, it’s very important to be punctual. If the appointment is lost due to lateness, there’s little chance of getting another one that same day. Keep in mind, as well, that passports processed and then made on the same day may be a little pricey. Currently, costs for such documents run between $220 and $300. Not getting a passport because of lack of funds would be a shame.
Other documents that should be brought along are those related to citizenship and date of birth. The State Department is very particular about the documents used to prove citizenship. This means that official birth certificates with raised seals or a passport will be required. If the center has to look up prior passport information an additional fee will apply.
Remember – getting a same day passport will usually necessitate the use of an expediting service or a personal trip to one of 14 regional passports centers. Fees are higher for such passports and it’s advised that anybody needing one bring along a pair of passport photos and sufficient money to cover fees and incidentals. As well, always make an appointment as early in the day as possible.
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