Depart in three days and no passport

Well, this exchange got the adrenaline going. Great that everything worked out. I'm generally pretty compulsive about preparing for trips but I'm going to modify my standard packing list to put some deadlines for double-checking some things, e.g., notifications to banks, seat reservations, stopping the mail, and now being sure the passports are where I thought I'd left them. Jana, you should have a great trip now because everything from here on will look like a trifle now.that you've had a big scare. I certainly hope so and wish you a trouble-free journey.

On Tuesday, you need to be at the passport joint in LA five minutes after they open with all of your junk in hand. One minute after they open you will have called them for an emergency appointment in four minutes.

Jana,, oh my gosh, that is horrible. Yes, as Ed says I would have every single thing you need( including new photos) and I would be at the office before it opens, and frankly, I would also check with my airline to see if I could change the flights by even a day or two( and if you are a family group I would only change for one adult and have other adult and kids go on so that you don't have to pay change fees for whole family. I am not sure about US but in Canada you have to show your airline tickets to show that you have travel booked imminently to prove you need an emergency replacement, perhaps its different in States, but I would bring something to prove your travel dates. Good luck.

Links I think the Western Passport office might be closer, and they do issue on site. http://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_4573.html http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

That would be my error. I was unaware of the place in Tucson.

Miranda is right. You need to head to Tucson ASAP, but you need to call and schedule an appointment before hand. I needed to get a second passport due to a long visa process here in Seattle, and getting the appointment wasn't an issue. Turn around for me was overnight, so you need to head down now. I think they can do turn around same day, but not 100% sure about that. Make sure your airline confirmation printed out, a DS-11 (http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html) your daughter if she is under 16 (minors can only apply in person) and your husband (both parents must consent in person if she is a minor), a photo, and that you follow the rules here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html If you can't get an appointment, then I would go down and try to plead your case tomorrow anyways. They are closed today for the holiday, unfortunately.

We were in similar situation. Fortunately we had a few more days than you and it was not over holiday. We called the passport agency number and got a recording and were able to book an appointment using the teleprompt (sp?)with out ever speaking with someone. It was very easy. If this doesn't work for you, do as others say and be there when agency opens with all documentation including new pictures and you must have airline ticket showing you are leaving the next day. Our appointment was for 10 am and we were out of there by 3 pm. It only takes about fifteen minutes for the initial process and then they tell you when to come back so you can go have lunch and come back later in the day. This was in Philadelphia so hope same where you are. It was easiest process ever.

Be sure and take the copy of her passport with you. And if are able to make an advance appointment give them the number. Them knowing that in advance will speed up the process.

I don't know the details, but our neighbor's dog chewed up her passport 2 days before they were to leave. They were at the passport office the next morning when they opened and spent the entire day there (San Francisco). Bottomline, they did get a new passport and were able to travel, so it does work.

Good , very good day. She just found her passport under a pile in a travel folder used in March. Yes, a very good day.
Thank you all who gave us support. I wish I could shake Rick Steves' hand for creating the Traveler's Helpline.

Great. Now you are a member, you can help others!! Enjoy trip.

Thank you Gail. Yes, I can and intend to do that!
This is like travel life support. ( :

Paul, you are right, it was kind of adrenaline pumping! Good idea to move some things on the ToDo list. I have passport under 2 weeks out, so think I will move it to 1 month out as well.

Gosh I'm glad this ended well. I can breathe now.