Applying For An Expedited Passport - What You Need To Know

When traveling internationally, it is very important to prepare yourself by understanding what types of travel documents are essential for your trip. Whatever else might be needed, it is certain that a passport is first and foremost. Even if you don't need it to enter some countries, you will surely need it to pass through customs on your return to the United States. So, if you don't yet have a valid one, and you are departing soon, you will need to apply for an expedited passport.

If your old passport that was issued at least 15 years ago or you have never had one, the application process is very specific. After completing the application form and securing all of the necessary documents that go with it, you must apply in person. This appearance takes place at what is called an acceptance facility, which is normally located at your local post office or in a local government office. The types of documents that are filed in support of your application are all specified on the website of the passport agency. To ensure that your application can be accepted on your first visit, make sure you understand the pertinent requirements.

If you have a current passport you should check to see how long until it expires. This could be important, depending on where you are traveling. When traveling, some locations insist that your travel documents be valid for a period of time beyond your expected travel dates. As a matter of prudence, it makes sense to give yourself some leeway, just in case your trip is extended unexpectedly. If you determine that a renewal is in order, you will find that the process is fairly simple, and can be completed through the mail.

Whether you need a new or renewal passport, when time is short before departure it is important to know what your options are for getting your documents fast. There are two vastly different ways in which you can speed the application when dealing with the issuing agency. You can also hire a private company to work for you. There are companies that have representatives at the ready to assist travelers in this function.

There is an option, when submitting your application, to request priority service from the issuing agency. This is selected on the application form, whether applying by mail or in person. There is a $60 fee for this service, which moves your application higher in the queue for processing. This option will generally reduce your total application time by about one half. Based on general delivery times published online, you can determine if this will be fast enough for you.

Sometimes when dealing with a passport agency, you may find that your departure date is sooner than the time it takes to get priority service. If this happens, you can ask for an appointment to visit a Regional Agency Office, where you directly hand your application and documents to the agent, pay all fees, including the extra $60, and prove that you indeed have a departure date this is very near. In this case you can receive your documents more quickly. This option is not always easily available for some travelers since these regional offices are geographically based and there might not be one very close to where you live.

If you have ruled out doing it yourself through the issuing agency, the next option to consider in hiring a company to act as your agent in this matter. The specialty of these companies is fast acquisition of travel documents for their clients. Some promote themselves as being able to get your documents in a range of one day to two weeks. As you can imagine, the more immediate your need, the higher your fee to the company will be. Please keep in mind that using one of these expediting services will not free you from the responsibility of completing the application and all other paperwork that must be submitted. The only part that changes is that you present your documents to this company and they act as your agent in walking them through to completion.

The key point to remember is that no matter your document situation, there are options to assist you in applying for, and securing, an expedited passport. Do not let the trip of a lifetime pass you by for fear that you can't get your travel documents in time. If you do your homework and evaluate your options, you can find a way to get it done in time.