How Much Time Is Required to Get a U.S. Passport
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010The question of how fast you can get a passport has more than one answer. This is because the time required to process the application form is dependent upon where you apply and the type of service you choose.
The Slowest Way to Get Passports
Regular processing of passport applications presently takes 4-6 weeks. This applies to all services: new passports, renewals, name changes, added visa pages and lost passport replacements. Complete the proper application and send it in with the required supporting documentation and the proper payment. You must appear in person and an acceptance facility if you are applying for a new passport or one for a minor. Note, the time it takes to process an application can be changed when the State Department deems necessary. There have been periods when it took 12 weeks or more to get a passport.
A Faster Way to Get Passports
If four to six weeks is too long for you to wait for your travel document, then expedited service may be the best option for you. Expedited services reduces the processing time down to 2-3 weeks. All that is required to receive expedited services is to pay an additional $60 fee and write the word “Expedited” on the outside of the envelope so agents can rapidly recognize your request. Use two-way overnight express mail to accelerate the process even more.
The Fastest Way to Get Passports
Is there anything that can be done if you need your passport in under two weeks? Well, there are actually two ways to resolve this. Both will allow you to get a passport quickly. The difference between the two is the cost and the amount of time required to get the job done.
One way to get passports really fast is to submit your application at the nearest US passport agency. Presently, there are 18 regional agencies that attend U.S. citizens in emergency situations. The agencies are located in major cities throughout the United States including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu among others. The two newest agencies are located in Minneapolis and Tucson. Applicants need to schedule an appointment before visiting the agency.
Another method for getting your passport quickly is to submit the application through a professional passport expediter. Applying through an expediter essentially grants them permission to submit your application at a regional agency on your behalf. While there is an an additional fee for this service, there are circumstances in which the investment is well worth it. For example, you need your passport in a day or two for an important trip but you live quite distant from the regional agency or cannot get away from your job place in order to deliver your application to the agency.
Here are your choices. Not in any hurry? Apply for regular processing. Only have a few weeks before your trip? Request expedited services? Need your passport in less than two weeks and you live close to a regional agency? Submit the application yourself. Absolutely must have your passport in 14 days or less and cannot get to an agency? Get a passport expediting service to get the passport for you.