HELP with fastest way to renew passport
May 3rd, 2007, 07:28 PM
#1
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HELP with fastest way to renew passport
Just realized that our passports are expired and have a trip to
Amsterdam in 19 days. Any feedback on speed of expedited service for renewal would be appreciated!
Amsterdam in 19 days. Any feedback on speed of expedited service for renewal would be appreciated!
May 3rd, 2007, 07:40 PM
#2
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Read the official website of the government. There is a lot of info there on expediting your passport:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/abo.../npic_898.html
Check the links on the left. One is about how long it should take. According to this, if you do the expedited process, following all of their directions including putting Expedite on the envelope, you should get it two weeks. If you do not get it in two weeks, there is a number to call. You should take care of this tomorrow!!!
http://travel.state.gov/passport/abo.../npic_898.html
Check the links on the left. One is about how long it should take. According to this, if you do the expedited process, following all of their directions including putting Expedite on the envelope, you should get it two weeks. If you do not get it in two weeks, there is a number to call. You should take care of this tomorrow!!!
May 3rd, 2007, 08:03 PM
#3
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If you live near one of the regional centers, call and make an appointment and go in yourself.
If you don't live near one of the regional centers, you can pay a service (at a premium price) to walk it through the renewal process for you. They can offer 24 - 48 hour turnaround. The faster you need it, the higher the price.
You can go through normal channels (mailing) but I'd be a nervous wreck. I'd rather pay a bit of $$$ up front to KNOW my passport was renewed than to miss my outgoing flight because the new passport has not arrived.
This service is good - and even if you don't use them, their website provided a wealth of information -
www.visalady.com
If you don't live near one of the regional centers, you can pay a service (at a premium price) to walk it through the renewal process for you. They can offer 24 - 48 hour turnaround. The faster you need it, the higher the price.
You can go through normal channels (mailing) but I'd be a nervous wreck. I'd rather pay a bit of $$$ up front to KNOW my passport was renewed than to miss my outgoing flight because the new passport has not arrived.
This service is good - and even if you don't use them, their website provided a wealth of information -
www.visalady.com
May 4th, 2007, 04:16 AM
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Starrsville: How do I go about chosing a good service. WE are in Mpls... Chicago is doable, but the money we would have to pay to get there and my husband moving work around may be better off paying a service.Besides with the regional centers you can't make the appt until 14 days out so we have to wait 5 days to even call to get in. Thanks I will check out your link.
May 4th, 2007, 04:42 AM
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monk21-something similar happened to me (they said the never received my passport app despite the fact that I had delivery confirmation).
When I called the passport office and told them I was leaving for Belgium in 10 days days the operator said: "Id rethink that maam."
Um, "I dont think so."
I spoke with supervisor and, after about an hour on the phone, she gave me an appt for the next morning, first thing, and I got my passport a few hours later.
They will require proof of travel dates so bring that to the office with you (Im sure theyll explain it all to you on the phone though).
Be aware that, at least as of last month when I went through this, it is taking much longer than 2 weeks even for expedited passports.
*I know you said an appt at the office might not work best for you but Ive provided this info anyway just in case the service you hire doesnt work out!
Just be persistent and dont take "no" as an answer from anyone and youll get it worked out!
Good luck!
When I called the passport office and told them I was leaving for Belgium in 10 days days the operator said: "Id rethink that maam."
Um, "I dont think so."
I spoke with supervisor and, after about an hour on the phone, she gave me an appt for the next morning, first thing, and I got my passport a few hours later.
They will require proof of travel dates so bring that to the office with you (Im sure theyll explain it all to you on the phone though).
Be aware that, at least as of last month when I went through this, it is taking much longer than 2 weeks even for expedited passports.
*I know you said an appt at the office might not work best for you but Ive provided this info anyway just in case the service you hire doesnt work out!
Just be persistent and dont take "no" as an answer from anyone and youll get it worked out!
Good luck!
May 4th, 2007, 05:07 AM
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The dilemma is this...
to use a place like international visa service visalady.us...which says they will get it to me in 5-7 business days for $98more and they have been in business 35 years or wait and make an appt in Chicago and go and do it ourselves???
to use a place like international visa service visalady.us...which says they will get it to me in 5-7 business days for $98more and they have been in business 35 years or wait and make an appt in Chicago and go and do it ourselves???
May 4th, 2007, 05:28 AM
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monk21, I havent used the services-they sound like a good idea and I considered them at the time but found the same thing you did-they couldnt get my passport any faster than I could.
So I would rather do it myself. Im sure they do a good job b/c so many people rely on them but sometimes I think nobody can do a better job than I can-particularly when I have thousands of dollars already spent on a vacation that I will fight tooth and nail for, haha!
If you have to wait a few days before the appt then get all your stuff ready to go. Call them as soon as the 14 day mark rolls around. And call really early or really late in the day (I called in the evening and was literally on hold for hours-thats hour with an "s" heh heh).
Again, just be persistent and know that it will work out. I was a complete wreck and actually so pleasantly suprised when I walked into the office, had no problems whatsoever, and left with my passport.
Note, however, that when I arrived at the office some folks didnt have appts. I heard them check in with the guard (our office is at the courthouse) and when she told him she didnt have an appt he laughed. That cant be a good sign!
So I would rather do it myself. Im sure they do a good job b/c so many people rely on them but sometimes I think nobody can do a better job than I can-particularly when I have thousands of dollars already spent on a vacation that I will fight tooth and nail for, haha!
If you have to wait a few days before the appt then get all your stuff ready to go. Call them as soon as the 14 day mark rolls around. And call really early or really late in the day (I called in the evening and was literally on hold for hours-thats hour with an "s" heh heh).
Again, just be persistent and know that it will work out. I was a complete wreck and actually so pleasantly suprised when I walked into the office, had no problems whatsoever, and left with my passport.
Note, however, that when I arrived at the office some folks didnt have appts. I heard them check in with the guard (our office is at the courthouse) and when she told him she didnt have an appt he laughed. That cant be a good sign!
May 4th, 2007, 05:50 AM
#9
I don't believe those services can get it any faster than you can.
I would use the "expedited" process offered directly by the government and take care of it yourself (using FedEx overnight both directions). If you can go to a passport office in person, even better.
I would use the "expedited" process offered directly by the government and take care of it yourself (using FedEx overnight both directions). If you can go to a passport office in person, even better.
May 7th, 2007, 01:25 PM
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Thanks for all your great help on this emergency. I ended up going to AAA and they have a service they use in Chicago (TRAVISA) which has guaranteed same day and 3-9 day turnaround. My fingers are crossed.
