Emergency Passports As Fast As The Same Day

Applying for emergency passports can be a stressful experience, especially if you have never done it before. The fact that you have little time in order to obtain this important travel document only exacerbates the situation. This article will provide you with the information you need to get emergency passports whether in the United States or abroad and, therefore, serve to minimize your stress.

Applying for Emergency Passports in the U.S.

You have two options when it comes to getting emergency passports in the United States. One, you can apply at a regional agency. Agencies are located in major cities throughout the United States and serve applicants who must travel within two weeks or less. The State Department requires travelers to schedule and appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778. If you need your passport in 24-48 hours, then this may not be possible. Just show up at the nearest agency with the application and other required documentation. Since you will not have an appointment confirmation number, you will need to present your Social Security card. Many U.S. citizens have obtained their passport by doing this, usually the same day that they applied.

Two, you can authorize a professional passport expediting service to submit your application for you. This is usually necessary when you are unable to travel to the regional agency yourself due to distance or a lack of time. While expediters can obtain same day passports, you need to factor in the time for mail delivery. Once you choose an expediting service, you need to complete their online application form and then send them your application, supporting documents and payment for fees. Note, applications for new passport must first be adjudicated by an agent at a local application acceptance facility. Besides the government fees, you will pay an additoinal fee to the expediter. Fees vary depending on the company you use and the type of service you request.

Apply for Emergency Passport while Traveling Abroad

The need for emergency passports while traveling abroad usually occur because one’s travel documents have been lost or stolen. The first step is to register the occurence with the local authorities. Next, you should take the police report, two passport photos for each person and a copy of the lost or stolen passports to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Note, you will need a copy of your passports. You are encouraged to make two copies of your passports before embarking on your trip. One should be taken with you but kept separate from your travel document. The other should be given to a family member or friend whom you could easily contact in case of an emergency.

In emergency situations, American citizens are frequently issued temporary or limited-validity passports. You are required to pay the regular fees for these passports and should replace them before their expiration dates. If the limited validity passport was issued less than a year ago, use fom DS-5504. There is no fee. If it was issued more than a year ago, you must apply to renew passport using form DS-82 and pay the applicable fee. As you can see, the faster you replace your passport the better.