Jun 28 2010
Obtaining A 24HR US Passport On The Internet
Travelers often realize that they have forgotten to obtain or renew their passport shortly before traveling. This puts them into quite a panic and they are not sure where to turn for help. They need look no further than the Internet in order to find information regarding 24hr USA Passport processing. Applicants can print the forms and submit all paperwork either via mail or in person.
The federal government offers a rush service for an additional $60 over the current processing fees plus overnight delivery fees. Acceptable methods of payment vary depending on how the customer submits the request. The government agency will accept major credit cards, debit/check cards, checks, money orders, and bank drafts. Those submitting the information at a clerk of court or post office should check with the facility to determine the acceptable forms of payment.
Money order and check are the only accepted forms of payment for applications submitted via the mail. The payment, supporting documents, and application should be packaged in a durable envelope and sent via overnight delivery. Applicants are advised to use a traceable mailing service, such as UPS or FedEx, be used in order to track the package, if necessary. Applicants should also request overnight delivery from the agency in order to speed up the process.
In addition to using this rush service for first-time applications, it may be used for renewals and amendments of existing passports. These amendments include name changes and adding extra pages to the book. There are forms required for each purpose, so the user should go online to the U.S. Department of State site in order to download and complete the proper documents.
The current government processing times for an expedited passports, including those that include overnight delivery, is two to three weeks. This takes into account any additional time for the government agency to receive the application and mail the passport to the applicant. Applicants may check the status of their application online in order to see where the processing stands.
For those who need their passports quicker than the government processing time permits, there are private companies that offer expedited processing. These will require the same supporting paperwork and the federal government documents because the information will need to be processed through the government. Due to its relationship with the government, the private service is often able to turn the paperwork around in 24 to 48 hours, if requested.
The cost to use these private companies is often rather steep, ranging from $149 for turnaround within seven business days to $300 for 24-hour processing. These services may provide protection against lost or stolen passports for an additional fee. This usually costs less than $20 and provides extra security for the traveler in case of theft.
In cases of last minute overseas travel, individuals should get a 24hr American passport. When ordered through a private company, this will cost about $150-$300, depending on the timeframe within which the passport is needed. The processing company will take care of everything with the government and the traveler will have the document in-hand prior to the flight.
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