Those who are considering travel beyond the United States borders in the coming ten days or those who may be out of the country who have lost their travel documentation can rest easy knowing there are emergency passport services to accommodate their needs. It is possible to obtain what it known as a limited-validity passport. They can be applied for and received in a hurry. They are typically valid for only the amount of time necessary, however they can be extended for up to an entire year.
Lost Or Stolen
Those outside the country either for personal or business reasons who find themselves in need of these types of documents have generally been the victim of theft or have simply lost their papers. They can rest easy knowing they can apply for emergency documentation by filling out the appropriate paperwork in person at their nearest United States Embassy. It usually takes two hours or less from start to finish. It is wise, however, to file the appropriate report with the local authorities prior to attempting to get limited-validity documents. In many cases it is required.
Passport Fees
Obtaining the documents will require the payment of a fee, but this is the same fee assessed when applying for full-validity paperwork. After returning to the United States, people who obtained limited-validity documentation can restore their full-validity documents without paying an added fee. This assumes they do so in the time frame displayed on the emergency papers. Should this time expire, the full fee will be necessary.
US Embassy
United States citizens residing in another country can successfully apply for their US passport by visiting the American Embassy nearest to their residence. Inside the United States, these applications are generally sent through the postal service. Remember that requests for limited-validity identification must be made in person. Exceptions are not made in this situation.
Confirm Identity
Successful applications are most always accompanied by a range of paperwork that is used to confirm a person’s identity. These type of documents include old passports, birth certificates which have been certified, certificates of naturalization and certificates of citizenship. If none of these are obtainable, other documents can be provided.
Secondary Documents
These secondary documents include baptismal certificates, United States census records, early school records and hospital birth certificates. Any of these items, when paired with a birth record or letter of no record may be used to help a person prove their identity. Anyone fourteen years old or younger must also obtain signatures of both of their parents.
Expedite Services
Third party companies provide what are known as expediting services as well. They offer a number of options, including turn around in as little as twenty-four hours. Keep in mind, services offered do vary as does price. It is wise to compare services whenever possible.
Emergency Passport
People who lose their documentation while out of the country or those who have an immediate need to travel abroad can find themselves in a precarious position, or at least it can seem that way. Emergency passport services are readily available to help obtain the necessary documentation to travel outside the country or to return. There are rules, but they are in place to both expedite the process and maintain accuracy. Fees are involved; however, the price for peace of mind is hard to measure, and remember, full-validity documentation can be restored upon return at no charge when all the deadlines are met. This guarantees the passport renewal for the passenger.
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