When presented with the opportunity to travel to a foreign country, paper work is the last thing that should get in the way of your trip. If there is little time to prepare, getting an expedited new U S passport might become the first step in preparing for the trip. It is important to understand what travel documents are needed for the trip and how long it normally takes to obtain them.

As a new applicant for a passport, you need to understand the basics of what is required in order to make the application process as pain free as possible. There is an official application that must be completed and submitted with specific supporting documents to the official governmental agency that issues travel documents. With your application you must also provide some form of identification proving you are the applicant, along with a copy of that piece of identification that will stay with the agency. In addition, you must have a document proving your citizenship that is also submitted, along with the required color photographs that meet agency specifications. You must also pay a fee with the application.

If a short window of time exists in which to complete the application process, there are ways to accelerate acquisition of the passport. There are private companies that are in business for this very reason. They will assist in walking the paperwork through to completion. There is also the option of paying a higher fee to the issuing agency in order to obtain priority in getting through the process.

If this will be the first passport issued for an individual, the application must be submitted in person. This can be accomplished at an Acceptance Facility located in a local government agency office or post office, or at a Passport Agency office, if there is one nearby. However, if there is limited time before departure on the trip, requiring the passport faster than normal procedures will allow, the traveler must obtain an appointment with a representative at a Regional Passport Agency. The application and supporting documentation would be delivered at this appointment, along with the request for completion to meet travel schedules.

If having an advocate to assist with the application process is more appealing, then using the services of one of the several private companies that specialize in this type of work might be the right approach. What must be submitted as far as the application, identification, proof of citizenship, and photos does not change in this situation. What is different is that the company will take everything prepared by the individual traveler and move it through the necessary steps in a shorter amount of time. It should be emphasized that employing a private company to assist in this process, the traveler must still appear at an Acceptance Facility to begin the application.

These companies are in business to provide a service to travelers by shortening the time to get documents. They charge for these services and the more urgent the need, the higher the fee. Some promise they can get a passport application through the process in less than two weeks and even as little as one day. If the requirement is speed, one of these companies might be the right solution.

If you have decided that one of these private companies is the best solution to meet your needs, then you must decide which one to select. Some factors to consider when making your choice should include how much you are willing to pay since different companies have higher fees for the same promised service. A key consideration is the reputation of the company, and whether they deliver what they promise. If you are counting on someone to get you what you need without disrupting your travel plans, you want to know that you have selected a reliable company.

If the trip of a lifetime comes up with short notice, don’t let the lack of a passport inhibit you from traveling. Obtaining an expedited new U.S. passport is fairly routine in the world of today. You can choose to submit your passport application form and do everything yourself through the issuing agency, or opt to pay more and let a specialized company do the legwork for you. Either way, you will get your passport and be ready to enjoy the trip.