A traveler’s worst nightmare, while preparing for an international trip, is to discover that they do not have their passport. The document may have expired before the traveler realized the date or, even worse, the document may have been lost or stolen. Travelers may still be able to follow through with their travel plans if they obtain an expedited United States passport card within two weeks of their date of travel.

In certain cases, a traveler must apply in-person at a local agency after an expedited lost U S passport. Applicants under the age of sixteen or who were younger than sixteen when their first card was obtained must apply in-person as an adult. Also, people applying for their first card or people whose document was previously stolen or lost,must make a personal appointment with their local agency. Additionally, any document over fifteen years old must be renewed in person and any name changes, which cannot be documented, must be accounted for in person.

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.

Applicants may call their local agency to make an appointment. Over the telephone, applicants must follow automated prompts in order to set their appointment time. When the call ends, applicants will have a confirmation number, an appointment time and the office address.

Expedited applications require added documentation. In addition to the application, identification, photo, and fee, expedited applicants must bring evidence of the date they plan to leave the country. Usually, a travel agency itinerary or an airline e-ticket is accepted as evidence by the agency.

Applicants for renewal, with only a little more time, may apply by mail. To apply by mail, applicants should fill out the DS-1 and should write a check for the application fee plus the rush charge. Then, applicants should put all materials in a manila letter-sized envelope, addressed to the correct agency, with the word “expedited” written on the front.

If using a private expediter, applications should take precautions. Applicants should start by exploring online to see if any other travelers have posted comments about the company. Also, applicants should scroll down to the bottom of the company’s web page, obtain a telephone number and call it to confirm its authenticity.

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 USA Passport card or expedited lost American 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.