subject: An Expedited U.s. Passport Can Help You Continue With Your Upcoming Travel Plans [print this page] If you need a passport in a hurry, you can get expedited passports. Whatever type of passport you are requesting, you have the option of asking for this service. It will cost you an additional $60 on top of whatever fees are already associated with your application.
In some situations, an expedited passport application is recommended. For example, it is a good idea if you need to travel in within the next couple of weeks. It is also a good idea if you need to get a visa for a foreign country in less than a month.
The time to process passports normally is around 4 to 6 weeks. When things are busier, it can take as many as 10 weeks. If you need your passport in less time, requesting expedited service may be wise to make sure you get it in time.
To assist in getting your passport as quickly as possible, it is suggested to send the application using overnight delivery and to have the new passport sent that way as well. If you choose to send it using mail, write EXPEDITE on the package. Also, it is best to send it so that it is traceable. No matter how you send it, make sure that the package is secure so that no damages occur to it.
You do not need a particular reason for requesting that your passport be expedited. The service is available for everyone and all types of USA passports: child's, name change, renewal or first time. One thing to note is that passports applied for together are not necessarily sent together. In addition, documents that are sent with the application and need to be sent back to you may also be sent separately from the passports.
If a life or death emergency situation requiring a passport in less time than this, do not use the expedited service for your passport. Rather, you will have to call the passport agency to request an emergency service appointment. When you go to the agency, you might be asked for proof of why you need your passport immediately.
You will normally receive your expedited passport within 2 or 3 weeks. For this reason, it is always a good idea to always have a passport that is valid. If you want to travel in fewer than two weeks for something other than an emergency, you might have to cancel your vacation.
If you have gone through a name change, such as because of marriage, you will have to get a passport in the new name. This is important to consider when you are making honeymoon plans. If you are planning on going some place out of the country, it may be best to do all your name change paperwork when you come back.
