On average, the passport replacement process takes up to 8 weeks to have the application completely processed enabling you to get a new document. This document could require replacing as a result of its loss, expiration or theft. A valid document is a prerequisite for every traveler and lack of it for whatever reason will cause you problems. The standard processing time for a replacement by the government is 6 to 8 weeks, which can be very inconveniencing to people whose travel plans are immediate.
Use The Internet
For travelers with urgent travel plans who require the passport quickly, an Internet search is a good option. There are a number of companies available online that offer these services. These providers can deliver a new document within a very short time, as short as 24 hours. However, it should be noted that these companies charge an additional fee for urgent documents. The additional charges can be as high as 300 US dollars but it varies depending on the urgency. Those processed in a longer time will have lower fees.
The Government Connection
The expedition companies work in collaboration with government agencies in charge of issuing passports. This gives them an advantage over individual applicants because they can push through the application fast. The best individual applicants can try do is hurry the application through government agencies but the process will still take about 3-4 weeks.
Your Responsibility
When an applicant works with an independent processing company, he/she will bear some responsibility. All the government application standards must be completed in addition to completion of all the forms required by the service company. The government application forms can either be obtained from the governmental site or that of the company. Just like the government, the company issues a set of instructions in regard to form completion.
Passport Photos
A new document will require photographs that have been taken according to the required measurements. This will be two, 2×2 inch photographs taken from a frontal view and in full color. You should follow the guidelines for requirements because there will be additional requirements such as those addressing the permitted attire and eyewear. To avoid rejections, hire a professional photographer to take the photos.
Submission
After all the above is done, you now have to submit the photos, application and any other required identification documents to the processing company. You should mail these documents in one parcel to the company using a mailing service that allows parcel tracking. This assures you of a safe delivery.
Return Old Passport
When replacing your passport, the old one should be returned together with the renewal paperwork. The old document is then canceled by the government and given back to the holder. Once this document is canceled, it is not invalid for use but can be retained with the holder’s records.
Finally, recovered lost or stolen passports should be returned to the government for cancellation. Once they are reported, they are recorded as such and this makes them invalid instantly. The process of passport replacement is simple if the correct procedure is followed and becomes quicker if an independent processing company is used.
