Lost Pasport – Get A New US Passport Today
August 9, 2010 by drewloupsen
Filed under Travel And Leisure
Realizing that a passport has been misplaced or lost is possibly the worst thing to happen to someone that needs to leave on a trip quickly. Travel plans, particularly those like family emergencies and business trips cannot usually be rearranged with ease. Replacing a lost passport, however, can be accomplished a variety of ways and by many different service providers.
The passport may be replaced by going online to the United States Post Office or Department of State Web sites. These sites contain all of the information and paperwork needed to obtain a new passport. However, the processing time is eight weeks for regular service and four weeks for expedited service. This is not convenient for anyone who will be traveling within that timeframe.
There are many services available online that can easily return a passport back within as little as 24 to 48 hours after the paperwork has been submitted. These services require the same basic paperwork and identification that the Post Office does but can expedite the processing much quicker. This of course, is all done with an additional fee from that of the actual processing costs.
The passport replacement paperwork is very similar to the initial application for a passport. The provider and government Web sites contain links to each of the required documents that must be completed. The sites also contain step-by-step instructions on how to complete each document. They also list acceptable forms of required identification documents. All of this information should be read carefully, as missing any details will result in a delay in processing the application.
The next step will be to ensure that all the proper papers are handy to prove the individual’s identity. The first and foremost on all of the lists is a copy of the individual’s birth certificate. This copy needs to be one from the city, county or state that they were born in. A certified copy that does not bear an official seal from one of these entities is not acceptable.
A copy of a driver’s license that was issued at least six months prior must also be provided. Alternatively, there are other forms of identifying documents that may be provided. The criterion for these pieces of identification is that they contain the individual’s signature and photograph. Two documents may be supplied to meet this requirement. There are also additional documents that must be supplied in order to obtain a new passport, so it is important to carefully review the instructions listed on the provider’s Web site in order to get all of the details.
Some of the other information that must be provided includes a travel itinerary or plane ticket. Two identical color photographs must be supplied with the paperwork. These photos must meet certain requirements because they will be used in the passport itself. Again, it is important to check the list of required documents in order to review the specifications for these photos.
The completed application and additional forms, as well as the photos and copies of identifying documentation must be packaged together and sent to the processing company. The package should be sent via FedEx or UPS, so it may be tracked to ensure delivery. It is also recommended that the applicant make copies of everything sent, to keep on hand should any questions or problems arise. The entire process of replacing a Lost Passport is not complicated and using an expedited passports service provider will yield a new United States passports in a very short time.
