Sometimes you suddenly need to travel to a destination requiring a US passport only to find out that either you don’t have one or that it has already expired. Routine passport processing usually takes around four to six weeks. While that’s fine for most travelers, this may not be an option for you, considering your situation. If you need to know how to get a passport in less time, find out in this article.
One instance where you will need to get a passport fast is when a family emergency occurs that requires you to travel to another country within 48 hours. If you don’t have a passport to travel, or if it has already expired, you can call the National Passport Information Agency (NPIA). They will help you to schedule an appointment with the nearest passport agency to facilitate your application for an emergency passport.
Because of the nature of what it does, you may contact the NPIA at any time of the day to schedule an appointment. However, when you are unable to get an appointment with the passport agency, stay on the line so you can be rerouted to a customer service representative (CSR). The CSR will then provide you with other options so you can immediately get an emergency passport.
For non-emergency situations, you have an option of having your passport application expedited. This type of passport application processing is generally recommended to those who need to have a passport in less than four weeks. But sometimes the processing may take longer than that, so the US Department of State further recommends those who need to travel in less than ten weeks have their application expedited.
The expedited passport is often recommended to travelers who need to leave in less than two weeks. It is also advised for travelers who need a passport to apply for a foreign visa in less than four weeks. So, if you are planning on traveling to another country in the coming months, getting an expedited passport would be the way to go.
Now, how do you get your application expedited? If you are going to send your application papers through the mail, clearly indicate the word, “EXPEDITED” outside the envelope. Aside from that, also make sure that you are able to track your mail when you send it. The US Postal Service, as well as other courier services, provides this kind of option, so choose to do so when mailing your application. Finally, use an envelope that’s not easily damaged in order to maintain the security of the documents you place inside it.
It is worth noting that you will have to pay an extra fee for an expedited passport on top of the regular passport processing fees. This shouldn’t, of course, be a problem, especially if you need to have a passport very soon. To find out what the fees are, check with the passport agency nearest you.
If you want to get a passport fast, you now know the options that are available to you. These options are getting an emergency passport or having your passport application expedited. Whatever option you choose, you can be sure that you’ll get your passport faster than the routine passport application.
Comments on this entry are closed.