How Fast Can You Get a your Passport in Cincinnati Ohio?

How Fast Can I Get My Passport ?

If you are reading this article, you are probably in a pinch realizing that getting
your passport takes longer than you expected. This article will serve as an overview of
the fastest options for anyone near Ohio.

U.S. State Department Routine Services (Greater than 6 Weeks)

This option is meant for those traveling in 6 weeks or longer. The cheapest and
longest of all of the State Departments services costing $151.36. This should be used
with care when zero urgency is required.

U.S. State Department Expedited Services (Less than 6 Weeks)

This option is for those traveling in less than 6 weeks. The U.S. State
Department sets the time frame for their expedited services at 2-3 weeks *plus shipping
time*. The cost of expedited passport services is additional $60 bringing the total to
$211.36. A common misconception is that the 2-3 week expedited services means you
will have your passport back in 2-3 weeks. Rather, the State Department cannot
guarantee it back in those times as well as USPS shipping can often be delayed. More
details can be found on the U.S State Department’s website.

Expedited at the Passport Agency (Less than 14 Days)

The State Department offers two services for expediting at agency which are
Life-or-Death Emergencies and Urgent Travel. For either of these services applicants

• will have to visit the State Department’s passport agencies by appointment only. (For
  Cincinnati the nearest is Detroit).
• Life-or-death Emergency is for those traveling under 14 days that have had an
  immediate family member outside of the United States die, is dying (hospice care), has
  a life-threatening illness or injury. More details at the State Departments website here.
• Urgent travel is for customers by appointment only intending to go to a foreign
  country within 14 days, or need a foreign visa in the next 28 days. Both of these options
  cost $190 and more information can be found here.

Passport Courier Services (Times Vary)

Passport Courier Companies are companies that hand carry your application
into the passport agency for you. Courier Companies control when your application is
submitted and picked up allowing for quicker processing times and accurate, reliable
time forecasts. Courier companies also double check your applications for mistakes and
documentation errors helping you avoid common mistakes. The quickest these couriers
can get it back to you is typically 4-6 Business Days including shipping time. Let’s
briefly walk through some of Cincinnati’s Options:

• Fast Passports and Visas Ohio is the only physical location for a courier
  company in the Tristate located at 8044 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, OH 45236. They
  offer 4 business day processing for $499 (government fees not included). For a full
  list of processing times and fees click here. *shipping likely adds 2-3 business days to
  return time.
• RushMyPassport is located within FedEx Office locations as a kiosk. They offer
  same day processing from the day they receive your documentation for $799 (excluding
  government fees) and 2-4 business day processing for $599. A full list of processing
  times and fees can be found here. *shipping likely adds 2-3 business days to return
  time.
• HelloGov is a fully online service in the Tristate. They offer 2-4 business day
  processing for $739, and 4-5 business day processing time for $649. *shipping likely
  adds 2-3 business days to return time.
  Something to note is that for New Passports you will still have to apply at an
  acceptance agent and note that you are using a courier service. They will seal up your
  application returning it back to you. It is then your responsibility to deliver or ship your
  application to your courier company. They must submit your application within 5
  business days of it being sealed.

Recap

If you are unsure if the 2-3 week State Department processing time will make it
back in time your next option is a Courier Company. Fast Passports and Visas Ohio
offers in person consultations and is the cheapest for 4 business day processing at
$499. RushMyPassport and HelloGov offer slightly quicker processing times without
the personal element for higher cost. Please take into account shipping times when
selecting the right processing time for your needs.