Expedited US Passports For Children
To travel internationally, one requires a passport from the country of citizenship. Even children need a passport. Be it an airline or a cruise line, the same rule applies provided you are leaving the country. This same rule is applicable for those travelling on land. However, if you are caught unaware, there are expedited pass ports for children as well as adults.
Timetable
A passport takes four to six weeks from the time the application is submitted to receipt of same. If the international trip is urgent, the US Department of State also offers expedited services. These services will shorten the duration of processing and delivery to two weeks.
Expedited Service
The cost implication of the expedited passport is higher than that of the normal passport. The difference will depend on how urgent the passport is required. Non-governmental agencies also offer this service to the populace. They reduce the processing time to a range of 12 days to 24 hours. If the passport is not needed urgently, the cost implication might be reduced.
Government Licensing
Online and offline expediting services are available. Both providers need to get a license from the government in order to operate. This license should be the yardstick used to make a decision. For those that opt for an online agency, provide a valid email address along with other data that you present. This will be used to convey essential information to you. The offline service providers will require a contact phone number.
Payment
There are varieties of payment options. These are also subject to the agency you select. Online agencies provide the following options; PayPal, bank wire, e-check and credit card. The offline agencies accept credit/debit cards, money order, bank deposits and checks. You can then select the most appropriate option that suits you best.
Additional Charages
Asides from the government approved cost for a passport, the agency also charges for their service. Their charges might also come along with other services besides obtaining a passport. This occurs primarily when the agency is also laden with your traveling arrangements.
Parental Involvement
The parents or guardian of a child is actively involved in the entire process. The present laws of the United State stipulate for both parents be available when the application for the passport is submitted. In the absence of parents, guardians are allowed. The role of the parent/guardian also includes paying the required fees. All agencies offering this service are bound by this law.
Book or Card
When applying for infant American passport, you need to specify the nature of passport you want. There is the passport book and the passport card. With the passport book, a minor gets to travel by any means of transportation to any part of the world. The passport card is valid only for land and sea travels. This limits the travel destination to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda. The fees applicable to each of the passports also vary.