It seems like forever ago I was planning my trip to London, but I leave tomorrow. When I first booked the trip I was unable to find my passport and tried to request a new one. After a few weeks I had not heard back from the passport agency. The Passport Agency expedites passports for a $60 fee, but for the same $60 fee you can get a passport in one day. To obtain a same day passport you must visit the local passport agency location and have proof of international travel within 14 days.
Preparing For A Same Day Passport
If you are hoping to obtain a same day passport it is important to begin the process within the 14 day window prior to your international departure. To begin the process, you must first find and call your local passport agency. A list of local agencies can be found here. When you call you are prompted to enter some personal information. Once entered you are prompted to schedule your appointment. I scheduled my appointment during the lunch hour which was a huge mistake. When I went the agency was very crowded with several same day travelers. I was honestly shocked by the number of people unaware of their passport’s expiration date.
Even though the passport agency was packed, the process was fairly painless. You just need to make sure to have all required documentation when checking in. According to the Chicago Passport Agency website the following documentation is required for an appointment:
- Appointment confirmation number
- Proof of international travel
- Completed forms
- All required supporting documents (including one photo and a front and back photocopy of identification)
- A major Credit Card, Debit/Check card (not ATM cards), Check, Bank Draft, Cash (Exact Change), or Money Order to cover the application and expedited fees
Checking In At The Passport Agency
Once you arrive at the passport agency you are asked for the required documents above. Once yor documents are reviewed and approved you are handed a set of forms to complete. The forms are the same forms found online. For same day passports, the passport agency website states to complete the forms on-site rather than online. Once the required forms are completed you are directed to wait for an available agent.
Applying For A Same Day Passport
When your number is called you are directed to an agent who reviews your completed application forms and required documents. I was able to use my cell phone as my proof of international travel. After a quick review, you are prompted to pay $170 for the passport and expedition fee. I opted to add extra pages for no additional fee since I have fairly lofty travel goals for the next 10 years. Shortly after paying the fee, I was informed of some unfortunate news. I was informed passports can’t be picked up same day unless traveling on that day or the morning following! I applied on a Wednesday and was informed my passport would be available on Friday. Not the same day service I anticipated. Sure, this wasn’t a huge problem, but it would have been nice to go in with that expectation.
Same Day Passport Loophole?
Personally, the idea of waiting for the same day sounds terrifying. I scheduled my appointment a week prior to departing to make sure I would have my new passport. I do think there is a pretty simple work around though. Personally, I would schedule my appointment over a week prior to my original departure. Then when the appointment is scheduled, I’d book a refundable flight on the appointment date. This way you are eligible for a same day passport pickup AND guarantee you have your passport prior to the trip you’ll actually be taking. Once you have your passport in hand you’d cancel the refundable ticket for, well, a full refund. This is similar to the international first class lounge access trick discussed by Gary Leff.
Final Thoughts
After reading a few different websites it seemed like getting a same day passport would be incredibly easy. Although the process wasn’t too difficult, I didn’t end up getting my passport on the same day. I had to return a few days later to pickup the passport during the pickup window. If you are going to pay the $60 fee either way, I definitely recommend waiting until the 14 day window to schedule an appointment. Just be aware the same day service may not actually happen if you are able to pickup your passport at a later date. I am glad I decided to apply in person and very excited I will (hopefully) not have to go through this process for another 10 years!
