pvn

It's possible, but that doesn't mean it's possible for the OP to do it. 3rd party applications etc may require some sort of regulatory stuff that those companies comply with that the OP doesn't have.

pvn

any UPS store or FedEx office will take instant passport photos for like $10 and amazingly, they have access to the super-secret list of photo requirements that you can download for free on the state department's website so you don't have to worry about the pictures not being proper.

MSPeconomist

Problems are much easier to handle if the applicant is present: passport photos not acceptable, forgot to sign form, missing information, etc.

tbeard

This happened with my son...a bit different as his passport was good for 3 months but we were told it needed to be 6 months. We had an 8:15am appt. in SEA. Got there at 7:00 am to line up. You must have all your documents including his old passport and a new passport photo. You also MUST have your printed travel itinerary. If you have everything inorder as we did....we got the new passport by 10:30am. Should go well.

hotturnip

Hey, you think that's bad--a co-worker of mine who flies frequently to Europe had his passport expire WHILE HE WAS THERE. Perhaps because he had both a U.S. and E.U. passport, he somehow convinced DL to allow him to board. When he returned, the Global Entry kiosk ACCEPTED HIS EXPIRED PASSPORT! (He's now had to pay some extra fees and do a lot of explaining to get it renewed.)

And this is a highly experience traveler. Sheesh.

FlyingHoustonian

Not to digress but CBP accepts (recently) expired passports all the time. The very hard part is getting the airline to board you with said expired document, but I digress.
The most common way to travel sans passport is with a military ID and NATO orders to Europe which you will not have this trip ;-) or a national ID card as a dual citizen which is tricky should CBP target the flight for exit control. But again I digress.

I suggest getting to the appointment slightly early. They book multiple people at each appointment slot and at most passport offices there is usually a line, which also includes place holders for the various companies that charge to expedite (they hold spots and appointments daily which is part of their M.O.).

I have used the passport offices in Houston (several times), Miami, Dallas, and Philadelphia and they have always come through so if all is in order I presume he should be fine Friday. Do remember there is an extra 'rush' fee to pay CBP. Make him buy drinks...Good luck.

MSPeconomist

CBP accepts expired USA passports to enter the USA, but most/all foreign countries would not accept an expired USA passport to enter their country, although some countries will accept an expired passport with a valid visa or proof of payment for an entry permit in combination with a valid (renewed) passport.

NOLAnwGOLD

So my rule is if I'm planning a trip with someone, once we confirm that it's happening, my next question is "is your passport valid?" Also making sure it's got that 6 month validity left on it. The last time I asked, my friend replied...hum....both are expired. He was a closet Canadian (and American too), which I had no clue about.

Good luck!

trooper

And its the same everywhere... (well...there and here at least!) Was in a Post Office this morning and witnessed a very distressed lady being told that her passport application could not be sent on to the passport Office....because there were NUMEROUS things wrong with it... Printed double sided....not allowed. Sponsors signature missing...… Photos did not meet the required dimensions...… Felt really sorry for her... but also wondered WTH? Missing SIGNATURES?

flyerCO

Sponsor's signature? AFAIK none are required.

The double sided issue seems to be a frequent issue. More and more printers, especially lasers print double sided by default to save paper. Not sure why US Government dislikes double sided printing so much. IRS, DOD, VA, all seem to have similar dislike.

Flying Lawyer

Be happy that Europe lets you in with this kind of passport. We can get an express passport within hours and even at the airport in Germany, but the US would then require a Visa for a German citizen which would make the trip impossible.

TomMM

Lack of double sided scanners?

MSPeconomist

IIRC parent signatures are required for passport applications for minor children.

MSPeconomist

Expedited renewal passports issued by USA passport offices are regular ten year passports, exactly the same as one would receive in six weeks after applying by mail. The only difference is that they cost a little bit more.

flyerCO

I'm guessing they're not biometric passports Germany issues at the airport. It's the only reason I can think of that would mean needing a visa.

Google search shows it's only good in EEA countries, a few principalities, and if combined with a less than 1 year expired passport for Canada/ South Korea, and couple small nations. It's not a passport, it's a travel permit. Thus why limited use, unlike an actual passport that is issued at US passport office.