There are many different reasons why a traveler might need a
passport at the last minute. No matter if it was an unexpected business
trip, the discovery that one's passport has been lost or the fact that
the travel document was accidentally thrown in with the daily wash,
getting a last minute passport requires you act quickly but cautiously.
This article with explain how to get a passport as fast as the same day.
International
travel requires a lot of planning and preparation. The need to get a
passport at the last minute can create a lot of stress. Rest assured
that it is possible and many other travelers in situations similar to
yours have obtained their travel documents in very short periods of
time. It can be done. Following are the steps you need to take.
Step 1: Arrange an appointment with a regional passport agency.
You do this by phoning the National Passport Information Center at
1-877-487-2778. There are currently 18 agencies nationwide so it is
highly likely that there is one not too far from where you live.
Step 2: Fill out the passport application form.
Each service requires a specific form. You can either download the
application online or pick one up at any passport application acceptance
facility. Many travel agencies also keep hard copies around. Note,
applicants for a new passport (form DS-11) should not sign the form
until a passport agent asks them to do so.
Step 3: Get together all the supporting documentation.
Just as each service requires a specific application, each also has
specific document requirements that you must submit. The list is
provided on the application.
Step 4: Get to the regional agency.
You should show up for your appointment a few minutes early so you can
get through the security check point and check in at the information
desk. If you arrive late, your appointment might be canceled.
Step 5: Submit documents and pay fee.
When your number is called, present yourself to the appropriate agent
and submit your documents. If you are applying for a new passport, the
agent will administer an oath and witness as you sign the form.
Step 6: Pick up passport
If you meet the requirements, the passport application should be
processed and your travel document delivered to you the same day. In
fact, there have been cases of applicants obtaining passports in less
than two hours.
What can you do if there is no immediate opening
at the agency or you just can't get there yourself? A viable solution is
to authorize a competent expediting service to take the form to the
agency for you. There are many reliable expediters who have been serving
American citizens for decades.
Since these expediters are located
near the regional agencies and have daily appointments scheduled, they
can get the job done for you. The most time consuming part is getting
your application and documents to them. By using express mail services,
it is possible to get your passport in approximately 24 to 48 hours.
Professional
passport expediters do charge a fee for their services but it just may
be your best option if you need a last minute passport and cannot go
yourself. What is important is that getting a passport in a hurry can be
done.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for a complete list of passport requirements and to compare passport expediting services
