Typically, a getting a passport is something that eats up quite a bit of time and then involves waiting around until the processing agency pulls your file. Normally, this will take about 2 months for someone that has to get a new passport. However, there are times when waiting that long will simply not do and a 24 hour passport is needed.
First, it is important to discuss when it is appropriate to try to obtain a passport in 24 hours, and also, whether or not it is practically possible. While it is theoretically possible to obtain a passport in 24 hours, there are a lot of variables that make this feat exceedingly difficult. Again, this type of request should be limited to extremely dire circumstances.
The State Department will usually only issue a passport in 24 hours if an immediate family death, accident, injury or illness has occurred. In other words, just because it is Thursday and you realized that you need a passport for your trip on Saturday does not mean that a passport is going to be issued. For more details, it is best to call the hotline that the State Department has set up for emergency situations.
It is also worthy to note that the local passport office is not the only place to turn when this happens. There are also private agencies that can help with these services as they are already tapped in for situations just like this. Keep in mind that they will have significant fees over and above what the government would charge, and they can be quite expensive if rush service is needed.
Someone that is only getting a passport renewal will probably have a much easier time with this process. Since everything is already in place, they may actually be able to do their application right over the Internet or online. However, if they are in need of the 24 hour service, it is likely that they will still need to go to either the local passport office or a private agency.
New applicants face a much tougher challenge. An authorized witness must personally witness the signing of the passport and must personally approve new passports. This can be very difficult for people who do not live near a major metropolitan city. Those applicants that live close to a major city with an official regional passport agency stand a much better chance to get a passport because these people will be able to go to the agency in person.
Even though most agencies require an appointment, they will make exceptions for emergency situations. Still, it is important to show up as early as possible. The earlier an applicant shows up, the more likely it is that he or she will get the passport that day. Or those that do not live near an agency, many private passport-expediting services offer 24 hour passport service. It is best to stick with well-established providers to ensure results.
While trying to get a 24 hour U S passport can be challenging, the task can be completed. Now having said that, this is something that nobody should ever have to go through because of the cost and time commitment, not to mentions stress. Play it safe and get an American passport because anything can happen at any time and you just never know when an international trip is on the horizon.