| The passport is an essential item to take on any | | | | standard government processing service. The |
| trip outside the United States. This precious | | | | documents should be sent in a secure package |
| document can mean the difference between | | | | with confirmation of delivery that will allow the |
| getting out of the U.S. and seeing foreign lands or | | | | item to be tracked. |
| being stuck at home. However, getting a | | | | The standard government processing time for |
| passbook is not the only thing that individuals need | | | | these requests is up to six weeks. This may not |
| to do in order to travel internationally. They also | | | | be fast enough for many travelers so the |
| need have enough blank passport pages in the | | | | government provides an expedited service that |
| book at all times. | | | | costs $60.00. Expediting the paperwork will result |
| When the passbook contains only two to four | | | | in the new passbook being received within three |
| blank pages, it is time to get a refill. If the | | | | weeks.. When this service is elected, it is |
| passbook is not due for renewal, the holder will | | | | recommended that the package be sent via |
| need to have more blank sheets added to the | | | | overnight mailing methods and marked for |
| current document. Those who do not travel | | | | expedited processing. |
| frequently must remember to complete this task | | | | If three weeks is still too long, a passbook holder |
| well in advance of embarking on an international | | | | may opt for a rush processing service offered |
| trip. | | | | through a private company. Rush handling will |
| There is not a lot involved in getting additional | | | | provide the holder with the passbook containing |
| sheets for the passbook. Individuals only need to | | | | additional sheets within as little as 24 hours. The |
| complete the government DS-4085 form.. This | | | | passbook holder will need to pay the private |
| form may be found online at the State | | | | company several hundred dollars for overnight |
| Department Web site and either completed | | | | processing, plus the $60.00 expediting fee charged |
| electronically or by hand. Either way, the | | | | by the government. In addition, shipping charges |
| completed form must be submitted via mail | | | | for overnight mail delivery will be incurred. |
| because the government will not allow for | | | | There will be several additional forms required |
| electronic submission. Handwritten forms should | | | | when using a private company for processing. In |
| contain legible information, so applicants should | | | | addition to the DS-4085 government form, the |
| print clearly when completing the document. | | | | passbook holder must complete a document that |
| If obtaining the form via the Web is not possible, | | | | authorizes the company to act on behalf of the |
| individuals may travel to the Passport Acceptance | | | | individual. Applicants who request processing within |
| Facility or Agency in order to get a copy of the | | | | seven business days or less must submit a copy |
| DS-4085. The completed form and current | | | | of the flight itinerary, airline ticket, or employer |
| passbook must be submitted to the appropriate | | | | authorization letter. Any of these will serve as |
| government agency for processing. There is no | | | | proof that the passbook holder has immediate |
| cost to get more passport pages through the | | | | travel plans. |