If you are planning a trip next year, or have emergency travel next week, the process of applying for a Michigan passport will change depending on when you plan to travel. Applying for a passport using routine service generally takes 7-10 weeks, but faster services do exist. Passports are mandatory for international travel but come in handy for other purposes. Starting October 2020, TSA will now need a Michigan Enhanced Drivers License or passport to travel domestically.

How to Apply In-person

To apply in the state of Michigan, you can go to one of many Acceptance Facilities. This includes your local Post Office, County Clerk, or Public Library. All official Acceptance Facilities will accept and verify documents, applicant signature, and identity. This information, including the official photo, will be sealed in a legal “adjudicated envelope.” The envelope is then forwarded to the U.S. Department of State for processing. This routine service can take up to six weeks.

Documents You Will Need to Apply

It is important to remember, all documentation such as a birth certificate or marriage license must be original or a certified copy. The passport application form may be completed online before your appointment, or in-person when you appear. To apply, you must provide the following:

• U.S Birth Certificate
• Naturalization Certificate
• Expired Passport

Please note, if your name has legally changed and is listed differently on your identification, you must provide your proof of name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

For identification, you will need:

• Valid U.S. Driver’s License
• Valid State-issued ID
• Military ID
• Expired Passport

The applicant must be present when applying. If applying for a minor’s passport, you will need consent from both parents/guardians. If one parent/guardian cannot be present, the non-applying parent must submit an original notarized special circumstance form. Proper identification must be presented. A parent with sole custody must give the original court order.

Photos are generally taken at the Acceptance Facility but can be taken prior at a local drug-store, like Walgreens or CVS.

Allow 7-10 weeks for processing and receipt of your Michigan passport. For an extra $60 fee, a 3-5 week expedited service is available. 

Getting a Passport in a Rush

American Passport

Americanpassport.com is an online passport expeditor with many years of passport processing. Regardless of where you live, you can get a passport according to when you need it. This online expeditor offers rush processing so you can get a passport in a day. Also, you will have additional processing options that range from the same day and up to two weeks.

So, if you need a passport for the first time (adult or child), replace any expired, damaged, lost or stolen one, speak with the agent about the process of getting your new document. 

How Does it Work?

Select Your Passport Type

As a customer, you get to choose from a list of the passport you will apply for. For example, will you apply as a first-time applicant, for a child passport, for a passport renewal, or to replace a lost or stolen passport.

Select the Processing Option

Then, you get the processing options. Will you need the passport the same day, in 2-7 days, or 10-15 days. The choices you select will determine the price you will pay.  

Provide Your Documents

You must provide a complete application that includes the form, supporting documents, and the fees. Package all the papers and send them by UPS or FedEx using overnight shipping. Include a prepaid envelope with your address to get your new passport.

Your Return Documents

Once Americanpassport.com receives your passport, it will be forwarded to you. Any package received without a prepaid envelope must pay for the return postage. You will receive all the supporting documents in the return envelope.

Renew an Expired Passport 

To renew an expired passport, your passport must have been issued for ten years and expired for less than five years. If you were a minor when your passport was issued, you must apply for a new passport. If you meet the guidelines to apply for a renewal, you do not need to be seen in person. You will mail your current passport, passport photo, application, and your Government Fee. Please note, if your change your name legally since getting your previous passport, you must provide your original proof of name change.

It is safer to apply for your passport in advance, but luckily resources exist to help in an emergency. Applying in advance will save you lots of time, stress and money. However, in the event of an emergency, chances are you will still receive your passport if you follow the correct steps.