As a valid government document proving your identity, getting a passport can be a long process. There are a host of specific documents required and then the government typically takes four to six weeks to review them all before issuing you a passport. However, there are ways to get an expedited passport if you’re in a rush.

Fast Service

Regardless of the reason you’re applying, you can get an expedited passport. This means you can get one in a hurry whether you’ve lost your current one,need to renew one, or are applying for the first time. You still need to follow the same process that’s required, depending on your situation; it’s only the turn around time that’s different. You want the fastest passport renewal possible.

Requirements

This means that the requirements with which you have to comply to get a new, renewed, or replacement one don’t change. You still need to meet all standards and provide all required documentation that you would even if you weren’t requesting a quick turnaround. The expediting only applies to the processing time; it doesn’t mean you get to skip any steps.

Quick Turn Around Time

If you prefer, you can request to get your application approved quickly yourself. The first step would be to call the scheduling line for a US authorized passport agency and schedule yourself an appointment. You’ll then meet with the agent, bringing your completed application packet. When you make your request, it may or may not be approved. If it is, you’ll probably have to return to the same agency to pick it up in a few days.

3rd Party Management

You don’t need to do this on your own though. You can engage a private company, one authorized by the US government, to handle your entire application process including your request to shorten the processing time. You turn your submission package to the company, who will manage all the government contact for you. Then, using overnight mail, they will get it to you.

Fees

The cost for this service will depend directly on how quickly you need your valid travel document in your hands. Most of these companies will offer different ranges of speed, giving you the option to select the least expensive speed that still meets your time frame. Typically, you can select a turn around time from as quickly as 24 hours or as long as two weeks. All the options are faster than the standard processing time.

Customer Service

There are a number of these authorized companies from which you can choose. When you research these companies, there are two critical features to keep in mind. Perhaps most important, the service should offer you a guarantee of meeting the turn around you’ve selected. The other most critical feature is that the service has easily accessible customer service.

Whether you’re traveling due to an emergency or just didn’t realize your current passport wasn’t good, you can get an expedited pass port. Even better,this doesn’t have to be a stressful process. When you use one of the many government-authorized companies who specialize in speeding up the process,they’ll take care of everything so you don’t have to worry. Now you know, U S passport renewal is easy.

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