A passport concierge is the service you didn’t know you needed.
There are all sorts of things to keep up with when you travel. Boarding passes, itineraries, confirmations, banking, reservations, and rewards accounts are just a few of the moving pieces associated with each trip. And when it’s time for upgrades or renewals, I like things to be quick, convenient, and accessible on my mobile device when possible. A passport concierge service might be for you if you are the same way.
What Is ItsEasy Passport Renewal & Photo App?
Adults can renew their passports by mail. The typical process is to fill out the required form, print it, and mail it in with their current passport with all applicable fees and an updated photo. Although it seems like a few steps, renewing your passport can be time-consuming. It involves finding a passport photo location. Next, you’ll need to write a check, or visit your bank to obtain a money order or cashier’s check. Lastly, it’s time to locate a post office. How exhausting.
Anyone who meets the criteria, such as life and death emergencies, can have their passports renewed in person.
Meet ItsEasy Passport Renewal & Photo App, a way to simplify the process. The mobile app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play) is the only contact-free way to renew an adult passport, all from the comfort of your home. You read that correctly. Fill out your renewal form, take your new passport photo, and pay in the app. You can also apply for a second passport and order a new passport when there is a name change. There are even options for obtaining VISAs.
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Although the company is new to me, they have been around since 1976, operating as a trusted source between the customer and the United States Department of State. In the years since its opening, ItsEasy has assisted over 2 million travelers. Think of them as a liaison. They can intercept any issues or help you resolve them.
How Does it Work?
When you open the app, it will guide you through a series of questions. On the first screen, you will select the type of service you want (passport renewal or visa). From there, it asks about the passport type and shipping methods.
It will brief you on the passport photo requirements, including tips for getting the perfect shot. You can have the photos submitted along with your application in the app. Or, you can opt to have them printed and shipped for $9.99. There is also a digital delivery option.
On the last screen, you will submit.
Et voilà! You just renewed your passport while binging your favorite Netflix show. Or while sipping a cup of Joe at the local coffee shop. No pesky lines to contend with. No running to multiple locations. Easy Peasy.
What Comes With the Service?
Even as a veteran traveler, the language used in various forms can be confusing. It’s even more frustrating when the call for help yields extended wait times. Or when you need assistance outside of the business hours. With ItsEasy, service agents are available 24/7/365. Huge bonus.
One of the common causes of delays in passport processing is application or photo errors. When you submit your information, one of the specialists will review your documents to be sure they are error-free before forwarding your application to the state department. If they find any errors, a concierge will give you step-by-step directions on how to correct the issue. The U.S. Department of State has published this guide to assist you in filling out your passport application correctly.
The nerve-wracking part to me in obtaining my passport was the vague updates. Although you can track your passport status, it can often go weeks without status changes. ItsEasy provides real-time monitoring of your application status. It also provides tracking information for shipping. You will receive updates via text and email daily.
We already mentioned that the app walks you through capturing the perfect passport photo, which you can do at no additional cost. You will only pay for photos if you opt to have copies shipped. Although passport photos are not expensive at places like Walgreens, complimentary photos are a great way to save money. Another perk is that you don’t have to worry about meeting the photo size requirements.
But wait! There’s more! ItsEasy will monitor your passport status for validity. One year before your passport’s expiry, you will receive a notification that it is time to renew. It’s a great feature to have. Since passports last for ten years, you may find yourself near expiration without realizing it.
While there are way more benefits to using ItsEasy, the last one to mention is the visa widget. This feature lets you know if the country you are visiting requires a visa. If so, you can apply for a visa in-app.
So, How Much Is This Passport Concierge Service?
When I first read about this app and its service, I thought it would come with a heavy price tag, especially with the numerous benefits beyond passport renewal. Surprisingly, the concierge passport services are affordable.
Your base price follows the U.S. Department of State’s schedule of fees for passport services. For instance, to renew a passport and passport card, the cost is $160. It costs an additional $60 for expedited processing.
They offer two service plans, economical and expedited. There is a nominal price difference, both under $40. However, if you need their other services, that price does increase. For instance, if you require a passport, ItsEasy charges $99 on top of the cost of the visa.
Customers who may find themselves in a jam may use the emergency concierge service. Ordinarily, the team assists customers as needed with a working cue. When a customer requests emergency concierge service, they receive a “drop everything” service, surpassing any other customers in cue. This service includes an immediate review of documents, upgrading shipping, priority submission, and 1:1 phone calls, all within four hours of the request. It costs $399 per traveler plus the ItsEasy service fee and government/foreign consular fees. For additional locations, add another $199 per traveler.
Paired with the laundry list of benefits and the affordable base pricing, this is a service worth adding to your travel arsenal.
I would like to know if we must surrender our present passport during this service? If so for how long, and how do we do that?