Lost Passport To New Passport In A Flash

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Anyone who has the tendency to lose things knows that losing a passport usually happens at the worst possible time. The bags are packed, the travel clothes are ready for the drive to the airport, and then the realization sets in that the lost passport is nowhere to be found. The stress begins to mount and in the blink of the eye, a peaceful upcoming vacation turns into a situation that causes a meltdown. 

However, a quick search on the Internet will reveal that the passport can be replaced. A sigh of relief until the realization sets in that processing via the U.S. Department of State or Post Office will take a minimum of four, and possibly up to eight, weeks. The stress begins to mount again because this is not a feasible timeframe in this situation.

Further searching on the Web will reveal that there are private companies that provide passport replacement services. These companies will process a passport application and return a new passport within 24 to 48 hours. They charge an additional fee in excess of what the government charges. However, in the situation of a vacation just days away, this fee is well worth paying. The new passport will be in hand the next day, and the panic of the day before is soon forgotten.

The passport replacement paperwork is very similar to the initial application for a passport. The provider and government Web sites contain links to each of the required documents that must be completed. The sites also contain step-by-step instructions on how to complete each document. They also list acceptable forms of required identification documents. All of this information should be read carefully, as missing any details will result in a delay in processing the application.

The applicant will need to provide his or her official birth certificate. The document must have been issued by the city, county, or state of birth and must contain an official seal. It will expedite the process if applicants already have this document in their possession. Otherwise, it will need to be requested from the appropriate government office, and there is often processing time required for this service.

The other identifying document that the applicant will need to photocopy and submit is his or her driver’s license. The government and processing service require that the driver’s license issue date be at least six months prior to the date of passport application. If an applicant has a more recent issue date, he or she may provide alternative forms of documentation.. These are listed on the government and provider Web sites, as are the details regarding additional identification that must be included with the passport application.

Carefully reading the list of required documents and providing everything requested will enable the passport application to be successfully processed upon submission. There is nothing more frustrating than sending everything off to the processing company only to have it returned because a document was mistakenly omitted from the package.

Once everything is gathered, photocopied, and completed as necessary, it should be sent out as one package via a traceable mailing method like FedEx or UPS. To speed receipt, the package may be sent via next day air service. This will enable the quickest processing period for replacement of a lost passport. New passports will be mailed to applicants whose stress-free vacations may then begin.

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