Imagine having booked a trip two years ago to sunny Cancun because there was no need for a passport. Now, the trip is coming up and all of a sudden a friend asks if you have a passport. Not everyone is aware of the fact that they have to have a passport now and sometime getting an expedited new passport is required. It will cost a little bit more, but as long as the applicant knows what to do, the process can be fairly painless.
The one thing that everyone should be aware of is that getting a new passport does take some time. Anyone that thinks the DMV is bad news has never applied for a new passport. In order to make this process as painless as possible, it is best to get the ball rolling right away and start gathering what they need and getting all of the forms filled out.
New passports must be done in person. Unlike renewals, the forms cannot be mailed into the proper offices. In most cases, this will require heading to the local post office. However, when expedited services are needed, the post office is not always the best route. Regional passport offices offer more services and can sometimes get a quicker turnaround time.
There are a few things the applicant must take care of alone prior to sending the passport application form. All new applicants need official passport photos. These can typically be taken at any one hour-photo location. The applicant will also need to bring various forms of ID. A full list of valid identification is available on the State Department Website.
Since a new application must be done in person, anything that the applicant is unsure of can be run by the clerk or agent that is working at the office. The passport application form that has to be filled out is the DS-82. Be sure to mention to the clerk that this is for an expedited passport and make sure everything is marked clearly so that there is no confusion.
In addition to the regular fees for a passport, expedited service will run an extra $60. For the additional fee, the applicant will get their passport back in about three week’s time. If it is approaching a heavy travel time, it may take a bit longer. This is why people are sometimes better off using the expedited service to guarantee that the passport will make it back to them in time for their trip.
It is never good to wait until the last moment, but sometimes it is what it is. When things like this happen or the need suddenly arises and a passport is needed, it is good to know that that services are available to make the process go quicker. Today, international travel will generally require a passport number and this should no longer be an issue.
Filling out the United States passport application form for the first time can be a stressful process. Getting an expedited new passport can ease this stress a little. The processing center most definitely places expedited passports at a high priority, so it is worth the extra $80 dollars to ensure that a passport comes in less than two weeks, especially if travel plans hinge on its arrival.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.