Where to get a passport if the regional agency is too far away?

by Annette
(Goshen, KY, USA)

Question: If my regional passport office is a great distance away, and I need a passport within the next two weeks (as a new applicant), will I be able to obtain it without going to the agency in person?

I am 51 years old and hoping to travel to Quebec after the Christmas holidays for a brief visit. I did not realize until a few days ago that I would need a passport to do so. I have never applied for a passport previously and am more than willing to expedite the process in any way possible. Since I have not applied for a passport in the past, is it mandatory that I go to a regional office in person? (In checking this Web site, I noted that my regional office is in New Orleans - and I am in Kentucky - so that would not be a possibility, although I had heard that Chicago might be another possibility for me.)

I would appreciate any and all information which could be provided to me. Thanks so much!

Answer: Yes, American citizens are required to have a passport in order to travel to Canada.

The only way to obtain a passport within 2 weeks or less without visiting a regional passport agency is to authorize a private expediting service to submit the application for you. This way, you would only need to visit a local application acceptance facility. However, instead of mailing the application and required documents directly to the State Department, you would mail them to the expediter.

While each regional agency serves a particular area, many applicants have been allowed to submit new passport applications at agencies that did not serve the state where they reside. You may be allowed to submit your application at the Chicago agency but there is no guarantee.

Also, the State Department requires that applicants make an appointment. Often, it is difficult to get through or the person just does not have the time to spare. Many travelers have visit agencies without an appointment and been allowed to submit their applications.

For details about the Chicago Passport Agency, click the following link.

Chicago Passport Agency

To get your passport in 2 weeks or less through a private expediting service, click the following link

Get Passport Fast