Travel Tips

Posts Tagged ‘24 hour passport’

Though normal methods of processing a passport may take up to six months. This is from the time you apply for it, to the time it arrives in the mail. While this is extreme, the average is six weeks from beginning to end. While it may not sound realistic, a 24 hour USA Passport is possible.

This is definitely not the standard processing time for a passport, but a 24 hour passport may be possible. You may want to consider carefully if you really need it in 24 hours. Keep in mind that it could cost you over$150 from a 24 hour passport through an expeditor service, however, when there is a genuine need this is truly inconsequential.

There are services that are in business of expediting a passport. These services can be located via the Internet and are a possible alternative to traditional methods of processing a passport. There are several different time frames that these services will offer. Some services will offer two days, or three to four days, and they may also offer up to two weeks.

Of course it all will depend on how much you are willing to spend to get your passport. The faster you need it, the more you will pay. It is important to decide what you are willing to spend and how long you are able to wait.

The fact that a 24 hour passport can be accomplished at all actually depends on whether you are applying for a renewed passport or a first time passport. Renewed passports are much easier to obtain quickly than an initial passport. A renewed passport is simply processing a passport on a file that already exists.  A new passport requires a witnessed signature by an official passport agent.

Renewed passport applications can be sent via the mail and do not need to be witnessed. There are some stipulations to being able to mail the application for a passport renewal, such as all correct information on the passport. It must also be in good condition.

Your location will also play a factor in how quickly you can process a passport. Living in a major city gives you access to a passport processing center. While the headquarters for the passport processing office is in Philadelphia, there are also offices for passport processing in major cities such as Dallas and New York.

Living close to one of these locations means that it may be possible to have a 24 hour passport. Some large cities also have processing centers for individuals who need emergency passports. While these offices typically prefer an appointment, they realize that the nature of an emergency does not always make it possible for an appointment to be made and will accept walk-in appointments.

Even if you live in a rural area you may be able to get a 24 hour U.S. passport. Some United States passport expediting services, as mentioned above, will offer 24 hour passports for a price. You need to be prepared to pay additional fees, but if you absolutely have to have it, it is possible. You can process this by sending the application to an expedition service via overnight mail. They will possibly be able to process it in 24 hours.  Some services may even offer to bring it to you as you catch your plane