All the tips for regular passport processing also apply when expediting your passport but there are three more that are specifically relevant to acquiring your passport quickly.
Get a New Passport Application Adjudicated.
Some people mail their application for a new passport directly to the passport expeditor thinking that the courier can present it to the passport acceptance agent to be adjudicated. This is not possible. The person applying for a new passport must personally appear before the acceptance agent.
Applicants who are submitting Form DS-11 for a new passport must appear in person before an authorized agent who will review their documents and witness the signing of the application form. Only after this has been done can the application be mailed to a registered passport courier.
Send Two Authorization Letters
No passport expediting company can submit your passport application to the State Department without your written authorization. You can get this form from the passport expeditor you choose to contract. Print the authorization form, fill it out and sign it.
If you are applying for a new passport, make sure that you prepare two authorization letters. One should be given to the acceptance agent to include in the sealed envelope with your completed form and supporting documents.
The second authorization letter should be sent with the sealed envelope to the courier service that will present your passport application for processing.
Include Your Itinerary.
Proof of travel is required when requesting expedited service. If you purchased your ticket online (e-ticket), you can print either the confirmation message in your browser screen or the email confirmation and send that. If you go through a travel agency, ask your travel agent to print out a copy for you. If no printed itinerary is available, you can personally type one and print it out.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it? Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
