Expedited Passport Renewal: A Modest Fee For That Last Minute Emergency
There are a lot of different things that can go wrong with travel. The potential for disaster seems to double with international travel. Passport issues are just one of many potential problems that can afflict international travelers. This article, perfect for the forgetful traveler, will cover expedited United States passport renewal.
We have all heard the set up before: someone has booked a trip and when it comes time to check their passport, they realize that it has expired and their whole trip is now in jeopardy. Believe it or not, there is no need to panic, even if the trip is right around the corner. There are ways to get a passport in just a few short weeks or even the blink of an eye if necessary.
While an expired pass port situation is horrible, it is a great example of how passport renewal can help make everything better. As long as the person is literally not standing in line with their ticket, there is a way to get the passport in hand in time to make the trip. There is a fee for this service, but at least the vacation will not be ruined.
The good news in all of this is that there is no need to have to wait in any lines again. Renewals services are done via the mail. All the applicant has to do is go on the Internet and download form DS-82 from the State Department website, fill it out, put in the required documents and fees and send it on its way.
Since the contents of this package are obviously very sensitive in nature, it is important to make sure that the packing is secure. The State Department has on their website that it is best to use Tyvek packaging. The applicant can take it one step further and ship it via overnight mail and pay for the proof of delivery. It will add a little reassurance that the old passport and documents were received safely.
When a passport is needed quicker than the standard order (about two months), it is recommended that expedited service is used. For anyone that is jammed up for time, the $60 fee is more than worth it. In addition to the extra service fee, there will also be the costs of expedited shipping.
If expedited service is used, the passport will usually be returned in under a month. If the trip is scheduled before that time, there are some other services that can be purchased that will have the passport arriving much sooner. They are of course more expensive, but that clock is not going to stop just because someone forgot to get their passport renewed.
Trying to travel with an expired United States passport is most definitely a preventable disaster. Anyone that finds themselves with an expired passport right before a big trip should consider paying the extra fee for an expedited United States passport renewal.