If you’ve got your hands on a Canadian passport and want to get it validated faster so that you can travel more often, there are certain things you can do to help the process go a little more smoothly.
You see, the processing time for your passport is often longer than it needs to be especially if you’re just trying to get a new one. This is because an applicant’s personal information, security features, and all of the digital verification processes must be fully completed before it’s sent out for review by other government agencies.
The sooner you know about this, the sooner you can start figuring out ways to improve your application’s chances of being processed faster. That said, here are five tips that can help accelerate your passport application process in no time.
Getting your passport application processed faster is simple if you know what to expect. Here are five tips for getting it done faster. It may not seem like a big deal, but every little bit helps when it comes to getting it done as quickly as possible.
If you’re a first-time passport applicant or have never had your passport application processed before, you’ll be in for a surprise about how long it takes to get one submitted. The good news? It can take just 20 minutes and cost less than $70 USD in most cases!
1. Check your application status online before you visit the post office
First, make sure you’re checking your passport application status online before visiting the post office. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle by doing this. If your passport application is waiting on additional information, you’ll know while you’re there.
The passport application kit is not required to check your application status online. If you receive it in the mail, keep it with you. If necessary, you can show your application status to the clerk at the post office. Also, remember to bring your passport application with you.
If you lose it when you visit the post office, you’ll lose the application too. Make sure you’ve photocopied the page containing your passport photo, name, and address information. If you don’t have a photocopier handy, let the clerk know.
2. Make an appointment ahead of time
Planning ahead makes everything go more smoothly. Make an appointment with the post office ahead of time to apply for your passport. You can do this online or by calling ahead.
Appointments are usually required, so don’t wait until the last minute to make one. To make an appointment, call the U.S. post office where you’ll be applying. You can also call the main passport office line in Canada or your local post office.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to make the appointment at least 24 hours in advance. You can make one at any time of day. The sooner you make the appointment, the better.
3. Bring photo ID, proof of address and citizenship
Photo ID can include your driver’s license or state-issued photo ID card. You can also bring a recent passport photo with you if you have one. Alternatively, you can take a clear photo of yourself holding a sign with your name and address.
Make a photocopy of the photo ID and sign so the clerk can verify your identity. Keep in mind that you’ll have to show the clerk your photo ID and your proof of address. Having these two pieces of information will make it easier for the clerk to process your application.
4. Don’t send a recent passport photo with your application
If you send a recent passport photo with your application, it will take much longer to get your passport. If you have a recent passport photo, save it.
You’ll need it when you apply for a new passport. If you don’t, you can visit the nearest passport office to have a recent photo taken. When you apply for a new passport, you’ll need to show 2 separate proofs of your identity. The first proof will be your recent passport photo.
5. Ask for an expedited passport processing fee if necessary
If your passport application has been waiting longer than 60 days, ask the post office clerk if you can pay an expedited processing fee.
This will speed things up by an additional 48 hours. If your application meets the criteria for an expedited fee, you’ll pay the fee and have your passport application processed more quickly. If you’re in the process of applying for a new passport, this is worth asking for.
While the application itself is normal, it’s going to be sent to Ottawa and will take longer than the 20 minutes to get the application processed. Paying the expedited fee will get your passport in the mail much faster.
Bottom line
Getting your passport application processed faster is very simple. To get it done, simply follow these 5 tips:
- Check your application status online before you visit the post office
- Make an appointment ahead of time
- Bring photo ID, proof of address and citizenship
- Don’t send a recent passport photo with your application
- Ask for an expedited passport processing fee if necessary