| The fastest way to get a passport will allow you | | | | demand, it often takes several attempts to get |
| to get your travel document the same day. | | | | through to the automated system. It is possible |
| Routine service takes from four to six weeks | | | | that the next available appointment is later than |
| and expedited service through an acceptance | | | | you can wait. In this case, you have two |
| facility or by mail takes from two or three | | | | alternatives. |
| weeks. When you cannot wait that long, then you | | | | One thing you can do if you have difficulty |
| have to get your application to a regional passport | | | | scheduling an appointment is merely show up at |
| agency. | | | | the nearest passport agency. While the State |
| Regional passport agencies serve American | | | | Department states that applicants need to make |
| citizens who must travel out of the country in | | | | an appointment and they have no obligation to |
| two weeks or less. Individuals who also need to | | | | receive applicants from those who do not |
| obtain visas for the countries they plan to visit | | | | schedule one, I have never heard of anyone being |
| can submit their passport applications at the | | | | turned away. In fact, many travelers have shared |
| regional agencies up to four weeks before their | | | | how they were able to get same day passports |
| departure dates. All requirements for the type of | | | | without an appointment. |
| passport service you need still apply when visiting | | | | A second option you have if you are unable to |
| a regional agency. | | | | set up an appointment or you just do not have |
| Passport application processing agencies can be | | | | time to get to a regional agency is to authorize a |
| found in several major cities throughout the | | | | professional expediting service to submit your |
| United States. A couple of new centers were | | | | application in your place. Expediters have been |
| opened in 2009 and the State Department has | | | | around for decades and are a reliable means for |
| plans to open another in Buffalo, New York in | | | | getting your passport fast. Just be sure to |
| 2010. Agencies are located in Aurora (Co.), | | | | choose one that allows you to request their |
| Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, | | | | services online and has good reviews and ratings |
| Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, | | | | with prior customers. |
| Norwalk (Ct), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, | | | | If you are in a hurry, applying at a regional |
| Tucson and Washington DC. | | | | passport agency is the fastest way to get a |
| In order to apply for a passport at a regional | | | | passport. Whether you do it yourself or go |
| agency, you first have to set up an appointment | | | | through an expediter, you can obtain your travel |
| by phoning 1-877-487-2778. Due to the high | | | | document as quickly as the same day. |