subject: Acquiring Expedited U.s. Passport Online Services [print this page] Cases often arise when an individual will require an immediate processing for an urgent U.S. passport request. These urgent requests are often the result of an emergency situation and the traveler needs get the right documentation in an expedient manner in order to address the emergency situation. No traveler can just pick up and enter a country without the proper government documents. All U.S. Citizens must carry a passport when they exit the country and enter another one. This is actually a practice in place when traveling to a foreign country.
These documents are a requirement in every country. They are government issued and regulated documents on exit and entry that are necessary if you want to visit another country. The design may vary from country to country but the basic construction is the same. These travel documents are small booklets that include a color photograph of the individual and their personal information.
There is an application process that is necessary in order to receive this very important travel document. There are government agencies that handle the application process and distribution of these travel documents. You can look up your local agency in the telephone directory. This information is also readily available online. Individuals can take an application, fill it out and hand it over to the clerk. The facility will also be set up to take your photograph which is mandatory for these types of documents. The U S passports are also available at the post office.
It normally takes up to two months to receive a passport after the application has been submitted and processed. To avoid any further delays, it is important to make sure all of the data that you entered on the application is accurate and nothing has been left blank. If there is a problem with the application, the traveler will be notified. To shorten the wait time, it is important to apply for the document when the travel season is slower. During off peak season, you can expect to receive the documents much fast than peak times.
If you apply for travel documents during a time when there are a lot of requests coming into the issuing agency, then your wait time may increase by an extra three weeks. This is not an ideal situation if you need the documents as soon as possible. If you do not require expedited services but will need the documents within the average wait time, it is best to apply during off peak times. This information can be found online or by calling the issuing agency.
It is quite possible, in extreme cases, to receive your travel documents within the same day or at least 24 hours after filing your application. If you request emergency service through the issuing agency, you will have to make an appointment for those seeking urgent issuance. If it is not possible to make an appointment and you simply walk into the agency, it will be a lot more difficult for the personnel to process your request. But if you plead your case efficiently and have supporting documents regarding the emergency nature of the request, the agency will in fact honor your request.
There is an easier process than having to schedule an appointment with an issuing agency. A much more convenient option is to apply for expedited service online with a third party private company. There are many passport agencies that can perform a number of different services for their customers, the main service being expediting a passport request.
