Sometimes you are forced to leave the country unexpectedly, and realize that you still need to apply for a passport or renew your expired one. In this case, going through the routine passport application wouldn’t be an option. Currently, you’ll need to wait four to six weeks to have your passport processed for routine applications.

The situation is even more important if you are faced with a family emergency and need to leave in 48 hours or less. Because of your situation, the US Department of State provides you with a way to apply for a passport without having to go through the regular passport processing times, so you can leave the country as soon as possible. They will provide you with an emergency passport.

Emergency passports are designed for those facing family emergencies outside the country and need to leave in 48 hours or less. At times when your loved ones can’t wait, this is the passport you’ll need. Applying for this type of passport ensures you are able to leave the country as soon as possible.

But what do you need to apply for an emergency passport? First of all, you need to contact the National Passport Information Agency (NPIA). This is the agency tasked with handling all your emergency passport needs at any time of the day. Simply give them a call, and they will help you set a schedule with the nearest passport agency. The passport agency will then be the one to help you obtain an emergency passport.

However, there are instances where you might be unable to set a schedule with a passport agency. In cases like this, just hang in the line and your call will be forwarded to a customer service representative (CSR). From there, the CSR will provide you with other options to get your emergency passport.

What if you don’t really need to travel within the next 48 hours? You have the option of just having your passport application expedited instead. As far as processing speeds go, an expedited option sits in between the routine passport application and the emergency passport.

Expedited passports are designed for those who need to leave the country within the next 10 weeks. Current processing times for expedited passports are at two to three weeks. So if you need to get a passport during this time frame, then getting an expedited passport is the best choice you have. Take note that expedited passports require an additional fee to process. This is by no means a hefty fee. In fact, it’s a price that’s well worth every penny if you are looking for speed and convenience when applying for your passport.

If you need to be with your family in family emergencies outside the country, you have the option of getting an emergency passport. Having an emergency USA passport will enable you to leave the country in as little as 48 hours or less. However, if you can wait for at least 2 weeks, you have the choice of having your USA Passport application expedited instead. This comes with an additional fee, but you get speed and a quick response in return.