The Procedure Involved With US Passport Replacement
Getting a replacement U.S. passport is an easy process but often people do not get the document as fast as they may wish, especially those with urgent travel needs. This is because the entire process takes an average of eight weeks to have all the processing complete. There are several reasons why a replacement might be required such as theft of the document, loss or expiration. This document is very vital especially, for constant travelers and the lack of it will certainly interrupt your travel plans. The average processing period, which is 6-8 weeks, proves inconveniencing at times, especially for people with urgent travel needs.
Use The Internet
For travelers with urgent travel plans who require the passport quickly, an Internet search is a good option. There are a number of companies available online that offer these services. These providers can deliver a new document within a very short time, as short as 24 hours. However, it should be noted that these companies charge an additional fee for urgent documents. The additional charges can be as high as 300 US dollars but it varies depending on the urgency. Those processed in a longer time will have lower fees.
The Government Connection
The good thing about companies that provide this service is that they work in conjunction with government and immigration authorities meaning that they have an upper hand when it comes to facilitating speed of approval and delivery. If this was done by an individual, it will take a longer period of time because the private person must go through the normal channels.
Your Responsibility
It should be noted that an applicant has responsibility when they choose to work with a processing company. This will involve the completion of all the forms required by the government and those by required by the service provider. Government application forms are available on its site and can also be obtained from the provider’s site. The service company issues the applicant with a full set of instructions that apply to the form’s completion.
Passport Photos
To get a new document, you will need two photographs taken recently and in accordance to the required measurements. The measurements will be 2×2 inches and should be taken in full color from a frontal view. All instructions in regard to this should be closely followed to avoid rejection of your application. It is advisable to have the photographs taken by a professional.
Submission
After all the above is done, you now have to submit the photos, application and any other required identification documents to the processing company. You should mail these documents in one parcel to the company using a mailing service that allows parcel tracking. This assures you of a safe delivery.
Return Old Passport
The old American passports should be returned together with other renewal documents. The government cancels it and it is returned to the owner. This makes the document invalid but can still be held with the records of the holder.