How To Apply for Expedited New US Passports
Whether used for international travel or identification purposes, a U.S. passport is an essential piece of identification. Without a passport, you may not be able to enter any country around the world. Applying for a first-time U.S. passport can be very complicated for new applicants or other travelers. If you have already applied for a new passport once, you might face certain difficulties due to changes in the process. At South Coast Visas and Passports, we take you through a step-by-step process to overcome this complexity. Our ability to expedite new U.S. passport applications in as little as 72 hours can make the difference when your circumstances do not turn out to be what you expected.
Who is Eligible to Apply for an Expedited New U.S. Passport or Lost Passport?
Rules and regulations vary depending on your eligibility. The following must apply to you to be considered a first-time or new passport applicant:
· This is your very first U.S. passport
· Your previous U.S. passport was issued under age 16
· Your previous U.S. passport was issued 15 or more years ago
· Your previous U.S. passport was stolen, lost or damaged
· There has been a name change since the issue of your U.S. passport for which you are not able to legally document the name change
If you were issued a passport as a child under the age of 16, your passport will no longer be valid, regardless of how long it has been since it was used. If you have passed the 15-year mark since your passport was issued, you will be required to apply for a new U.S. passport, as though you have never been issued a valid passport before. Same as if you have lost your US passport you will have to apply for one as if you never had one before.
If you are counting on getting your passport renewed for your trip, check the expiration date. It is easy for time to lapse without realizing how long it has been. If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you will be applying for a new U. S. passport instead of a renewal. If you have waited until the last minute before your trip, we may be able to expedite your new U.S. passport application so that it is ready for you in as little as 72 hours.
Step 1: Complete DS-11 application form
For this application process, you will be required to complete a DS-11 passport application form. The form must be completed online and printed out. When filling in the details, make sure to provide accurate information and avoid errors. Do not sign the form, as you will later do so with an acceptance agent.
Step 2: Gather all required documents
Just as it is helpful to gather all your ingredients before cooking, organizing all the necessary documents in advance will streamline and simplify the passport application process. Handing in the wrong documents could delay your processing time. Ensure you have all the following documents before you start your application process:
· Two passport photos (2″ x 2″ with a white background). A photo service is available at our office.
. Proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, old expired undamaged U.S. passport)
· Proof of Identity (a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo I.D).
· Please call for a Letter of Authorization.
· Travel itinerary.
· Certified Check or Money Order payable to the “U.S. Department of State” for $190.00 (for adults) or for $160.00 (for minors UNDER 16).
· South Coast Visas and Passports: Online Order.
Step 3: Getting the New U.S. Passport requirement documents authorized.
After completing the DS-11 form and gathering all required documents, you must visit an acceptance facility where you will see an acceptance agent who will look through these documents. The agent will then be a witness to you signing the application form in their presence. An execution fee of $35.00 will be paid to the acceptance agent who is assisting you. You must inform the agent that you are using a passport agency to expedite the processing and that the sealed documents will be hand-carried to the Department of State. This Department of State policy is called “Hand Carrying of Executed Applications.” The policy is detailed on pages 31 and 44 of the Acceptance Agent Manual. The acceptance agent will then return the sealed envelope to you. Do not open the envelope. FedEx or bring the sealed envelope with the rest of the quick passport documents to our office for processing. Next, you will be required to make the payment for the new passport application fee. Before you send us your express passport application with the sealed package through FedEx, UPS/DHL, or any other mail service provider, you must contact South Coast Visas and Passports to confirm your rush or emergency passport request. Our services are guaranteed.
Expedited vs Routine Passport
If you plan in advance and do not need your passport in a hurry, you can go to the post office directly to secure your passport. This process will take roughly 4 to 6 weeks. If you need your passport quickly, South Coast Visas and Passports can expedite it in under two weeks, or even within 72 hours. There are extra fees associated with expediting your passport in addition to the government fees. This expedited passport service, ranging from 72 hours to under two weeks, is only available through licensed passport expediters in the USA. For more information, please contact our regional offices or order your expedited new passport online.
How to Get a New Passport in 72 hours
Getting a new passport can be exciting, but it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the process. However, applying for a U.S. passport doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to carefully complete the necessary forms and submit the required documents. Whether you're applying for a new passport, replacing a lost one, renewing an existing passport, or getting a child’s passport, making sure everything is filled out correctly will make the process much smoother.
Passports are widely recognized as travel documents, though they can also be used to confirm the holder's identity and nationality. The state department is the sole issuer of valid U.S. passports. To get a new passport in the U.S., it's important to know that its validity depends on the applicant’s age. Passports issued to individuals 16 years or older are valid for 10 years, while those issued to individuals 15 years or younger are valid for only 5 years.
Apply to Get Passport in 72 hours
Information about where to get a new passport, how to apply, and other related questions can be found through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services. There are many designated post offices, court representatives, public libraries, and various state, county, township, and municipal offices authorized to accept passport applications on your behalf. With numerous passport acceptance facilities across the U.S., it's essential to find the one closest to your location. Additionally, when applying for a new passport, make sure to bring the following required documents:
A) Completely filled Passport form (unsigned)
B) Two passport size photograph
C) Identity proof
D) Citizenship Proof
There are also 72-hour passport service providers to expedite the new passport process in the U.S. These providers can help get you a passport within 2 weeks. There are fees associated with expediting your passport in addition to the government fees to expedite a passport. If you do not need your passport urgently, you can go to the post office directly and it will take roughly 4-6 weeks or more to secure your passport. However, if you do need your passport quickly or if you prefer to pay for the convenience of having an expedited passport agency handle the process for you, South Coast Visas and Passports can help. Both alternatives have their own benefits.
South Coast Visas and Passports is a private, non-government passport and visa expediting service providing company. The fees included with our services are to expedite the procedures and are in addition to the government fees. If you are in a situation that does not require expedited services, you can apply directly through the U.S. Department of State to avoid paying our additional courier fees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below lists the passport fees for each service that the U.S. Department of State and the acceptance facility will charge.
New Passport (Adult): $190.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $35.00 (Post Office Execution Fee) + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
New Passport (Child Under 16): $160.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $35.00 (Post Office Execution Fee) + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
US Passport Renewal (Adult): $190.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
US Passport Renewal (Child Under 16): $160.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Replacing Lost/Stolen Passport: $190.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Passport Name Change (Adult): $190.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Passport Name Change (Child): $160.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Second Passport (Adult): $190.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $35.00 (Post Office Execution Fee) + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Second Passport (Child): $160.00 (Passport Book Application) * + $35.00 (Post Office Execution Fee) + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Passport Cards (Adult): $30.00 (Passport Card Application) + $35.00 (Post Office Execution Fee) + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
Passport Cards (Child): $15.00 (Passport Card Application) + $35.00 (Post Office Execution Fee) + $21.36 (Mailing Fee Charged by the Gov’t) **
* Check or Money Order payable to “U.S. Department of State”
** Check or Money order payable to “U.S. Department of State” for $21.36 (mailing fee to ship your passport back to you)
South Coast Visas and Passports Agency Fees for Expedited Passports:
There are fees associated with expediting your passport in addition to the government fees. South Coast Visas and Passports can expedite your passport or visa processing in as little as 72 hours, ensuring you receive your travel documents faster than any other method. You can be confident that you’ll have everything you need for your upcoming trip on time.
How long does it take for a new passport?
This depends on the service you have chosen. If you have decided to apply for a routine passport, the processing time is from 4-6 weeks. The processing time can be extended by 2 to 3 weeks if there is an increase in passport application submissions during peak travel times. This is usually when the holiday season approaches.
If an expedited passport agency service such as South Coast Visas and Passports has been used, the processing time is under 2 weeks and in some cases, it can be expedited within 72 hours.
An additional fee is charged to speed up the processing of your application.
How long does it take for a new passport?
Step 1: Complete DS-11 application form
The form must be completed online and printed out. Make sure that you do not sign the form, as you will later sign the form with an acceptance agent.
Step 2: Gather all required documents
Two passport photos
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Proof of Identity
Letter of Authorization
Travel itinerary
Certified Check or Money Order payable to the U.S. Department of State
South Coast Visas and Passports: Online Order Receipt
Step 3: Getting the New U.S. Passport requirement documents authorized
The next step in this process is to visit an application acceptance facility. You must visit an acceptance agent who will look through these documents. The agent will then be a witness as you sign the application form which was left unsigned in Step 1. You must inform the agent that you are using a passport agency to expedite the processing and that the sealed documents will be hand-carried to the Department of State.
Do you sign new passports?
Upon receiving your U.S. Passport, it is vital to sign your passport for it to be considered valid. You are required to sign on the page opposite the photo page, where there is a blank space which reads 'Signature of bearer.' This must be done using a non-ballpoint pen and make sure you do not smudge your signature.