Oct 21 2010
How To Apply For Priority Passports – Mandatory Forms And Processing Times
Whether you are a frequent traveler, or are going outside the United States for the first time, it is important that you understand what travel documents are required for your trip. At the top of the list should be a passport. It is needed for entry into many countries of the world, and more importantly, is required for return to the U.S. upon the conclusion of your trip. If you didnt understand the importance of this document, and your trip is fast approaching, you might find it necessary to apply for an quick passport.
When applying for an initial passport, or to replace one more than 15 years old, the applicant must present himself to an agent to begin the process. Most towns and cities will have an acceptance facility, located either at one of the city government offices or in the post office, where this application process is initiated. Prior to appearing, it is important to understand all of the application requirements so that any essential documents can be obtained in advance. Be sure to read about the acceptable identification papers on the website of the issuing agency in order to be fully prepared.
If the individual already has a passport, but it is going to expire within approximately six months, it might be necessary to renew it prior to traveling. Depending on the country to be visited, there could be a requirement that the travelers documents be valid for a period of three to six months beyond the expected departure date. In this situation, the renewal application can be completed through the mail, as the individual already has an established record on file with the issuing agency.
Knowing that you have limited time in which to procure your urgent pasport, you should understand the three basic ways in which you can accelerate the application procedures. The first two are accomplished by dealing directly with the issuing agency, but in very different ways. The third method involves securing the services of a private company that specializes in providing this type of service.
The easiest choice is to check a box on the application form requesting expedited service. This can be done whether applying at a facility or through the mail. There is an extra fee of $60 for this service, which basically allows the application to move to the top of the pile for processing. As a general guideline, using this option will shorten the total time by about one half. The traveler can see if this option will be sufficient by checking the published processing times on their website.
If, after reviewing the published estimated lead times, it is determined that the first option will not be fast enough, another alternative is available. The traveler must request an appointment with a representative at a Regional Passport Agency office, at which time the application and all additional documents and fees are personally presented to the representative. The applicant must prove that his travel is fast approaching. This may not be a viable option for all individuals, depending on where they live and how far away the nearest regional office is located. However, if this is a reasonable option, an individual can generally get a passport in a short period of time.
In situations where the first two options are not viable, there is at least one other option available to the individual. A private firm can be hired to act as the representative of the traveler. There are several companies that exist purely for the purpose of assisting travelers in getting their documents in a hurry. The traveler would still have to provide a completed application, all supporting paperwork, and the necessary government fees to this representative. In addition, there are fees for this expedited service. The difference is the representative will take the application package directly to a passport office for immediate processing. These companies proclaim that they can get a passport within 24 to 48 hours. Keep in mind that the faster the service, the more expensive it will be.
As it turns out, this new world traveler doesnt have to worry about getting an expedited passport. With the options now available it can be accomplished quickly enough that it will not get in the way of most any planned departure date. The key is learning the options and deciding which one satisfies the conditions of the situation most effectively.
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