Are you facing a long wait for your US passport renewal? If you have some international trips booked in the next few months, you may be wondering whether you’ll be able to receive your documents in time. With US travelers waiting months to secure a new passport, many are looking for new ways to get new passports fast. One travel hack you need to know about is getting a Secondary Passport in the US.
If you qualify for this fast passport application you can substantially cut down on the time it takes to secure your travel documents before your next flight. In the article below, we will talk you through the process of how and where to get a fast passport for US citizens.
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What is a Secondary Passport?
A secondary passport US or limited validity passport is available to certain travelers if they meet the set criteria we will detail below. This limited-validity passport can be used for up to four years and can help you to get a new passport fast in an emergency when you face a long wait for your regular passport renewal.
What are the Criteria for a Secondary Passport US?
Not everyone can apply for another passport and before you start applying for this fast passport US option, you need to make sure that you meet the requirements. Here are the conditions you need to meet in order to be approved.
You need to meet at least one of the following three requirements:
· Do you have stamps in your current passport which could result in you being denied entrance into another country? (For example, are you traveling to certain countries in the Middle East with an Israeli entry or exit stamp in your current passport?)
· Are you going to need to apply for multiple visas due to more than one international trip? If this results in your current passport being out of your possession for a period, you may qualify for a secondary passport US.
· Do you need a special travel validation for a trip to a restricted area or country?
· Will you need a US passport for an urgent international trip but your foreign visa application processing is delayed?
· Does your job require you to travel frequently? Under some circumstances travel journalists, pilots, and flight attendants may qualify for this method to get a new passport fast.
If you travel frequently, you can also request for your secondary passport to have more stamp pages included. This doesn’t cost anything extra and will enable you to travel more with this new travel document.
How to Apply for a Secondary Passport US?
There are two different options when you are looking for where to get a fast passport. The best choice will depend on your travel situation and why you are applying for a secondary passport in the first place.
Form DS-82
This is the standard method for secondary passport requests. But it will require you to send in your current passport with your application. If your passport is currently unavailable to you due to Visa or other issues – then you need to choose the second option.
Form DS-11
This is the same form you would fill in if you are applying for your first-ever passport or haven’t had a passport for 15 years+. This option doesn’t require you to send in your current passport with your application.
To use this option, you need to submit your passport application at an acceptance facility in person. You can check on the US Gov website to find your nearest center. This can be a post office, local government office, public library, or clerk’s office.
To submit your application in person, you need to make an appointment with your nearest facility. You cannot just show up with your paperwork and expect to be seen.
What Do You Need to Provide During the Application Process?
- Bring your printed application form for your secondary passport.
- You will be required to submit a signed statement detailing why you need to apply for a secondary passport US.
- You will also need to provide your proof of citizenship with your application. If you don’t currently have your passport, this could be your birth certificate.
- A new passport photo (two copies) will also need to be provided.
What Should You Include in Your Statement with Your Application?
You need to outline why you are applying for a secondary passport US. Detail why you need to apply for one, the upcoming trips that you need it for, and any supporting evidence. If you need to travel for work, this could include a letter from your employer detailing your job and why you need to travel.
How Much Does the Process Cost?
Passport processing fees will vary according to your details. You can head to this page to consult the Travel.State.Gov fee calculator and PDF breakdown. An adult application for a passport book will cost $130. If you want to expedite the process you can pay $60 for faster service. For quicker shipping once your passport is processed, you can pay $19.53 for 1-2 day shipping.
You will also need to pay a $35 acceptance fee when submitting your passport application in person at an acceptance center.
You can Track your Passport Application Online
If you are becoming worried about how long your application is taking, you can track your application using the online tracker. You may not be able to track your application for the first two weeks after you have submitted the form.
Takeaway - This Trick Could Help you Bypass Long Waits for Passport Renewals
A secondary passport may be a viable choice for you if you are looking for alternatives to a lengthy wait for your current documents. However, you can only apply if you meet certain requirements. And although it can be a significant help in enabling your booked travel, processing times can vary. So, it’s best not to bank on this method to get a new passport fast until the last minute.
How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?
When preparing for your next vacation, it is easy to let your passport expiration date fall by the wayside as you concentrate on more apparent tasks, such as booking transport to the airport and coming up with travel itineraries.
