Passport processing through conventional methods can typically
take up to six months. On the average, the process takes six weeks.
However if you need a passport in an emergency, it may be possible to
get a 24 hour passport.
This is definitely not the standard
processing time for a passport, but a 24 hour passport may be possible.
You may want to consider carefully if you really need it in 24 hours.
Keep in mind that it could cost you over$150 from a 24 hour passport
through an expeditor service, however, when there is a genuine need this
is truly inconsequential.
There are services that are in business
of expediting a passport. These services can be located via the
Internet and are a possible alternative to traditional methods of
processing a passport. There are several different time frames that
these services will offer. Some services will offer two days, or three
to four days, and they may also offer up to two weeks.
Of course
it all will depend on how much you are willing to spend to get your
passport. The faster you need it, the more you will pay. It is important
to decide what you are willing to spend and how long you are able to
wait.
A 24 hour passport may not available to you at all. There
are some conditions that will determine how fast you can get a passport.
These services provide the ability to process renewal applications for
passports. New passports require a process that includes an authorized
signature. This authorization has to come from a passport processing
agent.
If you are renewing a passport, the process you have to go
through is much simpler. Renewed passports do not require an authorized
application and can be sent into the passport processing office through
the mail. In order for a passport to be processed through the mail, all
the information must be accurate. The passport cannot be damaged if you
want to renew it in the mail, if it is damaged it needs to be replaced.
Your
location will also play a factor in how quickly you can process a
passport. Living in a major city gives you access to a passport
processing center. While the headquarters for the passport processing
office is in Philadelphia, there are also offices for passport
processing in major cities such as Dallas and New York.
Living
near a regional processing center can help you get a 24 hour passport.
There may also be a passport processing center in your city that is
deals with passports for emergencies. These offices prefer an
appointment, but understand that this is not always possible.
Even if you live in a rural area you may be able to get a 24 hour passport. Some passport expediting services,
as mentioned above, will offer 24 hour passports for a price. You need
to be prepared to pay additional fees, but if you absolutely have to
have it, it is possible. You can process this by sending the application
to an expedition service via overnight mail. They will possibly be able
to process it in 24 hours. Some services may even offer to bring it to
you as you catch your plane.
