I've used an expedition service but it was 10 years ago, and I can't remember which one it was. It was three days before my international trip and I lost my passport. I didn't have time to travel to another city and passport agency because of work.

I had to FedEx my information to them, and then I guess they went in person to the agency, and they FedExed my passport to a FedEx facility near LAX. I had a four hour layover there, and cabbed over to the facility and picked up my passport. Felt like something out of the Amazing Race.

If you have three days? Third-party expedition service. Eight weeks? Just use the expedition with the passport agency and spring for overnight shipping.

So is it better to go to the passport agency in person vs using the expedited mail service. I'm fine with going to the office downtown to have a passport sooner than mail.

OK. I went with Door #2 (above). The renewal package went out yesterday via USPS 2nd Day. Paid the expediting fees. Agency website says 3 weeks or less. Will report back.

Oh, and as I feared, I just had a business conversation that might result in a short-notice trip to either Cayman or Bermuda during the next 4 weeks...

If you need it done ASAP and either don't have the time to visit your local passport agency or don't live reasonably close to one, a service is probably your best option. If you do live reasonably close and can set aside a day to go there, then doing it yourself is (imo) the best option. Note that the former option also costs quite a bit more due to the service fees and (if applicable) overnight shipping costs involved.

If you're talking about just using the State Department's expedited service, then that's really up to you and 1) how quickly you need it and 2) how willing/able you are to go to your local agency and possibly stand around all day vs. shipping it off in the mail. If 2 weeks ain't quick enough for you, you have your answer.

One more question. Can the local passport agencies issue the larger number of pages passport. or only by mail I don't want to say extra pages cuz I know there are extra added anymore but I don't want to gave to get a new one any earlier next time around.

Yes, the Passport Agency locations can issue new passports with more pages. You check the box on the renewal form and IIRC the policy is that they do it if they think you need the additional pages, just the same as if you were applying by mail. Probably the best argument is if your current passport is full.

Great .. thanks, the passport speaks for itself