Cheap and hassle-free: What it was like getting an expedited passport via rush service ItsEasy.com

28.08.2024 - 22:33 / thepointsguy.com

A few months ago, I realized that my passport was nearly full. It wasn't due to expire for another couple of years, but I was running out of blank pages. I knew that some countries — including popular tourist destinations like Italy and Iceland — might even refuse me entry if I didn't have two or more blank passport pages.

I got my passport back in 2017 before I worked at TPG and before I traveled much for work. I should have gotten the larger 52-page passport book, but I didn't think I'd need it at the time. Now, I travel constantly for work (and fun). Thanks to TPG, I have visited places like Ghana and Liberia with visas that took up full pages. This is why I was quickly running out of space in my passport.

I had been reporting on the passport backlog for years, and I knew passport wait times had returned to prepandemic levels. Still, I had very little wiggle room between international trips to get a new passport.

That's when a friend told me about a company I had never heard of called ItsEasy.com.

The company arranges last-minute passports and visas. The coolest thing is that you can do it almost completely online (or via the app). I wanted to test out the service for the TPG audience since readers often ask about expedited passports. I can tell you that I was one satisfied customer. I did go for expedited service, but I had my new 52-page passport within less than two weeks of mailing off the online application.

Here's how the expedited service works and how you can get a special offer from the company to try it out, too.

ItsEasy.com charges a flat rate of just $39.95 for its service, which includes the online application, complimentary passport photos and 24/7 customer support.

Of course, you'll need to pay for the actual cost of the passport and U.S. Postal Service and/or FedEx delivery fees. Still, that's a real bargain, especially for expedited service.

The first thing you'll do is install the app. It's called "ItsEasy Passport Renew & Photo" in the Apple store.

Once you've installed the app, it's easiest to apply on your cellphone. You can also use the desktop version at ItsEasy.com if you prefer. I think for the passport photo, it will be easiest to make it work with your phone, but it's up to you.

Open the app, and you'll first see a welcome screen.

Once that animation ends, a menu will appear. You can choose to renew your passport and/or passport card, apply for a second passport, or change your name on the passport. If you need other services — like help with a child's passport or a travel visa — there are options in the app for that, too.

I chose to renew and clicked on the "Let's Get Started!" button. That took me to a page to confirm I was eligible for a U.S. passport renewal. You'll