How to Obtain a US Passport
You have several options for getting a passport including by mail or using an expedited passport service, like the service offered by Swift.
Option 1: Use an Expedited Passport Service (Swift Passport and Visa Services)
Processing Time: You will have complete control over how fast your passport is processed. Our fastest service is just a few business days and our slowest option is 4-6 weeks.
Benefits: Leverage our expertise to your advantage by gaining access to our passport and visa experts who can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and review your paperwork. Can’t show up in person at a Regional Passport Agency or can’t get an appointment? Another great benefit to using Swift! Have complete control over the number of days your passport takes to process. In the event there IS a problem, Swift will clearly define it for you and help you fix the problem ASAP. A real person will physically take your paperwork to the Passport Agency and check on it daily until it is issued. Once it is issued, we will pick it up from the Passport Agency and ship it back to you via FedEx. Swift will keep you abreast of everything going on with your service to ensure you have real-time updates. Have an unusual case that might cause problems? Swift is a great option for you- we will speak with an agent on your behalf to iron out all problems in the fastest manor possible.
Risks: Not many! If you follow our online instructions to a T, your passport will be issued on time as long as you do not have a warrant out for your arrest, have probation that will prevent you from leaving the country, or owe child support.
Ready to Expedite Your Passport?
Option 2: Normal Passport Processing by Mail
Processing Time: Approximately4-8 weeks, to get the most current estimate on turn-around time,check out the Department of State website.
Benefits: This is the most cost effective method to apply for a passport assuming you are in no hurry to travel, and do not have anything out of the ordinary going on with your application materials. This is the ultimate “do it yourself” route if you do not wish for assistance or have questions about the process.
Risks: Keep in mind that if you make a mistake on your application, you will be mailed a letter detailing the problem, and will have to reply to that letter via mail to correct any problems which will likely delay your processing time. It is not always easy to discuss problems and solutions to the problem with a real person. You will be required to use the U.S. Postal Service to ship the documents to the Passport Agency, and to have the documents returned to you.
Option 3: Expedited Passport Processing by Mail
Processing Time: Approximately 2-3 weeks, to get the most current estimate on turn-around time,check out the Department of State website.
Benefits: Good route to take if you do not wish for assistance or have questions about the process. If you leave in 4-5 weeks, this is a good option, because even if the service is delayed, you have a few weeks to spare and time to deal with any issues. If you leave in 2-3 weeks, this is a good option as long as there are no problems, delays, or issues with the mail, and you don’t mind gambling on everything lining up perfectly in your favor. Sometimes it will, and sometimes it won’t, so be careful if you use this service, and really do intend to leave in 2-3 weeks.
Risks: Keep in mind that if you make a mistake on your application, you will be mailed a letter detailing the problem, and will have to reply to that letter via mail to correct any problems which will likely delay your processing time. It is not always easy to discuss problems and solutions to the problem with a real person. You will be required to use the US Postal Service to ship the documents to the Passport Agency, and to have the documents returned to you.
Option 4: Apply in Person at a Regional Passport Agency
Processing Time: 1 to 8 business days, but the exact turnaround time will depend upon which Regional Passport Agency you visit. In order to get your passport expedited at a Regional Passport Agency, you may also need to make an appointment and/or show that you are traveling out of the country in two weeks or less. Check here to see a list of Passport Agencies or to attempt to make an appointment to appear in person.
Benefits: If you live near a Regional Passport Agency, are able to secure an appointment at least a few days before you travel, and have confirmation from the Passport Agency that they will issue your passport in time for your trip, then this is a great option for you. Make sure you arrive prepared, and be prepared to spend most of your day at the Passport Agency in case they are crowded which is very common.
Risks: Not many! Just make sure to show up prepared, and make sure you schedule an appointment. If you cannot secure an appointment until right before your departure date, get verbal confirmation that they will issue your passport in time for your trip!