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 passports for children as well as adults.

Timetable

The application for a passport takes about six weeks. Sometimes, it might take less time but never below four weeks. Expedited service is available for those who want to speed up the processing period. This can shorten the duration of wait from six weeks to two weeks. This expedited service is available at the US Department of State.

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

These agencies include Internet based and office based services. The decisive factor that should be deployed in making a choice is if they are government licensed. Once your selection is made, you will have to provide them with the necessary information to begin the application. If you chose an online agency, you should provide them with a valid email by which you can be contacted. Offline agencies will require a phone number they can reach you on.

Payment

The method of payment also varies in regard to the choice of service provider. PayPal, credit card, bank wire and other electronic means of payment are available for the online passport agencies. The offline agencies have the option of bank deposits, credit cards, bank wire, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards. The most convenient payment plan can assist in choosing an agency to patronize.

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 US pasport, 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.

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