Recreation and sports

Travel is a great thing, but there are plenty of things that can take an anticipated trip and turn it into an absolute nightmare. While many of these things are beyond our control, something like an expired passport can be avoided. If the expiration date on the passport is before the trip that is scheduled in a few weeks, expedited US passport renewal is there to help save the day.

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.

This is an example of something that happens to people almost every day. Either they didnt realize that they needed a passport or they havent used one in so long that they didnt realize it’s am expired US passport. Passports are only good for ten years, so if the old blue book has some dust on it, it may be time to check the expiration date.

Unlike a first time passport application, a renewal application may be completed by mail. To renew a passport, the applicant must acquire and fill-out form DS-82. The DS-82 form will have detailed, step-by-step, instructions for the passport renewal process. The applicant must mail his or her old passport, and any relevant IDs or forms, along with the DS-82 for processing. Write expedited on the envelope for all expedited passport renewals.

Since the old passport and copies of the current ID documents will be included in the package, it is best to take some extra measures to make sure that everything gets to its destination safely. First, it is recommended by the State Department that Tyvek packing is used for the contents. In addition to that, we recommend that overnight shipping is used with delivery confirmation for an added level of security.

When standard processing is chosen, the delivery time for the renewed passport is about 6 weeks. If this is not quick enough, expedited service can be ordered for an additional $60. It may sound like a lot, but the alternative is to risk not making the trip at all. That can cost thousands in unreturned payments if the trip was prepaid and insurance was not purchased.

The State Department estimates a two to three week turn around on expedited passport applications. Any applicant that needs a passport in less than two weeks, be it a renewal or new application, is encouraged to make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. Applicants that need to secure a foreign visa in less than four weeks are also encouraged to make an appointment.

There are so many things that can go wrong on a trip; it is a shame to add one more, like having an expired American passport, that is our own fault. The glory of this mistake is that it is still very fixable, even up to the very last moment. Using expedited USA passport renewal can literally turn that frown upside down and allow everyone to enjoy their trip as planned.