Imagine having booked a trip two years ago to sunny Cancun because there was no need for a passport. Now, the trip is coming up and all of a sudden a friend asks if you have a passport. Not everyone is aware of the fact that they have to have a passport now and sometime getting an expedited new United States passport is required. It will cost a little bit more, but as long as the applicant knows what to do, the process can be fairly painless.

Everyone should know right off the bat that getting a new passport will take some time. There is some running around that has to be done and there is also the process of making sure that all of the right documents are secured. As soon as the need for a american passport application form is realized, it is best to get things rolling right away.

A new passport means that everything has to be done in person. Unlike a renewal that can be mailed in, a first time applicant must physically go down to a passport office to fill out the forms and turn everything in. Many local post offices will process applications, but if there is not one close by, a trip to the regional passport office may be required.

When getting a new passport, there are certain things that should be gathered before the process even gets started. First and foremost, the applicant is going to need a picture that can be used on the passport. While some passport locations offer this service, it may be a bit cheaper to use a local one-hour photo shop. Just let them know the purpose of the photo and they will crop it properly.

Since the applicant is going to at the office in person, it is less likely that they will encounter any problems. That is, as long as they have all of the proper documentation with them. The DS-82 passport application form will have to be filled out and then when it is turned in, they can tell the clerk that they are looking for rush service.

In addition to the regular fees for a passport, expedited service will run an extra $60. For the additional fee, the applicant will get their passport back in about three week’s time. If it is approaching a heavy travel time, it may take a bit longer. This is why people are sometimes better off using the expedited service to guarantee that the passport will make it back to them in time for their trip.

Obviously, it is best to try to avoid the need for an expedited passport. However, sometimes such things cannot be avoided. Typically, rush passports are necessary for people who have to make sudden plans for international travel. It is never advisable to purchase international travel tickets without a passport. In fact, it is often impossible to purchase tickets for international travel without a valid passport number.

Filling out the american passport application form for the first time can be a stressful process. Getting an expedited new U.S. passport can ease this stress a little.