Travel Destinations

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 pass port renewal.

Picture this scenario: the dream trip is all set up, the tickets have been purchased, the hotels have been booked, and vacation times have been scheduled at work. Everything is planned perfectly, right down to the last detail, until you read the fine print on your passport. Unfortunately, it is set to expire in a few weeks and the trip is right around the corner. Although the obvious first move in this situation is to panic, panic is not necessary.

This is a perfect example of a situation that warrants expedited passport renewal. Passports are only valid for ten years. After ten years, an expired American passport must be renewed. Just like new passport applications, renewal applications may be expedited at an additional fee.

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.

Due to the nature of the contents in this package, the US department of State recommends that applicants mail all documents in a secure package with some sort of security tracking system. The State Department recommends using a Tyvek envelope. Secure Tyvek packaging will keep the envelopes’ contents safe. A damaged or lost application could result in a nullified application, which would severely set back the application timeline. In expedited application scenarios, a damaged or lost application could be devastating.

Currently, the Department of State estimates the processing time for a normal passport application to be about four to six weeks. Any passport needed in less than six weeks is a candidate for an expedited application. The fee for expediting a passport is $60 dollars, plus the normal application fee, and the two-way overnight delivery fee.

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.

There are so many things that can go wrong on a trip; like having an expired USA passport. Using expedited pasport renewal can literally turn that frown upside down and allow everyone to enjoy their trip as planned.