Information To Learn Regarding A Same Day Pasport
There are a number of considerations to take into account when obtaining a same day U S passport. Understand, first of all, that the US government rarely can produce anything in a single day. However, it’s entirely possible, if one is willing to work hard at making it so, to get such a passport in a hurry. It may involve added expense and even travel to a regional passport center, but it can be done.
Generally speaking, those who require immediate passport issuance usually pay an expediting service to get them the document. There are plenty of these services on the Internet, by the way. It might cost a bit more, but it can be very convenient. However, if that isn’t an option, the government (meaning, the State Department) offers a method for obtaining one on one’s own.
Around the country, there are a number of regional passport service servicing and issuance centers. None of them will accept walk-ups, though, so remember to use their toll-free number to set up an appointment. Centers are located in major cities on both coasts, including San Francisco and Seattle as well as New York City and Washington DC along with Boston and Chicago, in the Midwest.
If a passport is to be done on the same day, it’s important the person needing a passport show up in person at the center, because that’s the only way new passports can be processed. Also, it will take between 3 and 5 hours to process a passport application. This means that those who need one are advised to make an appointment as early as possible in the day to ensure same-day processing.
Many people who have obtained a passport in a single day advise that people who need such passports work through the government automated phone system to set up their appointments. As well, they all make a strong recommendation that passport photos be taken ahead of time and brought along. Most passport centers don’t have facilities for the taking of photos. Many US post offices can do so, though.
On the day of the appointment, remember to be on time. Missing out on the appointment will make it very difficult to be re-slotted into the appointment list that same day, unfortunately. Remember that higher passport fees, tied to the expediting of the passport, usually apply. Currently, they are running between $220 and $300, which is why it’s also smart to bring sufficient funding.
Along with passport photos, the right passport application and funds, make sure proper proofs of identity and citizenship are also brought along. There are strict security guidelines the State Department must follow when it comes to citizenship paperwork. Normally, birth certificates with raised seals or other documentation will be required. If a background check is done, expect to pay even more money.
Remember – getting a same day pass port will usually necessitate the use of an expediting service or a personal trip to one of 14 regional passport centers. Fees are higher for such passports and it’s advised that anybody needing one bring along a pair of passport photos and sufficient money to cover fees and incidentals. As well, always make an appointment as early in the day as possible.