Under normal circumstances, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks for you to get your passport after you submit your application. The government wants that time to review all your submitted documentation that’s required. However, the government is aware that pressing circumstances exist and does offer you options to get an expedited pass port.

Procedure

It doesn’t matter which procedure you need to follow. If you’ve lost your passport or had it stolen, just realized you need to renew it, or are making your very first application, you can shorten your wait time for it. You will still have to follow the same application procedure that would apply for your situation, even if you didn’t need it quickly. You want the fastest pasport renewal possible.

Application Package

So you’ll still have to fulfill all the same requirements that exist for those applying under normal circumstances. Your application packet will have to include all the necessary documentation and forms. The only difference between a standard and expedited process happens on the government end as your obligations remain the same.

Quick Turn Around Time

You can apply for an expedited one yourself. You would schedule an appointment at an authorized US passport agency. You’ll bring all your necessary documents with you. You can request to get your service hastened, which might happen. If the office will hasten your approval process, then you’ll likely be asked to return to the same office in a few days to pick it up.

Private Services

You don’t need to do this on your own though. You can engage a private company, one authorized by the US government, to handle your entire application process including your request to shorten the processing time. You turn your submission package to the company, who will manage all the government contact for you. Then, using overnight mail, they will get it to you.

Cost

The cost for this service will depend directly on how quickly you need your valid travel document in your hands. Most of these companies will offer different ranges of speed, giving you the option to select the least expensive speed that still meets your time frame. Typically, you can select a turn around time from as quickly as 24 hours or as long as two weeks. All the options are faster than the standard processing time.

Considerations

There are anywhere from 40 to 50 private services you can use. You do want to do your research to select the service you use. Any reputable service will clearly state that they guarantee their service. Another key feature to research is how easy it is to access their customer service. This could be through a combination of 24-hour phone service, online chat, and email access.