subject: Getting Priority Passport Services For Children [print this page] It is important to understand all of the requirements when applying for an fast child passport. By law, all minors under the age of eighteen must have a passport before traveling abroad. There are a number of ways to get a new passport. The method you choose will depend on how soon you need the passport. It is important to have all of the required documents in advance, to make the application process easier and faster.
If you are going to apply for an expedited passport through a government agency, there are several places you can go. You can apply for a passport at the post office, certain courthouses and of course the passport agency. If you do not know the location of the nearest agency in your area, you can perform a search on the U.S. Passport website. They have listings of the over 70,000 agencies located throughout the United States.
It is important to have your child's identification and proof of citizenship. The application must be completely filled out. All pertinent information and documents must be provided with the application. Clear and in focus passport photos must also be submitted. There are certain guidelines that must be followed when it comes to taking a passport photo. This information is provided on the application and it is also detailed on their website.
If you are getting a passport through the normal application process, then you can expect to receive a new passport in the mail around six weeks after your application was received and approved. But if you need the passport right away, the government agencies do provide expedited service at an extra fee. This service will generally get you a new passport in around three weeks.
Children's passports expire after five years. They cannot renew their passports like adults. Instead, they have to apply for a new passport. A quicker way of doing this is to apply online. But in cases where you will need a passport in a matter of days not weeks, there are outside agencies that offer emergency service.
There are many passport companies online that state they can offer expedited passport services to travelers faster than the government agencies. Before choosing one of these companies, it is important to research their business background. A good place to start is the Better Business Bureau. You want to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company before giving them your money and handing over your child's personal information.
Reputable companies must be approved by the Department of State and be registered with the passport agency. Many of these private companies can get you a new passport within a day.
If you decide to use an online passport issuing company, for faster service, you will still need to send the same documents you would to a government agency. Applicants must send the child's proof of citizenship, and identifying information as well as standard passport photos. The application must be fully completed and it will be reviewed by the issuing agency.
