Introduction
Whether you’re a tourist, a businessperson, or just someone who feels like traveling more often, the United States passport is one of the most valuable documents in existence. This guide will show you how to apply for your US passport and get it expedited if necessary.
How to apply for a U.S. Passport
If you need a U.S. passport in a hurry, there are several ways to get it expedited. But first, let’s cover the basics of how to apply for a passport in general:
- You can apply online or by mail.
- You must have proof of citizenship and valid government-issued identification (a driver’s license is unacceptable).
- The application form must be filled out completely and signed by the applicant in front of an authorized witness who has proof that they can prove who they say they are (like another driver’s license).
Once you’ve gathered all your materials, here are some tips for getting your passport faster than usual:
How to get your passport faster
You can get your passport faster by applying in person and expediting the application process. When you book an appointment online, you’ll be able to select an available time slot at a passport agency near you. You can also expedite your application by paying extra fees and providing supporting documents that prove your identity and citizenship status.
If you’re renewing or replacing a lost or stolen passport, it’s best to apply in person at one of these locations:
- U.S. Passport Agency (in Washington D.C.)
- U.S Postal Service Office (when applicable)
- List of other regional passport agencies
- List of other passport and visa expeditors
How long does it take to get a passport?
A passport is a document that verifies your identity and citizenship, allowing you to travel between countries. To apply for a U.S. Passport, complete Form DS-11 and submit it with proof of identity (like a driver’s license or birth certificate), proof of citizenship (like your birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and two passport photos at any passport acceptance facility or mail them in along with the application form to the National Passport Processing Center in Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19190-0001 USA.
The processing time for standard passports is 4-6 weeks but if you need one faster than that there are ways to expedite the process by paying extra fees or applying in person at one of their offices around the country instead of mailing your documents back via snail mail which can take weeks longer than using their official website where everything else has been streamlined into an easy process that only takes minutes!
How much does it cost to expedite a passport application?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of expediting a passport depends on several factors. The first thing you need to do is check with your local passport agency to see what their standard expediting fees are. These can vary between agencies, so call around or look online until you find one that fits your needs (and budget).
If you’d like your new travel document in less than two weeks, there will be an additional fee on top of the standard application cost–usually somewhere between $60 and $100 per application. If it’s more than two weeks but less than six? Your total will be somewhere around $150-$200+. And if six days isn’t fast enough for you? You’ll be shelling out anywhere from $160-$220+ extra dollars!
The good news is that all these amounts are nonrefundable; once paid they cannot be returned even if something changes after submitting your order form or processing begins for whatever reason.
Apply for your passport now!
If you travel in less than 15 days, apply for your passport immediately. If you need to travel within 30 days, apply for a passport or visa as soon as possible. If there’s any chance that it will take more than 60 days to get your new U.S. Passport (and we certainly hope not), then make sure that when you apply for one now, it gets sent back as fast as possible with an expedited service request attached so that there isn’t any delay in getting out of town!
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand how to apply for a U.S. passport and get it expedited in less time. If you still have questions about applying for a visa or getting one expedited, please visit travel.state.gov