When planning an international trip, many travelers assume they have thought of every detail. Then, panic sets in as they realize that they have forgotten to obtain or renew their passport. Passport expediting alternatives will allow travelers to take possession of their documents before their travel date. Travelers have the option of either expediting on their own or using an expediting agency.
1st Time Applicants
People applying for the first time should apply in-person. Applicants must fill out Form DS-11 but should avoid signing the document until they are with their Acceptance Agent. Important information to bring to the agency includes proof of citizenship and appropriate ID, which may be a driver’s license or an ID issued by the government. Additionally, applicants must prepare photocopies of their identification, pay the processing fee and make sure to provide a photo.
Minors
Minors under 16 are governed by separate procedures. Minors provide proof of citizenship and fill out Form DS-11, just like adults. In addition, minors must prove that they are related to parents by bringing in a birth certificate with parents’ names printed on the document. Parents then submit their own identification and photocopies of that identification before paying the processing fee and providing the minor’s photo.
Delivery Methods
Renewals may be completed by mail or in person. Applicants should submit an undamaged U. S. Passport and Form DS-82. The State Department recommends that people utilize a traceable delivery method and that they use an envelope that is large enough to hold their documents unfolded. If the documents are damaged in any way, renewal applicants will have to apply in-person.
Time Restraits
First-time applicants who are expediting their documents should call their regional agency. Setting up an appointment at the regional agency is also a good idea if the applicant needs a visa in less than four weeks or travels in less than two weeks. Agencies will strive to provide documents before they are needed but applicants must do their part by bringing their required documentation with them when they attend their appointment.
Help Through The Mail
Applications that are mailed may also be expedited. To guarantee quick processing, the State Department suggests that applicants purchase two-way overnight delivery. The envelope’s exterior must be marked with the word “Expedite”. The website of the State Department provides current processing times for expedited passports, but if times are not quick enough to secure documents by the travel date, applicants should call their regional agency.
Agencies Can Help
For some people, jumping through all of the hoops of the application process sounds tiresome. You have the option of using expediting agencies to move their documents through the application process quickly. Travelers will find many agencies online, but they should take the time to verify the phone number of each agency by calling it. If the agency’s phone number is not legitimate, then travelers should not send documents to that company.
When travelers forget about their passports until the date arises it can normally incite panic. However, there are many services out there that aid in pass port expediting related issues such as adding US pasport pages and renewals. So, people should be on top of their passport maintenance, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster.



























