If you’re traveling internationally, you will need a valid passport. This means it’s time to open your passport to see if it is still valid. You should be fine if you’ve only had your passport for a few years. A U.S. passport will typically expire ten years from the date that the passport was issued. However, you may need to renew your passport quicker than you thought.
What do you do if your trip is coming up and you need your passport fast? Chances are, you’ll need an expedited passport to make your trip. Read on to find out your options for getting an expedited passport.
The Six-Month Rule
For those unaware, many countries only allow foreigners to enter their country if they have at least six months before their passport expires. You may need to renew your passport quicker than you thought. Most countries that do not have the six-month rule implement a 3-month rule.
But if your passport is still valid, why isn’t it valid to enter certain countries? Mainly because the six-month rule is implemented to avoid any mishaps. If your passport expires while you are abroad, you will not be able to fly back home until you get a new passport. Many people already believe that getting a passport in their own country is hard. Now imagine having to apply for one outside of the country!
That said, those traveling abroad should always look up where the nearest U.S. Embassy is relative to where they are staying on holiday. If you don’t meet the six, or even the 3-month rule requirement for traveling abroad, you may need to expedite your passport. Renewing your passport can take anywhere from 6-10 weeks. If you don’t have the time to wait for your passport, we’ve got some options for you.
Expedite to 3-6 weeks on Your Application.
As mentioned above, standard passport processing times can range from 6-10 weeks. However, if you’ve still got some time on your hands, an extra $60 expediting your application may be your solution.
When you expedite your passport on your application, you will receive your passport anywhere from 3-6 weeks. It is easy to do. First, on your application, select that you will be expediting your passport. Last, pay the $60 fee the state department charges for expediting your application.
If you need your passport sooner, your best bet may be to apply with a private courier.
Expedite Your Passport With a Private Courier.
Private couriers, like The Passport Office, are passport agencies contracted through the government to submit expedited passport applications. These couriers pay to hold application slots, which is why they typically charge a fee. However, these agencies do not physically make your passport. The state department does.
The services provided by these couriers vary depending on the availability of application slots, usually from 2 weeks to 3 days expediting. Again, there is an extra fee to expedite your passport. At The Passport Office, we offer the following services:
Emergency (3-5 Business Days): $599
Rush (5-9 Business Days): $499
Priority (10-14 Business Days): $399
Economy (15-20 Business Days): $299
To be eligible for Emergency, Rush, and Priority services, you must have proof of travel. You must prove that you plan to travel out of the country within the next 14 days. You can do that by providing a purchased airline ticket or itinerary. Just to let you know, the prices listed do not include the government fee.
At The Passport Office, you can apply for your expedited passport by calling, placing an order online, or walking into any of our locations.
Same-Day Passports
Please be careful of companies claiming to be able to provide you with a passport on the same day you apply. The only place you can get a same-day passport is through the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. Department of State has 26 brick-and-mortar locations across the nation. Meaning you may not have a location in your area. If you need your passport in one day, for whatever reason, you may have to travel across the states to get one. You also must wait until you are at least 14 days away from your travel plans to apply for a same-day passport.
Once you’ve found the Department closest to you, you must call for an appointment. The state department does not allow walk-ins. Remember that the state department has limited availability, and you are not guaranteed an appointment. Also, many people trying to book an appointment have noted that reaching a representative takes a while.
Alternatives For Same-Day Passports
If trying to get a same-day passport through the state department doesn’t work out for you, consider an alternative. If you apply for an expedited passport with The Passport Office, you can get your passport in as little as three days. Which, in most cases, is your best option to get your passport fast!
We specialize in expedited passport services such as new passports, passport renewals, child passports, and more. Book an appointment for an expedited passport in Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Hollywood, or Tampa today!
