Questions and Answers

So I am looking into booking my trip to Hong Kong, leaving Feb 17, and I noticed that my passport is not in my safe place. In fact it is not anywhere. Now, theft is one possibility, but the more likely explanation is . . . boys, of which I have three under the age of 8.

I am going to have to replace the thing. Obviously, there is not a lot of time. I have a copy of my birth certificate on its way, so that should be done, and I have an updated drivers’ license.

But even if I use expedited service, that is three weeks, which is cutting it awfully close to my trip. I’ve read about these courier services that expedite passports, but they seem shady. My understanding is that you can only go in-person to the passport agency if you are within 8 days of your travel deadline.

Any advice? I can’t be the only one that this has ever happened to . . .

Ouch, sorry to hear that! The rules for the passport agency are somewhat regional — here in San Diego you’re allowed to go anytime, for example.

However, you can always put an award ticket on hold and use that as “proof” of urgent travel. You can use a courier service (we like Allied Passport & Visa), but if you’re near an agency you can definitely go yourself as well.