Traveling the World

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 US 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.

Where you live also plays a factor as to how quickly your passport can be processed. If you live in a rural area then chances are you do not have easy access to a passport processing center. Living in a big city gives you access to more, including a passport processing center. Although the headquarters are in Philadelphia, there are regional processing centers in most major cities, including 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.

If you are not in the area of a processing center, you may still be able to get a 24 hour U.S. passport. The USA Passport expediting services that were mentioned earlier offer a 24 hour service.  There will be fees associated with this, but if it is a dire emergency it will be well worth it. In order to process a passport with one of these services you can overnight the application to them and they will have it processed in 24 hours. It is even possible to have your 24 hour passport delivered to you when you get to the airport.

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