In virtually all cases, the so-called “expediting services” will be unable to move your applications faster in the Covid era. Instead of the pre-Covid wait time of 6 to 8 weeks to get a passport, I read a story recently that the time is now closer to 3-4 months with nearly a 2 million application backlog. I believe that those with a life-or-death emergency can still contact the passport office and then will need to provide proof of the emergency (aka death certificate or letter from a hospital) along with copies of their airline reservations to initiate an emergency application. Even then, it will take several business days to process and issue, assuming your documentation is legit. I would be very suspect of any “service” claiming they can move you to the front of the line and get you a new or renewed passport faster than you could on your own.
P.S. If you contact your Congressman or Senator’s office they might have some ability to help in a true emergency. Attending your nephew’s chassanah in EY or joining the NaNaNachmanites in Uman for Rosh Hashanah are not considered emergencies.
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