When presented with the opportunity to travel to a foreign country, paper work is the last thing that should get in the way of your trip. If there is little time to prepare, getting an expedited new USA passport might become the first step in preparing for the trip. It is important to understand what travel documents are needed for the trip and how long it normally takes to obtain them.
As a new applicant for a passport, you need to understand the basics of what is required in order to make the application process as pain free as possible. There is an official application that must be completed and submitted with specific supporting documents to the official governmental agency that issues travel documents. With your application you must also provide some form of identification proving you are the applicant, along with a copy of that piece of identification that will stay with the agency. In addition, you must have a document proving your citizenship that is also submitted, along with the required color photographs that meet agency specifications. You must also pay a fee with the application.
There are at least two ways to speed up the process of passport application. When applying through the standard issuing agency, you’ll have the option to request faster service, for a fee. This allows that application to move to the front of the line for processing purposes. Another option is to utilize the services of a private company to assist in seeing the paperwork through to the end.
As a first time applicant, you must appear in person at a Passport Agency office or an Acceptance Facility with your new passport application form and supporting documents. An Acceptance Facility is likely to be more convenient, as these are usually located in a post office or other government office. If normal lead times for the issuing agency are not adequate for your travel needs, you must bypass the normal processing sequence by making an appointment with an agent at a Regional Passport Agency. At this appointment you would request faster service, prove the need for it, and then present your application paperwork to the agent. There is a higher fee to use this faster service.
Another option is to hire a private company to assist you with the application process. Since this is their business, they know how to get it done efficiently, which might be just what you need to ease your mind about getting it completed in time. The company would provide you with detailed instructions of what you need to send them and then they would complete the application process for you. But, don’t get the idea that they can do everything for you. Even when using one of these companies, the applicant still must start the application process by appearing at an Acceptance Facility with the completed paperwork.
While these companies can be of assistance to you in the application process, keep in mind that they do not work for free. Their fees are generally based on a sliding scale, meaning that the faster you need the passport, the more you are going to pay. However, if speed is your motive, then the cost may be worth the service provided. Many of these providers advertise that they can get your passport to you in 24 to 48 hours, and no more than two weeks.
If you have determined that a private company can best meet your needs, then selecting the right one is the next step. Since time is in short supply, it is important to evaluate the history and reputation of the company to ensure that it is the best one for your circumstance. Another factor might be the cost of using the company, as fees do vary from one to the next. There is generally a range of fees that are dependent on your time frame. The less time you have the higher the fee.
If the trip of a lifetime comes up with short notice, don’t let the lack of a passport inhibit you from traveling. Obtaining an expedited new pasport is fairly routine in the world of today. You can choose to do everything yourself through the issuing agency, or opt to pay more and let a specialized company do the legwork for you. Either way, you will get your passport and be ready to enjoy the trip.
