Typically speaking, acquiring a passport is a time consuming process. First time applicants are generally advised to give themselves around two months to get a passport. Expedited passports are available at an additional fee, but even a rush passport can take several weeks to process. Many people do not know this, but it is possible to get a 24 hour passport in dire circumstances.

Most people will not ever need to get a 24 hour passport, but unexpected situations may arise that cause for rush processing. If an emergency situation happens for someone that has never had a passport, they better get ready to do some running. It is best to have everything together that is needed the moment that they walk into the passport office.

The U.S. Department of State specifies that a 24 hour passport should only be given to someone who has suffered a death, serious injury, or serious illness overseas to someone in their immediate family. In the case of injury or illness, the family member must be hospitalized. In the event of such an emergency, applicants are encouraged to call the State Department Passport hotline.

Many external agencies promise to help customers obtain passports as quickly as possible. While these agencies are often very helpful, it is quite difficult to make any promises regarding passports. Getting a passport in one day is difficult for a variety of reasons.

Someone that is only getting a passport renewal will probably have a much easier time with this process. Since everything is already in place, they may actually be able to do their application right over the Internet or online. However, if they are in need of the 24 hour service, it is likely that they will still need to go to either the local passport office or a private agency.

The people that have to get a passport from scratch and need it this fast are going to have their work cut out for them. The problem in many cases is that they don’t have all of the documents that they need on hand. Without a drivers license, birth certificate or proof of citizenship, they will not be able to get the passport.

Even though most agencies require an appointment, they will make exceptions for emergency situations. Still, it is important to show up as early as possible. The earlier an applicant shows up, the more likely it is that he or she will get the passport that day. Or those that do not live near an agency, many private passport-expediting services offer 24 hour passport service. It is best to stick with well-established providers to ensure results.

While trying to get a 24 hour U.S. passport can be challenging, the task can be completed. Now having said that, this is something that nobody should ever have to go through because of the cost and time commitment, not to mentions stress. Play it safe and get a new passport because anything can happen at any time and you just never know when an international trip is on the horizon.