A backlog of passport applications has slowed processing and made wait times longer than ever.
But there are still ways to speed up the process, and ALG Vacations asked the pros how to get your passport as quickly as possible.
ALGV reached out to David Alwadish, CEO of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services, for his best advice.
One way to ensure passports are processed is to make sure the photo is taken correctly, he said.
“Not all passport photos are acceptable,” Alwadish said. “According to the State Department, the number one reason passport applications are stopped or put on hold is because the photo does not meet standards,” Alwadish said. “Just because a store, pharmacy or facility is selling passport photos does not mean that their quality meets government standards.”
There’s a lot more that goes into preparing a passport application, and to ensure everything is completed properly, travelers can use an app like ItsEasy Passport Renew & Photo to ensure their photos and application are perfect.
Alwadish noted that the app is “an easy, affordable and convenient way to safely and securely renew your U.S. passport without leaving your home.”
While these services are convenient, Alwadish said travelers should be wary of fees, scams and unfair pricing.
“Some of our passport delivery competitors are blatantly ripping off and misleading their customers with excessive and inappropriate fees, charging service fees of up to $300 for the government’s (standard) 7-9 week or 10-12 week renewal program for services that are free or already charged by the government, while providing less services than what we offer.”
For example, ItsEasy charges $39.95 or $42.95 including photos and shipping.
If you need your passport quickly, it pays to rush the process: A simple service will cost about $40, but if you need your passport quickly, say within 14 business days, the cost can cost hundreds of dollars, Alwadish said.
Find out more about how to get your passport fast here.
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