U S Passport Expediting Services – Application Requirements, Costs, And Processing Options
If you’re a United States (US) citizen and you plan to travel outside of the country, you’ll have to obtain a current passport. You can start by going to a US post office which offers the service on behalf of the federal government which oversees issuance of US passports. You’ll fill out forms, provide certain documents, and pay a fee. You can expect to receive your passport in about six weeks on average, but if you have an urgent need to get it sooner, you can pay an additional expedite fee and most likely receive it within two to three weeks. If you need it quicker than that, you can apply through a passport expidite service company.
Regardless of whether you opt for the do-it-yourself application process, or to hire the help of a private expediting service, there are certain requirements that cannot be sidestepped. The standard application form, depending on whether you’re a first time applicant, applying for replacement or renewal, or a child, must be completed. Citizenship must be proven with documentation. And all must produce two regulation photos to include with the application.
Application fees are set by and paid to the US government. For first time adult applicants, the fee is $135. For adults applying to renew or replace, the fee is $110. The expedite fee, if the applicant wishes his or her application to be processed more quickly than the average, is $60. An additional overnight mailing fee is about $15.00, which would bring the grand total to $210 for a first-time expedited application, and $185 for the quicker renewal/replacement.
There are many private companies which can help people navigate the application process. A quick search of the internet provides pages of links to such companies. It can be useful to compare what they have to offer and their particular requirements.
If you need it within 24 hours, you might expect to pay an additional $300 on top of what the government also charges. A rush delivery within five to seven days might cost you about $150. Some services will require agent fees, which could be in the $25 range. Be sure to ask for a fee schedule when deciding on which service to go with.
The expediting services company offer help not just for adult applicants wishing to apply for or renew/replace their passports. They assist with applications related to name changes, for children, and for acquiring additional passport pages. The charges may depend on the service you request. If you aren’t able to find the information on their website, you can inquire over the phone.
Comparison shopping is often a good idea, especially when there are so many options to choose from. You may find the rates are comparable no matter which business you go with. However, it never hurts to negotiate and ask if they are willing to beat their competitor’s prices. Check references to be sure the business is legitimate, especially when you’re entrusting your private, personal information with the business operators.
In conclusion, when planning to travel outside of the country, be sure that your passport is up to date. If you need to apply for or renew one, you can do it yourself directly through the federal government. If you choose to hire someone to help you with the expidite passport process, or if you need it quickly, you can rely on passport expediting services to assist you.
Book 04 – Chapter 3 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo