Can someone apply for a passport for me?
by JB
(Lancaster, PA)
Question: My work schedule doesn't permit me to apply for a passport in person during their business hours, however I have all the paperwork together and ready to submit. Can I have someone turn the papers in for me to apply?
Answer: If you are applying for a first-time passport, you must appear in person. You cannot send someone to apply for you. The reason for this is because you must take an oath and sign the application form in the presence of an authorized passport agent.
There are 3 passport application acceptance facilities in Lancaster where you can apply. None of them are open on Saturdays but the first one is open during lunch hour. The passport offices are listed below.
Lancaster County Prothonotarys Office
50 N. Duke ST
Lancaster, PA 17608
7172998282
Lancaster Main Post Office
1400 Harrisburg Pike
Lancaster, PA 17604
7173966934
Lancaster Public Library
125 N. Duke ST
Lancaster, PA 17602
7173942651
If you cannot appear during the operating hours of the passport offices listed above, there are several locations you can apply in Philadelphia that are open on Saturdays. Click the link below for a list.
Philadelphia Passport OfficesIf you are applying for an expedited passport renewal, then you can authorize someone to appear at the regional processing center for you. Click the link below to apply for this service.
Expedited Passport Renewal Service
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.
Standard service may take between 8 and 11 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.
Expedited service takes from 5 to 7 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:
Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793)
Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.
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