Archive for May, 2011

My Passport is Expired or My Passport is Expiring Soon. What Should I Do? : Rush Passport Blog

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

passport expiredDid you know that adult US Passports are valid for 10 years?  Child passports are good for 5 years.  Is your US passport getting close to the 10 year mark?  If so, it is a good idea to apply for a passport renewal before your passport expires.  If you have an expired passport, you can always get a new passport.  However, it is advisable to get a new passport before the passport expires.  Right now, if I were you, I would immediately stop reading this passport blog article.  Go get your passport, open your passport up and check your passport to see when your passport expires.  It is a good idea to have a valid passport at all times.  You never know when you might need to travel overseas. In the past a passport was not needed to travel to Canada or Mexico.  However, a passport is now required to travel back and forth from the US to all other countries including Mexico and Canada.  A valid US passport gives you the flexibility to travel whenever needed.

It is best to find your old passport (if possible) when attempting to renew an expired passport.  At the time of the passport renewal, it is a good idea to hand in the expired passport.  The old passport will be returned along with the new passport.

When applying for a passport renewal, you will also require new passport photos.  You will need two copies of the passport photograph to be attached to your passport application. At Rush Passport™ , we feature professional passport photo services on the premises. 

When renewing your passport, it is advisable to get a US passport card while you’re at it.  A passport card in addition to the passport book is of high value, especially to travelers planning to visit Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Lost Passport? Stolen Passport? Advice from Rush Passport Regarding What Steps to Take When Your Passport is Missing or Your Passport is Stolen

Friday, May 27th, 2011

passportHave you lost your passport?  Has your passport been lost or stolen?  Surely, you understand that your US passport is a very important travel document that is to be protected.  However, what is a person to do if their passport has been lost or if their passport has been stolen?  If your passport has been lost or stolen, then it goes without saying that you should take action as soon as possible. 

If you have lost your passport, the steps vary depending on whether or not you are currently in the US or outside of the US.  If you are overseas when you lose your passport or have your passport stolen, then you are advised to contact the nearest US Embassy as soon as possible.

For people who are in the US at the time that the passport is lost should contact the United States Department of State toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.  Upon speaking with the US Dept of State they will invalidate your old passport.  Once a passport has been invalidated, it cannot be revalidated.  A new passport must be applied for.

The definition of a passport emergency is when you need your passport for travel within the next 14 days.  People who meet this criteria may apply for an expedited passport.  You will need to provide proof of citizenship, identification, 2 passport photos , the completed passport application and the necessary passport fees.

It is possible to get a same day passport if needed.  Instead of canceling your travel plans, it is a better idea to check if you are eligible for a same day passport.  You will need to present proof of pending travel overseas to take place within the next 14 days to qualify for an expedited passport.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passport Security About to Get a Huge Boost: Israeli Passports Will Be Employing Biometric Technology

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Passports in Israel are about to get a makeover.  After putting the passport revisions off for years, now Israel has decided to enter the biometric passport age.  In the next few months, Israeli citizens will be expected to exchange their old passports for newer ones.

passport israelPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to hold a special meeting to discuss biometric passports and the best way to implement them in Israel.

The goal is for the new Israeli passport to be the most secure passport in the world.  There will be many new security features.

The new passport is slated to be an e-passport complete with a wireless communications computer chip. The passport chip will hold secure data about the passport holder including a passport photo, fingerprints, birthdate and signature.  There will also be special features that prevent passport fraud.  As for the printing of the Israeli passport, that will be done in France.

The passport data will be printed directly onto the passport itself instead of being printed on a sticker.  The passport will also features data only visible under ultraviolet light.  It is said that the passport will include an image of a Star of David as well as letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

While over 100 countries have employed biometric passports, Israel feels that it is better late than never.  It is not surprising that the current Israeli passport is widely considered to be among the least secure passports across the globe.

It is good to see that Israel is on board with bringing passport security to the forefront of the new passport initiative.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Rush Passport: Frommer’s Top 12 Destinations for 2011 – You Won’t Believe Who Made the List

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

ny passport officeNeed a US passport?  Thinking about applying for a US passport?  Now is a great time to apply for a passport.  Travel season is coming soon and people start searching for their passports.  Some people will find out that their passports have been lost or stolen.  Some of those people will need emergency passports, same day passport, rush passports and expedited passports.  Actually, those are all the same thing… and that’s what we do here at Rush Passport™.  We are registered passport expeditors of the US Department of State and foreign consulates.

There are some places that we would suggest avoiding for the time being, such as Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Bahrain.  Those areas have recently required US Consular Affairs workers to evacuate U.S. citizens.

However, according to Frommer’s, the top 12 destinations for passport holders to visit in 2011 are as follows: 

  1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  2. Santiago, Chile
  3. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
  4. Taipei, Taiwan
  5. Hokkaido, Japan
  6. Ponza & the Pontine Islands, Italy
  7. Kent Coast, England
  8. Stockholm, Sweden
  9. Doha, Qatar
  10. Cesme Peninsula, Turkey
  11. Atlanta, Georgia (US passport not needed for travel)
  12. Nahanni National Park, Canada 

Ireland won the reader’s choice award for the top destination.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passports are About to Become More Secure Thanks to a New Discovery in the UK: Rush Passport

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

Passport security is important to many countries around the world.  Much thought is put in to creating a passport that is difficult to forge.  Fraudulent passports can present a danger to a country’s security.  New technology is constantly being harnessed to produce the most secure passport in the world.

Secure US PassportThe US passport is considered to be one of the most secure passports in the world.  That may be about to change as scientists in the UK have created a substance that may revolutionize the passport industry.   In an effort to protect the integrity of passports, the scientists have developed a pigment-free polymer that can make passports very difficult to copy.

While this doesn’t guard against a person using forged documents to obtain a passport, it makes it more difficult to actually create a fake passport.

This new substance can not only be used in passports, but may also be applied to money.  The part of the technology that makes this difficult to counterfeit is the chemistry involved in making the material.  It has been compared to the way that nature creates color for butterfly wings.

Here at Rush Passport™, we welcome any new technology that will make the US passport more secure.  We hope that this substance proves to be a viable way to thwart passport fraud.  As always, we look forward to new technology that can be employed towards making the US passport as secure as possible.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

I Lost My Passport! What Should I Do? My Passport Was Stolen!: Rush Passport Blog

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Lost Passport?  Stolen Passport?

Passport lost?  Is your passport lost or has your passport been stolen?  As you know, your US passport is a very important document that must be protected.  However, it is possible to lose your passport or have your passport stolen if you are not careful.  If your passport has been lost or stolen, then you should take action as quickly as possible. 

US passportIf you have lost your passport and you are overseas, you must contact the nearest US Embassy as soon as possible.  The embassy will supply you with instructions on how to replace the missing passport. 

However, if you are in the US, and you have lost your US passport, you must contact the US Dept of State at 1-877-487-2778 to invalidate your passport.  Remember that once your passport has been reported missing, it cannot be revalidated.  A new passport must be issued.

If you have a passport emergency and need your passport for travel within the next 14 days, then you may apply for an expedited passport.  You will need to present proof of citizenship, identification, 2 passport photos and you must fill out the passport application and pay the passport fees.

Did you know that you can get a same day passport if needed?  Some people just assume that they must cancel their travel plans, but you may be eligible for a same day passport as long as your trip is within 14 days.  You will need to provide proof of pending travel to qualify for an expedited passport.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

How Long Does it Take to Get a US Passport?:Rush Passport, Official Expediters of US Passports Makes Getting a US Passport Easy

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

passportDo you need a US passport?  Do you need a US passport now?  Do you have a passport emergency?  If you do not have a valid passport and you have travel plans within the next 14 days, then you may be eligible for an expedited passport.  If not, then the wait for a passport can be up to 8 weeks.

If you would like to know how long it takes to get a passport, the answer is not that simple.  There are many factors that come into play.  First, it depends on when, where and how the passport application is submitted.

Here are some factors that can affect the amount of time it takes for a person to get a passport:

  1. When the passport is applied for is a factor when it comes to determining how long it will take for a passport application to be filled.  To get a passport quickly, you may want to plan out the time of year in which you submit your passport application.  It should be noted that the busiest time of the year to submit a passport application is during summer months.  It may be a good idea to get a passport during off peak periods of the year.  But, when you need a passport right away, you can always apply for an expedited passportRush Passport™ can get you a same day passport as long as you have a travel itinerary stating that you will be departing within 2 weeks.
  2. Where a person submits the passport application can effect the passport turnover time.  If you are applying for a passport at the US passport office or through the USPS, it can take up to 3 months for a person to receive a US passport. However, if you require a passport immediately or are in the middle of  a passport emergency, you should visit Rush Passport™, Official Expediters of US Passports.
  3. How a person applies for a passport can effect the amount of time it takes for a person to get a passport.  The traditional way of submitting a passport application through the USPS or the US passport office can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months.  But, if you have a passport emergency or if you need to get your passport faster, you can utilize Rush Passport™ Passport Expediting Service and get your passport on the same day that you apply.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

How to Get a Passport Quick: Rush Passport

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

ny passport officeWith the busy summer travel season approaching, it is a good time to apply for your passport.  The number of passport applications always increase at this time of year.  During the busy passport season, it can take much longer to obtain a first time passport or to a passport renewal.  Most people are not willing to wait a long time for a passport –especially if they have an overseas trip planned.

If you cannot wait to get a passport, then there are some options to consider:

To Get a Passport Quick

  • Hopeful travelers who need a passport in less than 6-10, may decide to the US State Department an additional $60 plus overnight delivery fees in order to expedite the passport process.  This expedited passport option can cut the wait for your passport to approximately 3-4 weeks.  The State Department has a service that can expedite passport requests including passport applications for a new passportpassport renewals and amendments to an existing passport.

To Get a Passport Quicker

  • If it is necessary to get a passport in less than 14 days, then you can schedule an in-person appointment Rush Passport™ .  Feel free to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week TOLL FREE at (877) 937-7277.  You will need to show proof that you are traveling abroad within 14 days and that you will need a passport.  You will need a flight itinerary or cruise itinerary.  In some cases a letter from your company or travel agency may be sufficient.

To Get a Passport Quickest

  • If you need to get a passport in anywhere from 1 to 10 days, to play it safe you will need to contact a passport expediting company that is registered to expedite passports with the US Department of State.  Rush Passport™ is such as company and can arrange all of the necessary steps for you to receive your passport.  In order to qualify for an expedited passport, you will need to provide proof that you are traveling within 14 days. 

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

Passport Frequently Asked Questions: Rush Passport

Friday, May 13th, 2011

passportFrequently Asked Passport Questions

Passport applicants have a lot of questions when it comes to getting a passport.  Here are some commonly asked questions that people have when it comes to getting a US passport.

At what age is a person considered an adult when applying for a US passport?
Passport applicants over the age of 16 years old are considered adults.

At what age can you apply for a passport?
Parents may apply for passports for their newborn babies.

Should I sign the passport application before arriving at the passport agency?
No, do not sign the passport application until you are instructed to do so by the passport agent.

Do I need to apply for a passport in person if this is my first US passport?
Yes, if you are applying for a first time US passport, you must apply in person.

Do I need to apply in person for a passport if my previous passport was lost or stolen?
Yes, if your passport has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for the replacement passport in person.

My passport has been expired for quite some time, can I just mail in the old passport and receive a new one?
No, if your previous US passport was issued more than 15 years ago, then you will need to apply in person.

I heard that there is a new passport regulation that went into effect as of April 1, 2011 requiring the names of both parents to appear on the passport applicant’s birth certificate.  Is this correct?
Yes, as of April 1, 2011, all birth certificates must also include the full names of the passport applicant’s parents.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida

How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?:Rush Passport, Official Expediters of US Passports

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

ny passport officeNeed a passport?

How long does it take to get a passport?  The answer to this question “How long does it take to get a passport?” depends on various factors.  The amount of time that it takes to receive a passport depends on when, where and how you apply for the passport.

  1. When a Person Applies For a Passport.   In order to receive your passport quickly, you may want to consider the time of year that you choose to submit your passport application.  The busiest time of the year to submit a passport application is during the summer months.  It may be quicker to try getting a passport during off peak periods of the year.  However, if you need a passport right away, you can always opt for an expedited passport.  Rush Passport™ can get you a same day passport if need be.
  2. Where a Person Applies for a Passport.  If you apply for a passport at the US passport office or through the United States Postal Service, it can take up to 3 months to receive your passport. However, if you need a passport right away, you can opt for visiting Rush Passport™, Official Expediters of US Passports.
  3. How a Person Applies for a Passport.  The traditional way of submitting a passport application through the United Postal Service of US passport office can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months.  However, if you have a passport emergency or if you need to get your passport quicker, you can use Rush Passport™ Passport Expediting Service and get your passport on the same day that you apply.

If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida