How to Change the Information on Your US Passport Before Traveling Abroad

Always bear in mind that your US passport is a proof of your identification that is accepted internationally by all nations. The moment you have received your new US passport or even got it renewed it is your duty to check all the detailed information on it. You have to ensure that all information provided are true or else you might have to get it rectified before planning your trip abroad to a foreign destination. The US passport is a legal document that is only handled by the Federal and State government so in case there is any change in the information, it needs to follow specific methods and channels.

In case there is any typographical mistake in your US passport then it certainly is possible to rectify it. To do this it is necessary that you fill up a DS-5504 form providing the correct information. You just have to be sure that you use only Black Ink for filling out the form in order for it to be accepted. 

Before submitting the form you have to be sure that all the information provided is correct. You also have to put the current date on the first page of the form and sign it before submitting. Always bear in mind that the actual submission of the form might just vary depending on the circumstances.

In case your US passport was just issued to you 90 days earlier then you can always mail the DS-5504 along with your original passport. You might also have to attach the document as a proof for getting the relevant information rectified. So if you need to change the name or address you might have to have attach the right address proof or the name proof like birth certificate or high school diploma. In case the passport was issued earlier than 90 days then you might also have to submit two photos along with the original passport. If there is an error made on you newly issued passport, there isn't a fee to fix the error. The only fee that you would have is just shipping the incorrect document back to the passport facility.

If you have to change the name on the US passport it can be categorized into three different categories. You can change the name because of some error, due to different name in all other documents and change of name for most eligible applicants. In case you are changing your name then it is important that you might have to support your new request with a certification. The request can be made by presenting the court order or even your marriage certificate but you should submit the documentation along with the original US passport. You might also have to submit DS-11, 3 forms to prove that your assumed name has been used for more than five years or more. Under these circumstances you also have to submit two colored photos along with the original US passport. There is a fee that is charged for this procedure. If you are changing your name due to marriage then you also have to fill DS-5504 form along with a copy of your marriage certificate.

Visit Passport King to get your passport fast [http://www.passportking.com] and download passport applications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3415833

What to Know About a Damaged Passport?

Knowing what to do about a damaged passport can assist travel plans. Distinguish most common perils that create damage. Rank the severity of harm and brace yourself for effects that damage causes.

The top sales person lingers at the seaside and listens to the waves splash on the white sand. She has won first place and now enjoys her much deserved prize, a vacation paid for by her company. She is unaware that the passport she dropped into water will force her to remain longer.

At the airport, this top sales person recounts for the customs agent how her passport fell into a sink filled with water. The customs official responds that water commonly damages travel documents. 

Customs then says that she is not allowed to return home until she gains a replacement passport. She experiences anxiousness about this twist. She leaves for the taxis, rides back to the hotel and stares out the car window.

Usual Reasons For Damage

Later, near her hotel, a travel consultant gives our unfortunate sales representative a cup of tea. The travel expert beckons her to sit in a chair against a wall on which hangs a painting of a white cruise ship. Many substances can do damage to a passport, the travel agent offers. He recalls one tourist who dumped ink on his travel documents as well as a mountain climber who jumped onto his passport while wearing climbing shoes. The pointy spikes made his visas look like Swiss cheese. Some passports get dented by heavy objects or people fold their travel documents and visas like newspapers. Harm caused by water occurs regularly and humidity is also bad for passports.

How To Recognize Damage

So how do voyagers know that their passport needs to be placed on the disabled list? Travelers could use fingers and eyes. A photo that looks chafed, blemished, or unclear attests to the presence of damage. Letters of the alphabet that appear poorly typed indicate the presence of damage.

Customs officials can allege that travel documents are not credible if the electronic computer chip grafted inside does not operate. Passports currently carry a bar code and a computer chip. Customs officials may designate that a passport is too damaged to use if the bar code becomes unreadable. A chip could be corrupted electronically or physically.

Effects Caused By Damage

There are many affects from these types of damage. One affect is blockage from traveling to the country of departure. Imagine being in an airport and watching the passengers returning home. You cannot join them for several days. Unfortunately, torn pages in the passport you use do not credibly indicate which nation you were in previously. So the current country blocks you from going to the country you say you were in previously.

Loss can be illustrated by using the topic of anonymity. If tourists must substitute a scraped and dented travel document, they need follow processes and employ government officials. The tourist may have to speak to police agencies. This likely entails signing a few police documents. Oh yes, you must reapply for a replacement passport personally. Every signature certifies that you were present at that place. You will lose anonymity.

The delay to proceed home can bring about a loss of financial resources. Departing gets held up because of the wait for delivery of new undamaged travel documents. How crucial is the deprivation of money on account of missing a week away from work? An unforeseen loss of money can kick a hole in a vacation budget.

The replacement passport and visas arrived in about one week. Her trip back home made her happy especially because she had brought extra money for emergency purposes. She promises herself to secure a replacement passport and visas before they get too worn. She promises to protect her travel documents when she travels in the future.

What to know about a damaged passport is shown here. Remain aware of possible hazards that inflict the greatest harm. Review how to sort passport damage in terms of severity and shrink the hurtful outcomes that damage creates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4520497

Reasons To Use American Passport Expediting Services

Anyone who tries to travel outside the country will require a passport. This is something good to apply for with time, even if you do not plan to travel any time in the near future. If you have an unexpected trip that you have to make, you will not need to worry about trying to apply and obtaining a passport. For those who have that unexpected trip and did not apply within the time, do not worry. 

You can still use American passport expediting services to get a passport in much quicker time.

With an expedited service, you can obtain a passport in as little as twenty four hours. For some that do not want to pay a high fee, they can also have other options such as a 10-day waiting period which will cost less. Applying for a passport without the expedited service can usually take up to 4-6 weeks after you apply, sometimes even months, to receive it.

There are two ways to obtain a passport using expediting service. The first option is the do it yourself method. That is going to the travel agency, waiting in line and filling out the application on your own.

 Sometimes you do have to wait in line at the travel agency for quite some time before you can speak to a representative, depending on the amount of people there that day.

Another option, if you do not have that much time, is to allow the expediting service to apply for you. 

A staff member of the company will personally go to the travel agency and wait in line for you, as well as apply and submit the application on your behalf. This can be costly. However, if you do not have the required time, you can use this option.

Once you decide if you want to do it yourself or allow the expediting services to submit your application for you, you can begin choosing which option you would like. You can choose to have your passport completed in as little as 24 hours, 2-3days, 4-6 days and even up to 10 days. The quicker you need it, the more you will have to pay. If you do not need it that same day, you can choose a longer period of time to save some money.

For those that are already at a travel location but have lost your passport, they also have the option of obtaining an emergency passport. This passport can be obtained at the US embassy in the country you are located in. You would have to apply to get one and may have it in as little as 24 hours.

An expediting service can be of great help for those that need a passport urgently. You should first begin to consider when you need your passport. Then after deciding the date, you can begin choosing the right passport option. You should also consider if you have enough time to do it yourself or if you will be needing a staff member to apply for you.

If you do not need to travel any time soon, it will still be a good idea to apply for a passport and have it handy. If you do not have one but do need to travel and cannot wait the usual time for a passport application, you can use American passport expediting services. It is also ideal for those who have lost or damaged their passport.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5064715

Passports Are Big News - What Should We Learn?

We all know that identity theft is a very serious problem these days and passports are a really big target for those who want to perpetrate this crime. A stolen U.S. passport can be altered and used by a terrorist or spy to freely enter the United States unnoticed. None of us want to make it any easier for someone to do harm to our citizens or our country so perhaps after reading some of these incidents, we will all be more careful with our passports.

Mr. John Skelton who was forty one years old and a British citizen, tried to enter the United States using a passport that was in the name of Kurt Branham. It just so happened that Mr. Branham died in 1994 and prior to his death he served as a legislative aide to a United States senator. It is scary to realize that this stolen identity passport had been successfully used twice before the thief was caught.

Mr. Eugene Todie was a 29-year-old New York resident who was on probation for criminal contempt. 

His use of a fraudulent passport permitted him to leave and re-enter the United States undetected. 

When he was caught, he was even wearing an ankle monitor and when asked about it, he said he was a fan of Lindsey Lohan and was simply wearing it in her honor. That was quite a story, but people who break the law in this way are dangerous and must be apprehended.

Speaking of Lindsay Lohan, she has had her own passport issues. She was out of the country and was due to appear in court back in the United States. She did not show up for that appointment and blamed it on her claim that she had lost her passport which prohibited her from returning to the United States. She tried to return to the U.S. without a passport but was turned away. This is a good lesson to each of us and should help us understand that no one is immune to the regulations that govern the use of passports. Her passport renewal emergency was taken care of but she has a big price to pay for her failure to appear in court on time.

It is important that we all realize what an important document a passport is. We must always keep them in safe places and if we should loose one or suspect ours might have been stolen, we need to report it immediately.

Perhaps reviewing these stories has shown you how dangerous a passport can be if it is placed in the wrong hands. Your safety and that of your family is in jeopardy when we don't take proper care of this important document and permit it to fall into the hands of a criminal or terrorist. The dangers caused by a stolen U.S. passport are hard to measure but if you find yours is missing, this passport renewal emergency can be handled by contacting a passport agency as soon as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4718789

Express Passport Service Can Make Life a Lot Easier

Today, our society is about immediate satisfaction. Even when people don't need something right away, they are more than willing to pay for it just so that they can have it as soon as possible. For anyone having a "must have" personality and needing a passport, express passport service is available to get travel documents in hand in record time.

All that need be done is a quick online search for "express passport service" and there will be plenty hits to choose from. The best source for any current information that pertains to passports is of course the State Department. However, they are not necessarily the best place to go for expedited services. 

For services such as this, there are private companies that can offer an almost immediate turnaround time.

Many of the features that the different companies will offer will actually be quite similar. It should really come down to price and preference. The preference should be anchored in finding out which company is reputable and registered as a passport agency with the State Department. These locations will be able to get a passport turned around in as little as 24 hours.

In many cases, the applicant will have to make an appointment with the company. They may take walk-ins, but people find themselves waiting around all day long and sometimes still don't get seen if the agency is one of the more popular ones. It is best to lock in an appointment and take full advantage of the speedy service that these companies offer.

When it comes to a minor, a stolen or lost passport and those that are getting their first passport, there will be the need to physically go to a government office. These circumstances demand that everything is done at a local or regional government passport office. After all the forms are approved, it is possible to let them now that expedited service is going to be used and the secured and approved documents can then be taken to an expedited service.

There are also times when expedited services or getting a passport cannot happen. Many people find out about this at the wrong time and end up heading to the pokey instead of going overseas on a trip.

 Having an outstanding warrant, owing child support or being on probation are all reasons for passport rejection.

It is very important to thoroughly check out any private passport agency before using them. Realize how sensitive the documents are that are being handed over for processing and it is quite evident why care needs to be taken in the selection. They are easy enough to check on and must be registered with the State Department.

When time is of the essence, express passport service is the perfect solution. Make no mistake about it, it can get expensive, but when the alternative is considered, the fees from a reputable passport agency are usually acceptable. For other people, they just want their passport in hand and cannot wait the 4-6 week typical turnaround of the government offices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3807540

Infants Need a Passport For International Travel

Any parent that is going on an international trip and that plans on taking their child should get familiar with infant passport laws immediately. If you think that just because the child is a newborn or a minor that they can freely pass between borders, you are sadly mistaken. The process itself is almost identical to what an adult has to do, with provisions in place because of the age of the young international traveler.

For a parent to raise their arms and question the fact that they have to have an infant passport is not uncommon. However, many people forget that it is still about people leaving and coming back to a country. To allow random children to enter or leave the country without accountability could lead to some very serious issues.

Something else to consider are such horrible things as human trafficking and kidnapping. Believe it or not, this happens with parents of children who are trying to get away from another parent. The angry mother who has just lost her child custody case or perhaps the father that has disappeared to another country and suddenly shows up and wants his child back.

The infant or child will get their passport in much the same way that an adult does. It goes without saying that the child will not be able to do this on their own, so mom and or dad are going to have to do all of the work in order for a valid passport to be obtained. In addition to the forms, do not forget to get the passport photos of the child.

Since an infant cannot sign their own name, mom and or dad are going to have to handle the task for them. It is actually a co-signature that goes on the passport until the child can sign the passport by themselves. When the child is able to sign their own name, the passport can be renewed with their actual signature on the passport.

For the parent signature to be valid on the passport, it has to be done in a very specific way. The parent will have to sign the child's name and then sign their name right next to it. After that, they need to put their relationship next both signatures in parenthesis stating their relationship to the child. 

If only one parent will be going on the trip with the infant, it is best if that parent is the one that signs the passport for the baby.

If a child is not yet 16 the passport can only be obtained if consent is given by the parents. The obvious reason for this is so that one parent does not get the passport and take the child out of the country without the knowledge of the other parent. This will not be a problem for parents that are still together, but if there has been a divorce or separation, make sure time is allotted to get everything together so there is not a problem in securing tickets or making the trip.

It may have seemed a little silly before reading all of this as to why an infant passport is required, but it should be clear now. Unfortunately, international travel is not always about business or fun. There are a lot of people with ulterior motives that would love to be able to get children in and out of countries with no records being kept. While it can take some time, infant passports are a necessity and always will be.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3828297

The Internet is the Source For Passport Services

An individual no longer has to go to a government passport agency in order to receive passport services. They are now available online and enable someone to obtain an initial passport, renew a passport, or have additional pages added to an existing passport. Traditionally, people needed to go to a passport agency wait up to eight weeks for processing of these items. This seems like a rather long time to wait in this age of immediate delivery of information.

There are online companies that deliver these passport services in a fraction of the time that it took when using the traditional methods. These companies issue new passports, provide renewals, and allow the passport holder to update name and contact information in an efficient manner. They provide these services within the period selected by the individual, making for a very customer-friendly experience.

These processing companies charge a fee for these services and the amount varies depending on service chosen and processing time desired. Each company may charge different amounts, so some comparison-shopping is recommended. However, read the fine print on the Web sites to make sure that the company selected appears reputable.

The forms and instructions relevant to the desired service are posted on these Web sites. It is advisable that the applicant prints the forms and then follows the online instructions to make sure that everything is done properly. Most companies will provide a dedicated customer service representative to assist with any questions or concerns. This is helpful for those applicants unfamiliar with the passport process.

The customer service team will also assist throughout the processing of the desired passport service. They work directly with the government to expedite the processing of paperwork. They have years of experience working with this government agency and remain updated on the progress of the paperwork. Customers benefit from this relationship without having to get involved themselves.

The only obligations on the part of the applicant are to properly complete the required forms and provide copies of necessary identification. A certified birth certificate is one of the acceptable forms of documentation that prove citizenship. The applicant should order this document from a city, county, or state government in advance if it is not already on-hand. A driver's license or government ID card will provide proof of identity. There are also secondary forms of identification that are acceptable if the applicant does not have one of the primary forms. The lists of acceptable information are available on the processing company and government Web sites.

The package containing copies of identification, completed forms, and passport photos should be sent to the processing company via mail. Using a private carrier service like FedEx or UPS is recommended because they allow tracking of the package. When sending information as highly sensitive as this, it is important to verify that it arrived safely at its destination.

The online passport services are a great alternative to going to a passport agency. These companies provide expedited processing in as little as one business day and they assist applicants with questions and concerns. Passport applications can be processed and you will have your new passport in hand with little time and effort required on their part.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4023938

Renewing Your US Passport Quickly

Leaving the country soon? Forgot your passport expired last year? If you have already booked your ticket abroad, all hope is not lost. With the help of a passport expediting service it is often possible to get your passport renewed in as little as 24 hours. Passport renewal is a fairly simple process and is very easy to accomplish by mail though an expediting service. You will need to send your expired passport along with a fully completed Form DS-82. You will also need include two new passport sized photos (2" x 2") and a check to cover the government fee. Currently the government fee for a passport renewal is $135. It is also important to note that if your expired passport was issued while you were under the age of 16, you will need to apply for a new passport, as you are unable to renew a child passport once you are over the age of 16.

The Form DS-82 can also be used to change the name on your passport if your passport was issued less than a year ago. If you have legally changed your name for any reason, you will need to obtain a new passport with the correct name and information. If you plan to do this you will also need to send your valid passport, issued less than a year ago, a completed and signed DS-82, and legal documents showing your name change (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.).

While passport expediting companies offer fast 24 hour service, please remember that the US Passport Agency has the right to request further documents or information at any time. So it's best to get your passport renewal as soon as you are able to do so!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3658516

An Expired Passport Can Be Renewed Without Hassle

Many of us get passports just because we think we will eventually need them. This is not such a bad idea, since the passport process can take some time. The unfortunate thing is that those of us that do not use the passport that often, may not realize that it is expiring soon or is already expired. An expired passport is not something that needs to be worried about, though, as the process of renewal is not difficult.

One way to determine how long a passport is valid is to figure out when the passport was originally issued. If an individual was issued a passport when they were sixteen or older, then the passport is good for ten years. If, however, the individual was fifteen or younger, then the passport is only good for five years. Because some countries do not accept newly issued or re-issued passports, it would be wise to renew a passport several months in advance. The standard is nine months.

An expired passport does not have to ruin a trip. If an individual meets certain stipulations, the process can actually be done through the mail. By going on the Internet, and exploring the government site, an individual can better understand the specific stipulations he or she would have to fall under in order to renew by mail.

To be able to renew the passport by mail, the applicant must complete the proper form. Again, this can be found online with a simple search through the government site. Once the form is found, the individual has the option to fill it out online or to print it to fill it out in pen. After this portion has been completed, the individual must mail the application as well as other information to the correct offices.

If the person does not meet the specific requirements needed to be able to renew by mail, then the individual will need to appear in person to complete the process. By looking online, the individual can find the proper office to appear at, but before venturing to the office, an individual needs to make sure that he or she has all the necessary documentation. Check online to see a list of acceptable forms of documentation.

Normally, the process of renewing a passport will take anywhere from twenty-eight days to forty-two days. The government has a sped up process that will have some additional fees that can complete the process in as little as fourteen days to twenty-one days. If the vacation is going to be sooner than that, there are other options still. There are private expediting services that can have the whole process completed in as little as one day. Of course, there are additional fees with this option.

For those U.S. citizens who are not in the U.S. but have a passport needing renewal, there are still options. If the individual happens to be in Canada, then the individual has the option to mail-in for renewal. Individuals in other countries should make an appearance at the closest U.S.. Embassy.

Remember, just because you have an expired passport, does not mean that the vacation will have to be missed. Simply go online to find the appropriate steps to complete the process. For the situations when passports renewal needs to be quick, a private expediting service should be considered.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4001152

Expedited Passport Renewal - 5 Steps On How To Renew Your Passport Fast

When planning for an international vacation, many of us can sometimes be guilty of accidentally overlooking important details. It only takes a few seconds to check if your passport is expired or about to expire, yet many people forget to check until it's almost too late. Getting an expedited passport renewal can save the day and literally save thousands of dollars that you have already spent on your upcoming overseas trip.

1. Your expired passport

This is the easy part to renewing your passport fast. You will need to turn in your expired passport. The agency will punch a hole in your old passport to make it invalid and they will return it to you at the same time you receive your new passport.

It should have originally been issued less than 15 years ago or else the renewal process won't be available. In that case, you would have to apply the same way you did for a first time passport.

Another thing to keep in mind is the passport cannot be damaged or mutilated. This includes water damage to the pages and damage to the inside cover where your picture and personal information are. 

Unfortunately, if it's in bad condition then you will have to apply using the first time passport process.

2. DS-82 application

This is the renewal application and it can be completed online or you can print out a PDF version to fill out with pen. Make sure to fill in all of the information about your expired passport.

Since you need your passport renewal expedited, check the expedite box which requires an additional $60 fee to the US Department of State. Instead of waiting approximately six weeks for regular processing, it will speed up the process to one to three weeks.

3. New photograph

Although you already have a photo in your old passport, they will still require you to submit a recent photo that accurately reflects the way you look now.

There are many different stores you can go to for passport-style photographs. You can get them at stores such as Rite Aid, Walgreens, FedEx Office, UPS Store and even your local post office.

4. Paying the separate fees

When you are filling out the application you will see that the fee is $110. But you will actually increase that to $170 to get it expedited. This payment will go to the US Department of State and it either needs to be paid by USPS money order or your own personal check.

There is the expense of getting your passport shipped back to you quickly. You can either include your own express envelope with your application package or you can pay an additional fee and the passport agency will ship back to you using USPS express overnight.

The other possible expense is the service fee paid to a passport expedite service if you decide to hire an expedite company.

5. Hiring an expedite service

If you need your passport back in less than a week, definitely consider hiring an expedite company. 

Some people also use these services when they are traveling in less than three weeks. Although there are some people who can sometimes get an expedited passport back in a week without using a service, there is no guarantee from the US Department of State. There really is no way to tell if it will be one week, two weeks or even three weeks. When you hire a reliable expedite service, they will guarantee a specific time frame.

The rates vary depending on how fast the service needs to be. You can actually get your passport back in less than a week, sometimes even with a 24 hour turnaround time.

Are you looking for passport expedite services [http://www.direct-passportvisas.com/expediting-passport-services.html]?

Get comparisons, reviews and find out which companies are the best at [http://www.Direct-PassportVisas.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6447601

Getting a New Passport in 24 Hours May Be Possible

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3530952

How to Get Your U.S. Passport in a Hurry

The U.S. Department of State Passport Services recently increased the waiting period for passport processing causing chaos e frustration for would-be travelers. Routine passport processing which, for many years, took only six weeks to complete now requires up to 10 weeks or more. Expedited services can take up to four weeks instead of the usual two.

The increase in processing times is a response to a 44% increase in passport applications. Two factors have contributed to the greater demand. One, the months of February through April are usually high-volume months due to the fact that travelers are preparing for both Spring break and summer vacations.

Two, a new law that went into effect January 23 of this year requires all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

Many travelers who were unaware of the increased demand applied for a passport thinking they would receive it within a few weeks. They then found themselves desperately seeking a way to get their passport in time for their scheduled trip. Following are just a few of the numerous messages U.S. Passport Service Guide has recently received.

The National Passport Information Service has representatives available from 7:00 am to 12 midnight. However, you have about as much a chance to get through as you do winning the lottery. Following are just a few of the numerous requests from desperate individuals seeking assistance to get their passports on time.

"Are you able to expedite a passport application that is already being processed? Filed for passports for my wife and me first week in January for March 18 trip. Now told they will not be ready until March 27, well after our departure date. Please advise."

"I need to know the status of three passports for my children. We are leaving the country in two weeks and I thought we would have their new passports by now. Please advise."

"My application has been processed, but will arrive too late for my trip. Can I expedite the process before 3/16? I cannot get through [to National Passport Information Service] by phone or e-mail to save my life."

"My family and I applied for passports in January and when we went online to find out the status they said they would be sent on or about March 28th. We our leaving on our vacation on March 29th. We need our passports to travel. We are leaving in 2 weeks!!! Please direct me to the right person to speak to. I've tried calling the National service but can't get through because of the large volume of calls."

Travelers who are able to get through to the National Passport Information Service and set up an appointment as a regional passport agency found themselves facing extremely long and chaotic lines.

An efficient, although costly, alternative is to contract a private passport and visa expediter. Expediting services have a special relationship with the U.S. State Department that allow them to hand deliver applications and pick up prepared passports for their clients in 10 days or less. Fees start at about $59 and can reach $169 for same day service. This does not include fees charged by the U.S. government nor overnight delivery.

While the cost of passport expediting through a private service may be expensive, it can mean the difference between actually receiving your passport before your departure date and having to cancel your trip.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for more information about applying for an emergency passport or read our reviews of private passport expediters.

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Getting a Passport in Florida

Florida is 4th in the list of United States passports issued by state. Only New York, California and Texas issue more passports per year than the state of Florida. If you need to get a passport in Florida, the questions and answers below will provide you with the information you need to obtain your travel document quickly and efficiently.

Where do I get a passport in Florida?

Applicants are required to appear in person in order to get a new passport. Most often, these means visiting a passport office in Florida. At the time of writing, there are 263 such offices or application acceptance facilities in the state although this number changes frequently. The vast majority of facilities are located in post offices. Many have limited operating hours and require you make an appointment in order to apply. Some of these locations offer passport photo services.

Another place to apply is at the passport agency in Florida. There is only one agency located in the state and it is in Miami. Regional agencies only accept applications from those who need to travel within 30 days. Evidence of travel such as a copy of your eticket, itinerary or hotel reservation is required. You have to make an appointment before visiting the agency. During peak travel season it can be difficult to schedule an appointment, especially if your departure is within a few days.

There is an alternative for those who need to expedite a passport in less than 2 weeks but who are unable to personally visit the Miami passport agency. A registered expediting service can be contracted to deliver the application for you. Note, you are still required to appear in person at a local application acceptance facility. However, instead of mailing the package directly, you will mail it to the expediter you choose to use.

How do I get a passport in Florida?

The requirements for a new passport include application form DS-11. This form can be completed online or printed and then completed. Independent of which method you use to complete the form. You should not sign it until a passport agent asks you to do so. The agent must administer and oath and witness the signing of the application.

Besides Form DS-11, you need to submit evidence of United States citizenship, proof of identity, a photocopy of the identification document and a recent passport photo. Those whose names have been legally changed and are different from the citizenship document, need to submit evidence of the legal name change. The application form and supporting documents should be taken to a passport office or the regional agency.

How much is a passport in Florida?

The fees for getting a passport in Florida are no different than in any other state. Applicants ages 16 or older pay an application fee of $110 for a passport book and/or $30 for a passport card. Applicants ages 15 or younger pay an application fee of $80 for a passport book and $15 for a passport card. All applicants must pay an execution fee of $25 when submitting Form DS-11.

There are optional fees and additional expenses which may be incurred when applying for a passport. The Department of State offers overnight delivery of a passport for a fee of $12.72. An expedited service fee of $60 is required if you want your passport in 3 weeks or less through an acceptance facility or in a few days to as fast as the same day at the Miami agency. Fees for professional expediting service vary but start at about $79.

Getting a passport in Florida is quite easy. Form DS-11 is readily available online and does not take long to fill in. There are 263 passport offices and a regional agency where applications can be submitted. A passport application can be expedited as fast as the same day if necessary. Of course, routine service will get your travel document to you in 4 to 6 weeks. No matter where or how quickly you get a passport, you can be certain that agents in Florida have a lot of experience.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for a list of Florida passport offices or access our directory of expedited passport services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Manor

 

 

How to Expedite Your Passport Renewal

There are three ways to expedite a passport renewal. The method you pick out will depend on how speedily you need to acquire your renewed passport and how much time you have to devote to the process. The details below will help guide you in making the decision on how best to expedite your passport renewal.

Apply for Expedited Service by Mail to the National Passport Processing Center

Download and complete the application form DS-82 to renew a passport. Put it in an envelope with your current passport, two photos and payment. The application fee and expediting fee can be made with one payment. Provide proof of your name change if it is different from the name in your present passport. This can be done with a marriage certificate or court order.

Clearly and legibly write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope so that it can be speedily identified at the processing center. The National Passport Processing Center address can be found on the application for renewal. Within 3 to 4 weeks the application should be processed and your passport delivered to your. It may take longer, especially during peak travel periods.

Renew Your Passport at a Regional Passport Agency

Applying at a regional passport agency is an option if you cannot wait for your travel document to be returned by mail. The regional agencies attend travelers whose departure date is within 14 days and who do not need a travel visa. Those who need to obtain a visa can be attended at the regional agency up to 28 days before their departure date.

Presently, fifteen passport agencies operate in the United States. The agencies can be found in major cities throughout the U.S. including Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Norwalk (CO), Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago and Detroit. Each agency attends a particular area of the United States.

Pick the regional passport agency that services your state of residence to begin the passport renewal process. You can set up an appointment by callling toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. This number is for an automated appointment system. Sometimes, it can be pretty hard to get through. It may be necessary to make numerous tries. Just keep calling.

Take the completed form and accompanying documentation with you to the regional passport agency on the day of your appointment. You are asked not to get to the agency more than 15 minutes early or to be over 15 minutes late. Being more than fifteen minutes late could result in the cancellation of your appointment.

If your appointment is early in the day, you could receive your renewed passport that same afternoon. If you are not attended until later in the day, you might possibly have to wait until the following day to get your passport.

Get Your Passport Renewed Through a Travel Document Expediter

Travel document expediters have a special relationship with regional agencies that allow them to represent their clients who are unable to personally deliver their requests to the agency for processing. Allowing a passport expediter to take care of the expediting of your passport renewal is a wise choice when you are in a time crunch and have many other things to take care of before your trip.

Passport expediters specialize in obtaining passports quickly. You are ordinarily given several choices as to how quickly you want your passport expedited. Processing times are as follows.

• Standard - 8 to 10 business days
• Rush - 5 to 7 business days
• Priority - 3 to 4 business days
• Next Day - 2 business days
• 24 hours - 1 business day

Once you have decided on how speedily you want to acquire your passport, you need to complete an online form with personal information such as your name, address, phone number and email. Next, type in information about your trip including date of departure and destination. Confirm whether you have an itinerary or not.

 

You need to download the expediter's authorization form. The completed and signed form should be sent along with your passport renewal application and other documentation to the expediter by express mail.

Make Your Choice

Now you know the three ways to expedite your passport renewal. Send the passport application yourself. Get it expedited at a regional passport agency. Or allow a private expediting service to get the job done for you. The choice is yours. You get to decide. You make the decision. Just make sure you choose a way to get your passport renewal expedited that gets it done before your departure date.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide to download the passport renewal application form and access reviews of rush passport services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Manor