Everyone who travels out of the United States or its territories now must have a passport. Since June 1, 2009, there have been no ifs, ands or buts about the matter, you must have this documentation. This means that persons having family living outside of the U. S. need to take the time and pay the price to have their passport for family emergencies. If you do not have a passport and a problem arises, you will need to apply for an emergency new passport.

As soon as you find out that a close family member is moving out of the United States, you should apply for your passport. If you ever intend to visit, you will have to have this documentation. Having a passport means freedom to visit family when you want to make the visit.

There is a specific procedure to follow in order to obtain a passport. If you have never had a passport before, you must visit a processing center in person. You will probably be able to locate one in or near your hometown. Currently, it is taking four to six weeks to obtain a passport using the normal application method.

Individuals who need to travel in less than fourteen days or need their passport for issuance of a visa can pay an additional $60 for an expedited service. In addition, they can pay fees to have the passport sent by overnight services. Proof of the need for expedited service must be provided.

Turn around for an expedited passport is approximately two weeks. You will want to pay the extra fee for a passport book. The passport book can be shipped overnight, however the card is only shipped by US mail.

In life or death situations, you can apply for an emergency passport. To make this application, you or your agent will need to travel to a regional passport agency to submit your paperwork. There is no charge for the appointment and you can schedule the appointment twenty four hours per day seven days a week using the toll-free passport number. Appointments are often available within twenty-four hours and you will normally receive your passport at the appointment if you supply all the necessary documentation, including proof of travel within the 14 day period.

If travel to the passport center is not possible for you, then you can also hire an agent to make the application on your behalf. You will need to include time to send your documentation to the agent and for the agent to send your passport to you using overnight delivery. Many agents are able to process your passport within twenty four hours.

By employing a service to act as your American passport agent, you will be required to pay their fee. In addition you may need to pay more for shipping of the application packet and the return passport. While this can increase the cost of obtaining the emergency United States passport, it is much less stressful than trying to get to the center yourself. It also gives you more time to prepare for your trip.