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7 February 2010 Passports 474 views No Comment Print This Post  Email This Post

Everyone who travels out of the United States or its territories now must have a passport. Since June 1, 2009, there have been no ifs, ands or buts about the matter, you must have this documentation. This means that persons having family living outside of the U. S. need to take the time and pay the price to have their passport for family emergencies. If you do not have a passport and a problem arises, you will need to apply for an emergency passport application.

You should always have a plan for emergencies when family lives outside of the U. S.  The best plan if you have family living out of the United States is to have a valid passport at all times. This will allow you to avoid having to apply for the emergency passport.

To obtain the passport, you will need to follow the rules for submitting an application for a passport found on the United States Department of State website. If this is the first passport you have applied for, you will need to visit a passport processing center. Currently it is taking about four to six weeks to process a passport using these methods.

People planning to travel in fewer than fourteen days or who need a passport to obtain a visa can pay an extra fee and get an expedited passport. You will also want to pay for overnight delivery and choose the passport book as this will be the quickest way to get the passport back. In addition, you will need proof of your travel dates.

If you pay this extra fee, you can get your passport in two to three weeks. For many people this may get the passport in time for their travel plans.

Should you be dealing with a critical situation, you may not have two to three weeks, so you will want to apply for the emergency passport. To make this application, you need to take all the paperwork to a regional processing center. You must call first to schedule the appointment. While appointments are often available within twenty-four hours, the centers are closed weekends and federal holidays. In addition to all other documentation, you will also need proof of your travel plans.

When an individual needs an emergency passport but is unable to travel to the regional agency, an agent can be hired to take care of processing the application. These agents often use overnight delivery companies to receive your application and to ship your passport. Many are able to obtain your passport within twenty-four hours. These professionals are experienced at dealing with the State Department.

Employing a passport agent may increase the price you pay for a passport. In addition to the $135 government fee, you will need to pay for the agent’s services and for shipping costs. While this can increase the cost of the emergency pasport, it is often less expensive than having to travel to the regional center by yourself.