Expedited Passports

Travel writers have an awesome job.  I mean, really, getting paid to travel the world,  see cool stuff, eat delicious local foods, etc.  Awesome!

If you’ve always wanted to become a travel writer but aren’t sure how to get started, there’s a new online course available to help you get your feet wet.  The Matador Network, which bills itself as the world’s largest independent travel magazine, is offering a program called MatadorU aimed at teaching aspiring travel writers the tricks of the trade.

According to this review of the course on the Sharing Experiences website, for $225 you’ll get professional critiques of your work to help you improve your writing style, information on how to pitch articles and how to find job leads, and information on how to build your career using tools like social media.

In addition to tips from industry insiders, the MatadorU course also comes with a guarantee-if you don’t like it, you can cancel within 3 weeks to get your money back. All in all, it doesn’t seem like a bad deal-especially compared to learning the craft of travel writing the traditional way, through the school of hard knocks!

Of course, for an aspiring travel writer, there are a few accessories that you absolutely won’t be able to go without.  Obviously, you’ll need either a laptop,  or a pen and paper if you’re old-fashioned. You’ll also need a valid US passport.

Since many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your trip, you should renew your passport well before it expires. In most cases, you can renew your passport by mail- see Passport Renewal or a New Passport? to see if you will be eligible for passport renewal by mail.

Remember, it can take at least 6 weeks to renew your passport using normal processing, and at least 3 weeks if you use the government’s expedited processing.  If you need your passport renewed more quickly, an expediting agency is the easiest and fastest way to go. With RushMyPassport.com, y0u could have your passport renewal processed in as little as 24 hours!

Renew your passport with us today!

Where can you go to apply for a passport renewal in New York City? Actually, most people are eligible to renew their passports by mail and do not have to go to the New York Passport Office. There’s no need to apply in person unless one of the following statements are true:

• Your old passport has been lost or stolen. You must turn it in with your passport renewal application.
• Your passport was issued when you were under the age of 16 or was issued more than 15 years ago.
• You have changed your name on your US passport and you don’t have legal documentation of the name change.

If any of the above statements apply to you, you are not eligible to renew by mail and must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility, usually a library or a post office, for a brand-new passport.  If you are eligible to renew by mail, you can fill out passport renewal form DS-82 and send it in to the US Department of State. You’ll need to include the following documents:

• Your old US passport.
• Two passport photos
• Legal proof of any name changes since you got your last passport, i.e. a court order, marriage certificate or divorce certificate.
• A check or money order for the $75.00 application fee, plus an additional $60 if you need your passport expedited.

Easy enough, right? Well, as that old song goes, “the waiting is the hardest part.” If you apply with regular service, you can expect to wait at least 6 weeks for your new passport to arrive in the mail. If you apply with the government’s expedited service, it will take at least 3 weeks.  (more…)

What do you do if you live in Chicago and you need to get your passport renewed? No matter where you live, the first step is to figure out whether you are eligible to renew your passport by mail, or whether you will have to apply again in person. You can renew by mail if you meet all of the following qualifications:

• You were at least 16 years old when your last passport was issued.
• Your passport is less than 15 years old.
• Your passport hasn’t been lost, damaged 0r stolen.
• If your name has changed, you have the legal documents to prove it.

If you qualify t0 renew your passport by mail, simply fill out passport renewal form DS-82 and send it in along with:

• Two passport photos
• A $75 check or money order
• Legal documentation of any name changes (more…)

How do you know if you should renew your old passport or simply apply for a new one? Can you renew your passport if your old passport is expired? Here’s how to know for sure:

Passport Renewal

If you meet all of the qualifications listed below, you can renew your passport instead of having to apply for a new one:

• You still have your old US passport, and it is undamaged and in good condition.
• You were past your 16th birthday when you got your old passport.
• Your passport is no more than 15 years old.
• If you’ve changed your name since your last passport was issued, you have legal documentation to support the name change.

New Passport

• If your passport has been lost or damaged, you must apply in person for a new passport.
• If you were under the age of 16 when you got your current passport, you need to apply for a new one.
• If you’re passport is more than 15 years old, you’ll need a new one.
• If you’ve changed your name and don’t have the applicable paperwork, you’ll also need to apply for a new passport.

What’s the difference between applying for a passport renewal instead of a new passport? Passport renewals can be done through the mail.  Simply fill out Passport Renewal Form DS-82 and include two identical passport photos along with a check for government fees ($75.00 plus $60.00 if you want to use the government’s expedited service).

When applying for a new passport, you have to go in person to a passport acceptance facility and fill out form DS-11, Application for a New Passport. Since you have to apply in person, you’ll pay a $25.00 execution fee in addition to the fees listed above.  Plus, you’ll need to bring proof of identity and proof of citizenship.

After you’ve submitted your application, all you have to do is have patience and wait for your passport to arrive in the mail. It can take 2 to 3 months for regular government service, and expedited service through the government takes at least 3 weeks.

If you need your passport sooner than that, a private passport expediting company can help.  For an additional fee, an expediting company will help you with your passport paperwork and deliver it by hand to the Department of State for faster processing. With an expediting company, you can have your passport processed in as little as 24 hours, although there are various processing times and price points available to meet your needs.

Don’t get stuck waiting for your passport-apply for a passport renewal or a new passport today!

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to start planning your family’s summer vacation. Where are you going this year? If you’re not sure, take a look at these top 5 summer vacation destinations. Remember, you need to renew your passport now if you want to travel this summer!

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic- Punta Cana is becoming an increasingly well-known playground for American tourists.  Gorgeous pink sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts are the main attractions here.
• London- See London without the fog! In the summer, nicer-than-usual weather brings Londoners out into the city streets to party.
• Argentina- Do you hate hot weather? Escape to the Southern Hemisphere! When it’s summer in the US, it’s winter here. The best skiing is from June to September, so come on down and play in the snow!
• Vancouver Island- Destinations for Leisure has an interesting post up that describes this Canadian island off the coast of British Columbia. If you can’t decide between playing in the ocean and playing in the mountains, this might be the place for you. Bonus: the island is known for its excellent seafood.
• Scandinavia- During summertime, the Scandinavian countries (Norway,  Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland) turn into the land of the midnight sun. With 24 hours of sunlight, the day doesn’t end until you pull the shades down in your hotel room.

Thinking about traveling to another country this summer? Pull out your passport and check the expiration date! If you have less than 6 months left, you may need to renew your passport before you travel. At this point, a private passport expediting service may be your best bet. Regular passport processing often takes 2 or even 3 months, and even the government’s expedited service takes at least 3 weeks.

Why wait that long? With an expediting company, you can renew your passport in as little as 24 hours, with no need to make an appointment or wait in line at a Regional Passport Agency.

For hassle-free summer travel, renew your passport with us today!

How long your passport will remain valid depends on what type of passport you’ve received.  Child passports issued to children ages 16 and under are only valid for 5 years after the date they were printed. Passports issued to adults and teens aged 16 and older are generally valid for 10 years.

However, in certain circumstances, such as an emergency trip or to replace a passport that was lost or stolen overseas, the Department of State will issue a limited passport. A limited passport is usually only valid for one year. However, once you are back in the United States, you do  have the option of converting it to a regular passport with the appropriate documents.

The new passport card is valid for the same length of time as regular passport-10 years for adults and teens aged 16 or older, and 5 years for kids aged 15 and under. However, remember that whether it’s expired or not, the passport card cannot be used for air travel. You need a passport book if you are flying to another country.

If the expiration date on your passport is approaching,  it’s a good idea to check the travel requirements of the country you are visiting before you leave. Even though a passport is still technically valid until the expiration date, many countries require that you have at least 6 months left or they won’t let you in.

The Department of State recommends renewing your passport at least 9 months before it expires. At the bare minimum, you should allow at least 2 months for your passport renewal to be processed with regular processing.

If you need your passport renewed in a hurry, your best bet is to use a private passport expediting company. A good expediting company will give you instructions on filling out the paperwork, so your application goes through the first time. They will also hand-deliver it to the US Passport Agency for you for super-fast processing, so your new passport can be on its way to you in as little as 24 hours.

Don’t wait until it’s too late…renew your passport today!

There are a couple of different options when it comes to passport renewal in Miami, Florida. First, you may be able to renew by mail. Passport renewal by mail is an option for you if:

• You have your old US passport and it has not been damaged or mutilated.
• You got your old passport when you were 16 or older and it is less than 15 years old.
• You have legal documentation to submit for any name changes.

If you have to apply in person, you can find the nearest Passport Application Acceptance Facility and submit your application there.  Be sure to apply early and allow at least a couple of months to receive your passport with regular processing. Even with the government’s expedited processing option, it can still take at least 3 weeks for you to receive your new passport.

If you are traveling or need to apply for a visa in 14 days or less, you can schedule an appointment with the Miami Regional Passport Agency office. This can be somewhat of a hassle.  Appointments are free, but only available from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, so most people will have to get time off work. You cannot be more than 15 minutes early to the appointment, or they won’t let you in. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you have to schedule a new appointment.

Even after you arrive at your appointment, you may not be seen immediately. Instead, you will have to take a number and wait to be called. Waiting times can vary depending on how busy the office is.

If you don’t have time to go through all of that, there is an easier way to get fast  passport renewal services in Miami. RushMyPassport.com, one of the nation’s leading passport expediters, can expedite your passport renewal from our office near Miami in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Our services are nationwide, but if you live in Miami you can drop your application off at our office and pick your passport up when its ready, instead of having to FedEx your application materials. There’s no need for an appointment, and we offer processing times as low as 24 hours.  We’re open from 9 am to 6 pm, so we also have more convenient hours than the Miami Regional Passport Agency office.

Renew your passport with us today!

Passports are not just important travel documents. They also provide a record of where you’ve been. Each time you visit a new country, you get a new stamp on your passport.  The US Department of State understands that passports mean  a lot to people, so after you renew your passport, they’ll cancel the old one and send it back to you.

What can you do with an expired passport? You can’t travel with it, of course. You can leave it in a drawer and flip through it occasionally when you feel like reminiscing about trips you’ve taken in the past. But why not be a little more creative? Here are some other ideas:

Make a Scrapbook

If you (or a family member) likes to scrapbook, why not create a scrapbook based on your cancelled passport? Along with the stamped passport pages, you can include photographs from the trips you’ve taken and mementos like pressed flowers or train tickets. If you like to journal in your scrapbooks, you can include a written description of some of your favorite moments from each adventure.

Remember, if you damage or mutilate your passport before it expires, you’ll have to get a new one before you can travel again.  So, if your passport is still valid, you might want to start the scrapbook now, while your memory is still fresh, and leave spaces to add passport pages and visa stamps once the passport has expired. (more…)

If you’re planning on traveling outside the US with an expired passport, you’re out of luck.  A valid US passport is required for international travel. The only exception to this rule is if you’re traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. In that case, you’ll be able to get by with your photo ID and a birth certificate until June 1st.  After that, the rules change, and you’ll need a valid passport. For more information, see “Do I Need a Passport to Go to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean?”

If you’re traveling outside the country and you are going anywhere other than Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, you need to have a passport and it needs to be valid. In fact, many countries require you to have at least 6 months left before the expiration date on your passport.

If you try to travel with an expired passport, you probably won’t be allowed on the plane.  Even if the airline doesn’t catch that your passport is expired, you’ll certainly run into problems when you try to get your passport stamped after you land.

So, don’t risk turning your vacation into a bureaucratic nightmare. Check the expiration date on your passport before you book your trip! Ordinarily, it takes at least a couple of months to get your passport renewed in the mail. However, if you have a trip coming up in the near future and you notice that your passport is expired, don’t panic. You can get an emergency passport!

The easiest way to get an emergency passport is to use a private passport expediting company. You don’t have to make an appointment or wait in line. All you have to do is fill out the paperwork for your passport renewal, send it to the expediting company along with all the necessary supporting documents, and the expediting company will hand-deliver it to the US Department of State for faster processing. Your new passport can be on its way back to you in as little as 24 hours!

Don’t risk trying to travel on an expired passport. Renew your passport with us today!

If your child’s passport is expired, you should be aware that the procedures for passport renewal are different for children than they are for adults.  In many cases, adults have the option to renew their passports by mail. That is not the case for children.

Children who need passport renewal services must apply for a new passport again in person.  If your child is under 16 and needs to renew his or her passport, here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Fill out  Passport Application Form DS-11 at a Passport Acceptance Facility.
• Bring proof of citizenship for the child.
• Bring evidence of your relationship to the child. This could include: birth certificate with both parents’ names, a Report of Birth Abroad with both parents’ names, adoption decree with both parents’ names, or a court order establishing custody or guardianship.
• Proof of identity for both parents.
• Both parents must appear in person to provide consent for the child’s passport to be renewed.
• If both parents cannot be present, you’ll need one of the following documents: A notarized statement of consent from the absent parent, or evidence that the parent who brought the child in has sole custody (see Passport Services for Children for a list of what the US Passport Agency will accept).
• If neither parent can bring the child, a third party can bring the child in to apply for passport renewal with a notarized statement of consent from both parents or a notarized statement from one parent with evidence that the parent has sole custody of the child.
• When you bring your child in to apply, you will need two acceptable passport photos, the $60.00 application fee, the $25.00 execution fee and a $60.00 expedite fee if you need expedited service.

If Your Child is 16-17

• He or she still needs to appear in person to apply for a passport renewal and fill out form DS-11.
• Bring proof of citizenship for the child.
• If the child does not have his or her own proof of identity, the parent’s proof of  identity can be used instead.
• Only one parent has to accompany the child.
• Bring 2 passport photos, the application fee of $75.00, the execution fee of $25.00 and an additional $60.00 fee if expedited service is required.

If you need to get your child’s passport renewed quickly, a private passport expediting company offers a convenient option for faster service.  When you renew your child’s passport with an expediting company, his or her passport application can be processed in as little as 24 hours.  Renew your child’s passport with RushMyPassport.com today!