How do I expedite my daughter's passport application?

by Janet
(Millis, MA 02054)

QuestionI applied for my daughter's passport on February 12, 2011. I received a letter on March 19th from the NH Passport Center telling me the birth certificate I submitted was not acceptable. I did not realize I had to send in a long form. I spoke to a very nice woman at the center who directed me to get the long form. She told me that if I could send it in right away we would get our passport within the time needed for my daughter's departure date of April 15th. I sent the needed birth certificate with the letter I had received on Monday, March 21st.

I just went on line to check the status and find that we are in the 4-6 week cycle and that is just not going to work. My daughter has raised all the money for this service trip to Nicaragua. I need help getting her passport asap. I should mention that the woman with whom I spoke said if I were to pay $72. I could expedite the process but she did not think I needed to do that. PLEASE HELP ME. WHAT DO I DO NOW???

Answer: It is possible that your daughter's passport could arrive before her departure date with the need for further intervention. While routine service is estimated to take 4-6 weeks, it can take less time.

Once the application form and supporting documents have been submitted, the only way to get expedited service is to visit a regional passport agency. If the passport has not arrived within one week of your daughter's departure date, you can visit the Boston Passport Agency to get the passport.