When an individual decides to become a world traveler, he may be more interested in where he is going than how to get there. If inexperienced with international travel, it is easy to be ignorant of the documents required to enter and leave the country. In such a situation, the traveler may already have a departure date when he realizes that he must acquire an urgent passport before leaving home.

When applying for an initial passport, or to replace one more than 15 years old, the applicant must present himself to an agent to begin the process. Most towns and cities will have an acceptance facility, located either at one of the city government offices or in the post office, where this application process is initiated. Prior to appearing, it is important to understand all of the application requirements so that any essential documents can be obtained in advance. Be sure to read about the acceptable identification papers on the website of the issuing agency in order to be fully prepared.

If you have a current passport you should check to see how long until it expires. This could be important, depending on where you are traveling. When traveling, some locations insist that your travel documents be valid for a period of time beyond your expected travel dates. As a matter of prudence, it makes sense to give yourself some leeway, just in case your trip is extended unexpectedly. If you determine that a renewal is in order, you will find that the process is fairly simple, and can be completed through the mail.

Whether you need a new or renewal urgent American passport, when time is short before departure it is important to know what your options are for getting your documents fast. There are two vastly different ways in which you can speed the application when dealing with the issuing agency. You can also hire a private company to work for you. There are companies that have representatives at the ready to assist travelers in this function.

The first option is the simplest. When you submit your application, whether in person or by mail, you can pay an extra fee of $60 to the agency and request faster service. This will allow your application to take precedence over others, and can cut the wait time for receipt of your document by half. Normal processing times are published on the agency’s website, allowing you to check if this option will meet your travel needs.

If, after reviewing the published estimated lead times, it is determined that the first option will not be fast enough, another alternative is available. The traveler must request an appointment with a representative at a Regional Passport Agency office, at which time the application and all additional documents and fees are personally presented to the representative. The applicant must prove that his travel is fast approaching. This may not be a viable option for all individuals, depending on where they live and how far away the nearest regional office is located. However, if this is a reasonable option, an individual can generally get a passport in a short period of time.

If the first option is not fast enough, and the second is not convenient due to distance, there is yet another available to you. There are companies that specialize in expediting travel documents. The charges for these services vary based on how quickly you need your passport returned, but some of these providers claim they will get your documents in as few as one or two days. Keep in mind that the faster the service you desire, the more you will pay for it. It is very important that you understand that utilizing one of these companies does not change what application and documents you must provide. The difference is that you send them to this private company that will then generally hand carry your application to an issuing agency office.

The key point to remember is that no matter your document situation, there are options to assist you in applying for, and securing, an rush passport. Do not let the trip of a lifetime pass you by for fear that you can’t get your travel documents in time. If you do your homework and evaluate your options, you can find a way to get it done in time.