Even the well-prepared sometimes find themselves in need of a
fast passport. Life circumstances sometimes dictate unexpected trips due
to emergent events. Family deaths and work-related issues are the two
main reasons that people need to obtain rush passports. Fortunately, it
is possible to procure a passport quickly, as long as you're willing to
pay a price.
The regular fee for obtaining a new or renewed United States adult passport (ages 16 and older) is $75. Passports for infants/children are $60. These fees are the same regardless of how quickly you need your passport. They are paid directly to the US Department of State. Additionally, all applicants are charged a $25 execution fee. This fee goes to the facility where you apply. Processing times for a standard application are about six weeks, though a lucky few get them faster. However, the only way to obtain guaranteed fast delivery on a passport is to pay an expediting fee. The quicker you need it, the more money you'll have to hand over.
Applicants who need a passport within hours should be prepared to pay two extra fees. The first is an expediting fee. It is $60, regardless of whether you need a passport within hours or a couple of weeks. This fee goes directly to the US Department of State and ensures fast processing at the government's end. On top of the expediting fee, you must pay an expediter fee. This amount is for the processing branch itself, and what you pay depends upon how quickly you need your passport. Both the expediting and the expediter fees are in addition to the initial application and execution fee. Applicants can receive a passport within a few hours for $299. An overnight passport will cost slightly less: $249. Those who can wait a little longer pay incrementally less. Payment of these fees guarantees delivery within the specified time frame.
Because 24 hr. passports are substantially more expensive, it is simply advised that every American citizen have a passport at all times. In fact, it is predicted that within a few years it will become another standard piece of ID, just like a driver's license. Many countries, such as in Europe, already require passports even for domestic flights and hotel stays. It's likely that the United States will be headed in a likewise direction in the years to come. Even if you aren't planning a trip, getting a passport now may save you hundreds of dollars in the event of an emergency. It's good for 10 years if you're over the age of 16 and five years for children under 16.
24 hr. passport applications can be processed anywhere that regular applications are accepted. This includes your local Post Office, immigration agency, and authorized outlets. Identification requirements for both regular and rush US passports are the same, and include:
*Proof of US citizenship. Your birth certificate satisfies this requirement. If you are applying for a US passport renewal you may simply present your old passport.
*Proof of identity. A driver's license, naturalization certificate, government or military ID card will fulfill this requirement. Your previous passport will also work.
In addition to proper identification, you must present two passport-regulation photos. There are specifications which must adhered to, so make sure your photographer is familiar with passport photo standards. Home-produced photos are not accepted.
It's probably a relief to know that you can obtain a passport quickly if you need one. However, even if you don't plan to travel in the near future, getting a passport is probably a good idea anyway. Be prepared for an emergency, and you may save yourself a lot of money in the process.
The regular fee for obtaining a new or renewed United States adult passport (ages 16 and older) is $75. Passports for infants/children are $60. These fees are the same regardless of how quickly you need your passport. They are paid directly to the US Department of State. Additionally, all applicants are charged a $25 execution fee. This fee goes to the facility where you apply. Processing times for a standard application are about six weeks, though a lucky few get them faster. However, the only way to obtain guaranteed fast delivery on a passport is to pay an expediting fee. The quicker you need it, the more money you'll have to hand over.
Applicants who need a passport within hours should be prepared to pay two extra fees. The first is an expediting fee. It is $60, regardless of whether you need a passport within hours or a couple of weeks. This fee goes directly to the US Department of State and ensures fast processing at the government's end. On top of the expediting fee, you must pay an expediter fee. This amount is for the processing branch itself, and what you pay depends upon how quickly you need your passport. Both the expediting and the expediter fees are in addition to the initial application and execution fee. Applicants can receive a passport within a few hours for $299. An overnight passport will cost slightly less: $249. Those who can wait a little longer pay incrementally less. Payment of these fees guarantees delivery within the specified time frame.
Because 24 hr. passports are substantially more expensive, it is simply advised that every American citizen have a passport at all times. In fact, it is predicted that within a few years it will become another standard piece of ID, just like a driver's license. Many countries, such as in Europe, already require passports even for domestic flights and hotel stays. It's likely that the United States will be headed in a likewise direction in the years to come. Even if you aren't planning a trip, getting a passport now may save you hundreds of dollars in the event of an emergency. It's good for 10 years if you're over the age of 16 and five years for children under 16.
24 hr. passport applications can be processed anywhere that regular applications are accepted. This includes your local Post Office, immigration agency, and authorized outlets. Identification requirements for both regular and rush US passports are the same, and include:
*Proof of US citizenship. Your birth certificate satisfies this requirement. If you are applying for a US passport renewal you may simply present your old passport.
*Proof of identity. A driver's license, naturalization certificate, government or military ID card will fulfill this requirement. Your previous passport will also work.
In addition to proper identification, you must present two passport-regulation photos. There are specifications which must adhered to, so make sure your photographer is familiar with passport photo standards. Home-produced photos are not accepted.
It's probably a relief to know that you can obtain a passport quickly if you need one. However, even if you don't plan to travel in the near future, getting a passport is probably a good idea anyway. Be prepared for an emergency, and you may save yourself a lot of money in the process.
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