Getting a passport application processed usually takes 4 to 6
weeks. It can take longer if the applicant submits unacceptable
documents or commits errors on the application form. There are ways to
get a passport faster. In fact, American citizens can obtain passports
as quickly as the same day in certain situations. This article will
examine how to get a U.S. passport fast in the state of California.
California Passport Application Acceptance Facilities
There
are nearly 800 passport application acceptance facilities located in
California where citizens of the United States can submit application
form DS-11 and supporting documents in order to obtain a new passport.
While routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks, applicants can request
expedited service at these locations in order to reduce the processing
time to only 2 to 3 weeks.
The majority of acceptance facilities
are located in post offices. Others can be found in public libraries or
county clerk's offices. Operating hours can vary and an appointment is
often required. Therefore, applicants should contact the facility before
making a visit.
Expedited service can be requested at one of
these facilities by adding the $60 fee to the payment and including
evidence of travel such as a copy of an itinerary. It is also
recommended that the applicant write the word "expedite" on the outside
of the envelope.
Regional Passport Agencies in California
There
are a total of 25 regional passport agencies in the United States, 3 of
which are in the state of California. They are located in Los Angeles,
San Diego and San Francisco. Regional agencies process applications for
individuals who must travel within 2 weeks or within 4 weeks if the
person must also obtain an entry visa. It is possible to get same day
passports at these locations although regional agencies process a
limited number each day.
An appointment is required and can be
made by calling the toll-free number 1-877-487-2778. Depending on the
time of year, it may be difficult to get through and even more difficult
to schedule an appointment, especially if your departure date is in a
few days or less.
The same documents needed to apply for expedited
passport service at an application acceptance facility are required
when applying at a regional agency. Applicants should arrive early
enough to pass through the security check and arrive at the agency on
time. Late arrivals could result in cancellation of the appointment.
Qualified Passport Expediters
American
citizens who need to get passports in under 2 weeks but are unable to
personally visit a regional agency can utilize the services of passport
expediters that are registered with the regional agencies. Instead of
mailing your application and supporting documents directly from an
acceptance facility or personally delivering them to a regional agency,
you will send them to the expediting service.
Most expediters are
located in the same cities as the regional agencies. With 3 agencies in
California, there are several expediting services. You can find them by
searching online. It is recommended that applicants evaluate possible
services by checking with the Better Business Bureau and reading reviews
on customer reiew websites.
If you are applying for new passport
using form DS-11, it will be necessary to visit a nearby application
acceptance facility first so that an official passport agent can
adjudicate the application. Then, you need to send the sealed envelope
to the expediter along with a signed authorization letter so that the
expediter can represent you at the regional agency.
Fees for
expedited passport services vary depending on how quickly you need to
have the application processed. Unless you are willing to reschedule
your trip or, even, cancel it, this may be your only alternative if you
need to get a passport fast in California but cannot get to one of the
regional agencies yourself.
Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for a complete list of California passport offices and to compare passport expediting services.
