Sometimes, the time approaches for an international vacation and travelers find themselves without a passport. Their document may be lost or stolen or it may have expired before the traveler realizes what has occurred. In these cases, however, travelers still have hope to obtain an expedited passport card. In fact, by following the correct procedure, travelers may obtain cards within two weeks.
Certain applicants for cards after an expedited lost pasport must always apply in person. Applicants who are applying for their first passport, who are under the age of sixteen or who were under the age of sixteen when they obtained their first card must apply in person at a local agency. Also, if a previous document is more than fifteen years old or if the applicant has a name change, which cannot be legally documented, an in-person application is required. In addition, any person, whose passport was previously lost or stolen must apply in person at a local agency.
The State Department has a specific application procedure. Applicants must fill out the DS-11 form but should not sign it until instructed by the Acceptance Agent. At the agency, applicants should submit their DS-11, evidence of US citizenship and a form of identification. Also, applicants should photocopy their identification documents, pay the fee including the added rush charge and provide an appropriate photo for their card.
To make an appointment, applicants should call their nearest agency. An automated process will guide applicants through the process of making an appointment. At the end of the call, applicants will be given the office address, the appointment time, and a confirmation number.
Applicants for expedited cards will need additional documentation. In addition to all other application requirements, travelers will need to supply evidence that they are leaving the country within two weeks of the application date. An e-ticket or an itinerary from a travel agency is usually sufficient to prove the travel dates.
Renewal applicants with more time may send their application by mail. In a manila, letter-sized envelope, applicants should enclose their DS-11 and their check for the application fee, including charges for expediting. Then, the envelope should be addressed to the appropriate agency and the word “expedited” should be written on the face of the envelope before mailing.
Applicants should do research before choosing a private expediter. An important step is to go to the provider’s website to obtain a telephone number and to call it to prove the company’s existence and accuracy. Another step is to check for comments about the provider online to find out what other customers had to say about the service.
While it may take some time for them to appear online, applications may be tracked through a website set up by the State Department. If travelers follow procedure accurately, they will be secure in the knowledge that their expedited United States passport card or expedited lost passport will arrive in time for travel. Cards may be obtained from local agencies, provided that the applicant appears in-person with completed documentation and pays the extra charge for expediting.

