So that exotic vacation is all set up, the hotels are booked, the flights are booked, and it is only a matter of weeks before the whole family can finally escape the snow and bask in the warm solar-rays of a tropical paradise. There is only one problem, Johnny doesn’t have a passport and the trip is only three weeks away. Luckily, with an expedited new United States passport, it is possible for Johnny to get a brand new passport and still make the family flight.
Everyone should know right off the bat that getting a new passport will take some time. There is some running around that has to be done and there is also the process of making sure that all of the right documents are secured. As soon as the need for a passport is realized, it is best to get things rolling right away.
New passport applications must be done in person at an official application center. These centers are often in a United States Post Office. However, often times applicants requesting an expedited passport are encouraged to go to an official regional passport center rather than a Post Office. A full list of official application centers is available on the State Department website.
When getting a new passport, there are certain things that should be gathered before the process even gets started. First and foremost, the applicant is going to need a picture that can be used on the passport. While some passport locations offer this service, it may be a bit cheaper to use a local one-hour photo shop. Just let them know the purpose of the photo and they will crop it properly.
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.
An expedited new passport costs $60, plus the normal passport fees, plus the cost of two-way overnight delivery service. Expediting a passport can be rather costly. Right now, the estimated time frame for an expedited passport is two to three weeks. This time frame can vary from year to year, month to month, and even week to week. The State Department website frequently updates the estimated processing time for passport applications.
Obviously, it is best to try to avoid the need for an expedited passport. However, sometimes such things cannot be avoided. Typically, rush passports are necessary for people who have to make sudden plans for international travel. It is never advisable to purchase international travel tickets without a passport. In fact, it is often impossible to purchase tickets for international travel without a valid passport number.
Filling out the pass port application form for the first time can be a stressful process. Getting an expedited new U S 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.