Passports Archives - Page 2 of 7 - PassportInfoGuide.com

What can go wrong when using a third party passport expediter?

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of third-party services can be incredibly appealing, especially when it comes to something as crucial as obtaining or renewing a passport. Passport expediters promise to streamline the application process, saving you time and stress. However, while these services can be beneficial, they also come with potential pitfalls. Understanding the risks involved can help you make an informed decision. 1. High Costs with No “REAL” Guarantee One of the most significant drawbacks of using a third-party passport expediter is the cost. These services are expensive, often charging several hundred dollars on top of the regular government fees. Despite the price tag, there is no[…]

Document Requests Pertaining to Research into Passport Courier Companies and the Hand Carry Courier Program

As this website is solely related to US Passports, the Passport Agency, and regulations and procedures encompassing this industry; and as an authority on the subject, I am doing a public interest story about the Department of State Hand Carry Program and government regulation of this industry. Some of what I am looking for can be obtained by FOIA but if anyone is willing to share in order to save me time that would be great: LOAs, any blank Letters of Authorization showing company names and addresses – I am looking to obtain a complete set for all Passport Offices. Any dated DS4283s with any and all customer information[…]

New Waiver Allows Returning to the US With An Expired Passport Until March 31st 2022 – Conditions Apply

In a memo that was released on December 28, the US State Department stated that citizens that meet very specific criteria may return home before March 31, 2022, on expired passport. To be eligible to return to the US using an expired passport you must currently be abroad, and your passport expired after January 1, 2020. In addition to this, the current expired passport must be an original passport (10-year for adults or 5-year for children) no replacement passports, limited issuance passports or temporary passports are eligible for this limited waiver. The passport must be in generally good condition and unaltered in anyway and of course must be in[…]

The Passport Renewal Process is Getting Simplified Thanks to a New Executive Order

Applying for or renewing a passport can be a frustrating and confusing process. The paperwork must be done in a very specific order, in some cases appointments must be made, you must have pictures taken and the list goes on. As with a lot of things, the pandemic has also pointed out flaws in our passport application process, leaving a 3-4 month back log of passports to be processed. The current processing time for passports is 8-11 weeks whereas pre pandemic it only took around 4-6 weeks. In an effort to alleviate the long wait times while also taking a leap into the 21st century, on December 13th, 2021[…]

Passport Application Processing Times Update: December 2021

The Department of State has been working through the backlog and processing additional volume that has resulted in marginal improvement of processing times. As of right now, the standard processing times for passport applications are 8-11 weeks (this includes all transit time) and for expedited service, the processing times increased to 5-7 weeks from 4-6 weeks. The option to visit a regional passport office yourself is also available but only if you have confirmed travel within 2 weeks timeframe. Additionally, the passport offices are once again allowing Passport Expediters to submit applications on behalf of others. Please see Expedited Passports if you are in a hurry and need rush[…]

WARNING: Websites offering PDF document editing for passport forms

There are numerous websites that you may come across that are made to look like websites where you can apply for your passport, they are all in fact selling you a high priced PDF editor that is completely unnecessary and may even get your application suspended if you use it. Google has been allowing these websites to advertise unabated for some time now, in fact Adwords has become infested with these websites even though a PDF editor is completely unnecessary and of no use for filling out your passport application. The Department of State offers an online application form filler tool that you can fill out, make corrections if[…]

Category: Passports