Let's face it; the world today is more hectic than ever. People
are traveling around the globe more often and, many times, on shorter
notice. Of course, they all need passports and if the time comes when
one's expired or lost or even stolen, what to know about urgent passport
procedures can come in handy. After all, it would be a shame to miss
out on a trip because a passport couldn't be obtained in time.
The
first thing to understand when it comes to getting a passport quickly
is that there are many express passport services companies doing
business on the Internet. In addition, the US State Department, which
runs the passport program, has a website set up to help. These can
assist in getting a passport issued extremely quickly, so make use of
them whenever possible.
In actuality, an expedited passport can
take from two to three weeks, though that seems a bit long for something
so urgent. Using expedited servicing through the government will
require overnight deliveries, both to and from a US passport agency or
servicing center, so keep that in mind as well. Same-day passports (to
use one example of an urgent-need passport), though, can be done in many
cases. It just takes work and a bit of time.
For passports that
need to be obtained in a day or two, there are many ways of working with
an express expediter, for one. For another, traveling to a regional
passport servicing center is another. With 14 of them spread around the
country (three in the Midwest and several on both coasts, including Los
Angeles, New York City and Washington DC), one should be relatively
nearby.
In order to obtain an urgent passport, if that's what's
needed, outside of using an express service, an appointment at a
regional center is going to be required. The State Department has a
toll-free number set up for scheduling of such appointments. It's a very
good idea when making an appointment, to try to make it as early in the
day as possible. Passport processing can take over five hours in many
cases.
Keep in mind, as well, that none of these centers are set
up to take passport photographs. However, there are many US post
offices, as well as private businesses that can take these small photos.
Showing up without photographs can jeopardize the processing of one of
these short-notice passports for several days, which is a point well
worth remembering.
It's also advised that a hopeful passport
applicant show up with the proper documentation. This includes
identification and solid proof of citizenship. Current security
regulations mandate that passport service centers collect such proof in
every case. Normally, official birth certificates, naturalization
paperwork and other forms are acceptable. Check the State Department
website if in doubt.
Because travel is the way it is today, and many people need to
get from one place to another on short notice, the day may come when an urgent passport need arises. Just remember that use of an express passport applications
processing business or travel to one of those regional centers can help
produce such a document quickly. In the end, following the proper
procedures can also help make the process go smoothly.
