To Expediate Passport or Not. That is the Question!

[Obongo]

Hi,

Should I, can I, expediate? If not, then if it's taking too long, can I
change the status of a regular application to expediated?

Oath Date: March 30th (can file for passport on same day)
Travel Date: May 19th (seven weeks after oath date).
I have e-tickets from expedia so no official proof of purchase
beyond an email!

Cheers,

Obongo

 

[xxzz]

Hi,

Should I, can I, expediate? If not, then if it's taking too long, can I
change the status of a regular application to expediated?

Oath Date: March 30th (can file for passport on same day)
Travel Date: May 19th (seven weeks after oath date).
I have e-tickets from expedia so no official proof of purchase
beyond an email!

Cheers,

Obongo

You may be better off requesting expedited service. Anyone can request expedited service for additional payment of $60. You don't need any proof of travel for expedited service. Considering your oath date and travel plans, it seems risky to go for regular service.

For more information, check out this link:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html

Good luck.

 

[boatbod]

Last summer my expedited passport arrived in a little over 2 weeks, while my wife and kid's regular passports took 7-8 weeks. Quite probably processing times have lengthened with the new passport requirements for Caribbean trips etc.

If I were you, I'd spend the extra money and sleep better at night.

 

[Obongo]

Last summer my expedited passport arrived in a little over 2 weeks, while my wife and kid's regular passports took 7-8 weeks. Quite probably processing times have lengthened with the new passport requirements for Caribbean trips etc.

If I were you, I'd spend the extra money and sleep better at night.

Thanks. That's what I wanted to know, how long it actually takes.
The post office and the web site pointed to state it takes about 6 weeks
which is not correct.

 

[Flydog]

You don't need any proof to expedite by mail, only if you do it in person at a "passport agency". I believe that if you print out your itinerary from the airline web site (and you have e-tickets) that should be enough proof; everything is an e-ticket now.

 

[happigal]

I would highly suggest you do expedited processing. According to a few folks, even expedited is taking a little longer than 2 weeks now due to the new rules for travelers.

Pay the extra $60 and sleep better at night