Whether traveling for business or pleasure, a trip outside of your home country can present some unique challenges. You must understand the travel documents that are required by your home destination countries. If your trip is happening within a short period of time, it might be necessary to complete an expedited United States passport application.
The first step a traveler should take is to understand the requirements to apply for a passport. If this is your first passport the process will be a bit different, and somewhat more involved. If you are renewing an expired passport you will find it a bit simpler because you are known to the agency. You can generally find the specifics on the website of the passport issuing agency.
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.
While a private company can assist you with getting your travel documents, it does not mean that you do not have to complete the necessary applications or provide the required documentation. In fact, there is a good chance that the company will have forms for you to fill out to request their services. There are several of these companies, and they each have a range of services that they offer. You will pay a fee according to what you need and how quickly you need it.
While a private company can be a great help to you, they cant 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.
While there are several firms that offer these services, you should consider several factors before selecting one to work for you. Research their reputation for customer service and delivery of passports within the committed time period. If the cost is important, then compare the fees of the various firms. Most have a fee schedule that becomes more expensive as the time frame becomes shorter. The good news is that there is a way to complete an expedited passport application in time so that you do not miss out on your trip.

























