Do Passport Expediting Services Work?
Passport processing can be a lengthy process, but passport expediting services offer a solution for those who need their passports quickly. These services speed up the process, though you’ll need to pay an additional fee to get your passport sooner.
How Do Passport Expediting Services Work?
Passport expediting services specialize in fast-tracking the passport application process. These services are particularly useful for those who need their passports urgently.
Acting as intermediaries between the applicant and the government, they ensure the application is processed as quickly as possible. You can learn more about how they operate in the article "How Do Passport Expediting Services Work?".
Application Process Overview
The process of applying for passport expediting services is similar to the standard procedure but with some added steps:
Complete the Necessary Application Forms: Fill out required forms such as the DS-11 for new passports or the DS-82 for renewals.
Gather Required Documentation: Collect documents like proof of citizenship, identification, and passport photos.
Submit the Application: Send the completed application and documents to the expediting service, which will submit them to the appropriate passport agency.
Pay the Fees: Expect to pay both the government fees and the expediting service fees.
Required Documentation
To expedite your passport, you will need:
Completed Passport Application Forms: DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals.
Proof of Citizenship: This may be a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport.
Valid Identification: A driver’s license or state ID.
Passport Photos: Ensure the photos meet government specifications (e.g., size, background color).
Payment: This includes both government fees and expediting service fees.
Fees Involved
Passport expediting services come with extra charges:
Government Fees: These are the standard fees for passport processing, which cover the application fee and execution fee.
Expediting Service Fees: These vary depending on how quickly you need your passport. Fees can range from $60 to several hundred dollars.
Passport Expediting Services: What They can and Cannot Do
What Passport Expeditors Can Do
Guide You: They assist you in completing the necessary application forms and gathering the required documents, reducing the chance of delays.
Hand-Deliver Applications: Expeditors deliver your application and supporting documents to a processing center to ensure timely submission.
Monitor the Process: Expeditors track the status of your application and provide updates, ensuring you're informed about its progress.
Deliver Your Passport: A courier service can pick up your passport from the processing center and deliver it directly to you.
Save Time and Travel: Passport expeditors save you time, especially if the nearest processing center is far away, which is particularly helpful for those living in remote areas.
What Passport Expeditors Cannot Do
Process or Issue Passports: Expeditors cannot process or issue passports themselves; they only expedite the process by submitting your application.
Guarantee Speed: They cannot guarantee an immediate passport issuance as government processing times are out of their control.
Common Reasons for Delays in Expediting Services
Even with an expeditor, delays can still occur due to:
Incorrect Paperwork: Mistakes on application forms can cause delays. Expeditors help minimize this risk by reviewing documents for accuracy.
Passport Photo Issues: Photos that don’t meet specifications can cause rejection. Expeditors help ensure photos meet the necessary guidelines.
Missing or Incorrect Documents: Expeditors assist in ensuring all required documents are submitted to prevent delays.
High Volume of Applications: During busy seasons, passport processing centers may be overwhelmed, causing delays. Expediting services are better equipped to handle these busy periods.