If you don’t travel much, or have not traveled outside the country for an extended period of time, you might find yourself in the position of planning a trip and not having the necessary travel documents. If this is the case, you must learn what documents are required for your trip and take steps to obtain them. If you wait too long to do this you might find yourself in the position of needing to file an expedited pasport application.

When filing a passport application it is important to understand the requirements of the issuing agency. You also need to recognize whether you are filing for a new passport or the renewal of an old one. Both require applications, but the process is different if this is a first time application.

The passport application is the initial document that must be completed, and you must select the correct application for your situation. The application instructions will explain which additional supporting documents must be submitted with the application. In general, the documents will include proof of citizenship, a form of personal identification, and two color photographs that meet specifications. If you have a previous passport that has expired, it must be submitted with your renewal application, and will act as sufficient proof of identity and citizenship.

As you review the application requirements on the agency website, be sure to take note of the expected time between the agency’s receipt of your completed application and when you can expect to receive your passport. It will generally take a few weeks and possibly even a few months, before you receive your passport in the mail. There is an option to pay an additional fee to the agency to speed up your application process.

If your travel plans do not allow you to wait even a few weeks for your passport, there is another way to get it in a hurry. You can hire a private company to act as your representative for the purpose of obtaining your travel documents quickly. There are several companies that exist for the purpose of helping travelers in navigating the process of getting documents required for international travel.

If you elect to use a private firm to act as your representative, do not think that you will have any less paperwork to complete. In fact, there is likely to be more, as you must authorize the company to work on your behalf. Most of these expediting companies have varying levels of service, depending on how quickly you need your passport, with a sliding fee schedule to match. Keep in mind that the less time you give them, the more money you will pay them.

An important thing to keep in mind when using an expediter is that you will be required to start the process at an Acceptance Facility. Usually located in governmental offices or a post office, the Acceptance Facility will review your application and supporting documents for completeness and then will seal them in an envelope. It is this sealed envelope that you present to the private company you have hired. Their agent will then become your personal representative and take your application through to completion. Whatever you do, do not open the sealed envelope or it will invalidate the process and you will be required to start again.

In evaluating which firm to use, be sure to research their success rate, their fees, their commitment for delivery within your window of time, and their reputation in the industry. If you are going to pay a high fee for this service, you want to be able to depend on their results. Knowing that there are services available to submit your expedited United States passport application should relieve some of your stress, and allow you more time to enjoy the planning of your trip, instead of concerning yourself with tedious US passport information.

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