Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Helpful Information For Filling Out Your Application For A New Passport
As a traveler, you are probably excited that you will be making an international trip. The joy of planning your trip takes over until that moment when you realize that there are travel documents required prior to your departure. Reality sets in, and you recognize that an expedited pasport application is your only option.
Whether you are applying for your first passport or renewing an expired one, there are specific actions that must be taken. The first step is to review the application requirements of the governmental issuing agency. The process for getting a new passport is a bit more involved than that of a renewal, as you have to file with the agency as a starting point.
Knowing which type of passport you are applying for makes it much easier to determine which application form is appropriate for your circumstance. The instructions with each application will explain not only how to complete the form, but also what documentation you must provide with the completed application. At a high level, what you must provide are documents that prove your citizenship, as well as your identity, along with special photos that meet passport requirements. The agency website can guide you as to what forms of proof are accepted. If you are renewing a passport, you are already on file with the agency, so your existing passport is submitted and serves as proof of your 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.
While a private company can assist you with getting your travel documents, it does not mean that you do not have to complete the necessary applications or provide the required documentation. In fact, there is a good chance that the company will have forms for you to fill out to request their services. There are several of these companies, and they each have a range of services that they offer. You will pay a fee according to what you need and how quickly you need it.
While a private company can be a great help to you, they can’t do everything. In fact, you must start the process at an Acceptance Facility before you can turn your documents and application over to the expediter. The agent at the Acceptance Facility will review your application and supporting documentation. If you have done all that is required, they will then seal the documents in an envelope. This envelope becomes the package that your private representative uses to walk your application through the issuing agency to obtain your passport.
While there are several firms that offer these services, you should consider several factors before selecting one to work for you. Research their reputation for customer service and delivery of passports within the committed time period. If the cost is important, then compare the fees of the various firms. Most have a fee schedule that becomes more expensive as the time frame becomes shorter. The good news is that there is a way to complete an expedited pasport application in time so that you do not miss out on your trip, and not worrying about boring U.S. passport information.