How To Get a Passport in a Hurry

If you need to travel abroad in less than two weeks or need a foreign visa within four weeks, you don’t need to go to those privately-run passport expediting companies just yet.

You don’t have to pay more than you have to since you as a taxpayer are already eligible to get the same kind of service from any of the U.S. State Department’s Passport Agency.

For the expedited service, you can make a request by mail or you can apply in person. If your request is supported by proof of urgency of the travel, you will generally receive your passport in three weeks time, or sooner.

For the paperwork expenses attendant with the expedited service, you will be charged an additional $60, plus any delivery costs.

In case you need to travel internationally as soon as possible because of a life or death emergency, you can call the National Passport Information Center for live assistance. An agency representative will be on hand to help you out in getting your passport processed and approved as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, you can proceed directly to the nearest passport agency in person, bringing along with you all the required documentation, photos, and fees. While they normally require appointments, they’ll generally give you a face-to-face meeting with an agency representative.

If your application and supporting documents are found in order, and you are willing to pay the added cost of expediting the processing of your papers, the agency representative may be able to help you get your passport as early as that very same day.

A same-day passport obtained through proper government channels would typically cost $195, which is cheaper than what most private expeditors would charge for the same kind of service.

If you want to avail of the passport agency’s expedited passport service by mail, here are a few reminders:

• Clearly indicate ‘EXPEDITE’ on the outside of the envelope containing your application form and use secure means of packaging such as a Tyvek envelope to protect the contents of your mailing and any personal documents from exposure to the elements throughout the delivery process.

• Enclose your payment in the form of a personal check or a money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”

• Consider using two-way overnight delivery system. Do not submit any prepaid return mailing envelopes or mailing stamps. Expect the newly issued passport book to be delivered via “Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation,” unless you pay for overnight delivery return service at the time of application. Expect the newly issued passport card to be delivered via “First Class Mail” only and that overnight delivery service is not available for passport cards.

For those who are first-time applicants, as well as those whose most recent passport got lost or stolen or was issued more than 15 years ago, they must apply in person at any of the 28 authorized passport acceptance facility of the state department.

Starting December 1, 2015, all passport agencies require proof of travel within two weeks in order to make an appointment.

If they want to avail of the expedited passport processing service, they must in addition to the required documents, especially the hard copy of the travel itinerary, be ready to pay the $60 for the extra service.

Payment in person may be made by way of checks, bank drafts, money orders, credit or debit cards, or cash in exact change.

The agency will determine how best to return the passport to meet the documented travel plans of the applicants. If you are in need of a passport photo, check your local Walgreen Passport Services.