The time has come for that incredible trip to Paris. However, before that trip happens, there are going to be some U.S. passport application forms to be filled out. This is a task that not many people will look forward to and it is often compared to doing taxes. While that may be a bit of stretch, its not far from the truth.
A smart thing for any traveler to do is get online and get familiar with how the whole passport process works. In addition to going through the normal government channels, it is also possible to hire a professional agency to handle all of the forms. When using expedited services, these agencies are actually the best bet.
Processing passports is a big business, much bigger than many people realize. If this is the route that is taken, it is very important to make sure that the passport agency that is used is actually an approved agency that is registered with the United States passport agency. These companies have a proven track record and are excellent at the services that they provide.
There are several standard US Passport application forms for the majority of private and business travelers. The DS-11 is the form for first time applicants, while the DS-82 is for renewals of valid US passports by mail. Those who have a document but require a name change due to marriage or divorce must use DS-5504. Those desiring a travel document for minors under age 16, need to complete the DS-3053.
With all of these forms, it is quite simple to realize why people stand in front of the rack and scratch their head. It doesnt make anyone a bad person if they choose to forego this madness and hire an agency to handle all of this for them. Government forms have a way of confusing many people; this is why these companies are in such high demand.
Another great feature of these private agencies is that they can also expedite visa paperwork requirements which can vary quite a bit from country to country. The private companies pride themselves in giving their clients instructions that are easy to understand and painstakingly outline the steps one by one. A number of the companies offer the option to communicate by email, or will provide personal travel document consultations by telephone.
Keep in mind that these services are not provided for free. Most of these companies will have fairly reasonable fees when the actual aggravation being saved is considered, but the quicker the passport is needed, the more they are going to charge. It is also worth mentioning that their fees are in addition to the government fees, rarely are they inclusive of them.
Government forms have a way of creating frustration for everyone and American passport application forms are no different. The fact that there are services out there that can make this a much easier process is great news for those of us that would rather pull out our nails than spend an afternoon running around trying to figure out how to fill out the government forms. If the need arises, hire a United States passport agency and sit back and relax why they to all of the hard work, it will be money well spent.