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Expidited passports?

Travel Info
the automated machine claims expidited passports will take "an estimated 2 weeks plus shipping time".. im in a pretty serious rush.. "estimated" cant really cut it for me.. has anyone else applied for expidited passports? how long does it usually take? more or less than what they claim?

also, how long would "mailing time" be? (if it matters, I'm in california)

also.. how hard is it to get an appointment? a friend of mine said you cant get through until like 3 am.. my parents said they can wait in line to get it.. but they also say its a very long line.. does anyone have experience with this also?

Travel Tips

If you live close to the Los Angeles area, your best shot is to contact the passport agency at the Federal Building in West LA.

They have something called " rush service", you have to make an appointment or they won't let you in the building, once you apply for it your passport will be handed to you within 2 working days.

BUT, there is a catch, they only do this for last minute travelers and you have to prove them that you are traveling abroad in less than 2 weeks.

If you are just traveling to Mexico or Canada, all you need to do is apply for a passport, get a receipt to show at the airport that the application is in ongoing process an you will be allowed to fly until like that until the last day of September this year.

This is due to the overload of work that the passport agency has.
Others

I know the passport people were really backed up earlier this year and it was taking longer than expected for people to get their passports.
A friend had to drive to Chicago and wait there in order to get an appointment and get his done that day.
My boyfriend had mailed his, and started calling the number to check on it every other day to speed things up-and basically got it expedited for free because he kept annoying them.