Sometimes you suddenly need to travel to a destination requiring a US passport only to find out that either you don’t have one or that it has already expired. Routine passport processing usually takes around four to six weeks. While that’s fine for most travelers, this may not be an option for you, considering your situation. If you need to know how to get a new U.S. passport, find out in this article.
One of the main reasons why people need to get a new us passport quickly is when they have family emergencies that require them to travel outside of the country in less than 48 hours. In situations like this, you can contact the National Passport Information Agency (NPIA) through the phone and tell them about your situation. They will then help you set a schedule with your local passport agency regarding your emergency passport.
Because of the nature of what it does, you may contact the NPIA at any time of the day to schedule an appointment. However, when you are unable to get an appointment with the passport agency, stay on the line so you can be rerouted to a customer service representative (CSR). The CSR will then provide you with other options so you can immediately get an emergency passport.
For non-emergency situations, you have an option of having your passport application expedited. This type of passport application processing is generally recommended to those who need to have a passport in less than four weeks. But sometimes the processing may take longer than that, so the US Department of State further recommends those who need to travel in less than ten weeks have their application expedited.
Why would you need to get an expedited passport? You would need this type of passport application if you need to travel in less than two weeks. You would also need this if you need to apply for a foreign visa within four weeks. So, if you want it quick, the expedited passport is what you need.
Now let’s talk about how you can get your passport application expedited. You can send your passport application through the mail; however, there are a few things you need to remember before doing this. First, make sure that you use an envelope that won’t get damaged easily. Also, make sure you write, ‘EXPEDITED’ outside of the envelope. Then finally, ensure that you are able to track the mail to check that it’s received by the addressee.
It is worth noting that you will have to pay an extra fee for an expedited passport on top of the regular passport processing fees. This shouldn’t, of course, be a problem, especially if you need to have a passport very soon. To find out what the fees are, check with the passport agency nearest you.
If you want to get new U.S. passports, you now know the options that are available to you. These options are getting an emergency passport or having your passport application expedited. Whatever option you choose, you can be sure that you’ll get your new US passports faster than the routine passport application.
