Getting a passport fast?

while in Iraq my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. They are flying him to Germany to operate and I do not want him to have to go through this alone. Even if I choose expedited service, the post office still takes at least 2 weeks to process a new passport. Isn't there anyway I could get one immediately in this sort of situation? Also, I was told that I needed signed parental consent from BOTH parents in order to get my son (who is 9 months) a passport. Obviously I am not in a position where my husband can come sign these consent forms with me? Is there anyway to get around this?
Who can I talk to?

You can try one of the Passport Acceptance offices, which deal with people travelling within fourteen days. There are about a dozen of them, located throughout the country. (http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/a... for locations)

I don't know where your husband is stationed, but depending on where he is, there may be some sort of ombudsperson who can help you navigate stuff like this, someone local to you. You may, for example, if you have a copy of deployment orders, or something, be able to use them as proof that your husband can't sign the papers, and get a passport that way, but I'm not sure. You also may want to call your congress person, and explain that your husband is serving in Iraq, and has been diagnosed with cancer, and they're operating on him in Germany, neither you nor your son have passports and you need to get them quickly. Quite likely he or she will have staff who can help you navigate this.

I wish you and your husband and family the best, and a speedy recovery for him.

I got a passport in one hour, just turn up and get emergency passport at office. They need Photos so do not forget that and maybe ID.

try contacting the passport center's number and e-mail - they have special procedures as outlines in the opening paragraph shown below for emergency situations - also contact your nearest passport agent - they may be able to work with the passport center through their resources:

National Passport Information Center

This is the only official U.S. Government website for passport information. If you have a travel emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center to speak to a Customer Service Representative. Website for Passport Information .

We are currently experiencing a very high volume of calls. Please expect delays if you wish to speak to a customer service representative. You may have to call several times before reaching a representative. However, please note that representatives are available from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, ET, Monday-Friday, except federal holidays. Representatives are also available for limited weekend hours for emergency situations in which travelers are leaving in 7 days or less.

If you are leaving, or you need your passport for a foreign visa, within 14 days and need to make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency: Automated lines to make appointments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The best time to call is between 8:30 p.m. and 9 a.m., Eastern Time.

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Telephone Number: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778)
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TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. Telephone number for customers with telecommunication devices for the hearing impaired. This telephone number cannot be accessed by a standard touch tone or rotary dial telephone.
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Customer Service Representatives and Operators for TDD/TTY are available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to midnight, Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. Representatives are also available for limited weekend hours for emergency situations in which travelers are leaving in 7 days or less.
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Automated Information available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a travel emergency, please call the Center to speak with a customer service representative. Do not e-mail.

If you have already applied for a U.S. passport and would like to check the status of your application online, click here .

We are also experiencing a very high volume of emails. Responses to emails may take 2-4 days.

If you would like to request the status of your application by email, click here .

If you would like to email the National Passport Information Center for a general question regarding passports, click here .


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