How to Renew or Apply for a Passport

 The following is and excerpt from the complete article

I'm in a hurry--my trip is in two weeks!

For expedited service, you can apply by mail or in person at an acceptance facility or a passport agency. For the mail-in, send in the requisite materials plus an additional $60 and overnight delivery costs. Write "Expedited" on the envelope and include your departure date and travel plans on the application. No proof of departure is required. To ensure timely delivery -- two weeks door-to-door -- splurge on two-way overnight delivery. To find an acceptance agency, go the department's Web site and type your zip code into "Where to Apply."

If you're leaving in two weeks or less, don't risk the mail and instead make an appointment with a Passport Agency. Bring with you all of the necessary documents, plus plane tickets or an airline itinerary and the extra $60. In Washington, the center is at 1111 19th St. NW and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can schedule an appointment via automated service at 877-487-2778.

For even faster--but costlier--service, employ a private company that can deliver your passport in a jiffy, say 24 hours. "--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------" Other firms include American Passport Express (800-841-6778, http://www.americanpassport.com/ )

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