So that exotic vacation is all set up, the hotels are booked, the flights are booked, and it is only a matter of weeks before the whole family can finally escape the snow and bask in the warm solar-rays of a tropical paradise. There is only one problem, Johnny doesn’t have a passport and the trip is only three weeks away. Luckily, with an expedited new U.S. passport, it is possible for Johnny to get a brand new passport and still make the family flight.

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 passport is realized, it is best to get things rolling right away.

New passports must be done in person. Unlike renewals, the forms cannot be mailed into the proper offices. In most cases, this will require heading to the local post office. However, when expedited services are needed, the post office is not always the best route. Regional passport offices offer more services and can sometimes get a quicker turnaround time.

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.

First time applicants must apply in person and therefore the postal employee should be able to assist in the expiditing process. After filling out the DS-82 form, the applicant should inform the postal employee about the need for rush service. Typically, the word “Expedite” should be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope.

Because the expedited service is being used, there will be an extra processing fee of $60 for the passport. The extra fee means that the passport will be pushed to the front of the line and should hopefully be back in about three weeks. If it needed faster, cash is king and more money means that they push it through as quickly as a single day.

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.

Filing the pasport application form for the first time can be a stressful situation, especially if time is of the essence. Instead of panicking, know that there are expedited new US passport services that can be used to make sure that the passport is in hand when it is needed. Regardless of how soon the passport is required, there is a service (although it will cost a higher amount) that can be paid for to get the passport in your hands by the desired date.