Acceptance Agents / Hand Carry Envelope
When applying for a new US passport, the applicant will be required to be seen in front of a government official; especially when using an expediting service such as FASTPORT PASSPORT. This government official is what we call an Acceptance Agent. They can be found at most local post offices, county clerks, and in some libraries.
After gathering all of the supporting documents on our instructional checklist, you as the applicant will go to this agent so they can approve all of the documents provided. If acceptable, (which is most cases it is) they will witness you signing all of the documents. When everything is complete they will place the documents in a stamped and sealed envelope. This is what we call a Hand Carry Envelope. You will then send us this envelope to us. Do not open it. It must be submitted as is to the Department of State so your passport can be magically processed according to the business day service you purchased.
*Important note- When obtaining a new child passport both parents must be present in front of the acceptance agent. If one parent cannot be present, the absent parent will need to have a consent form (DS-3053) which will be signed and notarized with a front and back copy of their driver’s license.
*Another Important note- If the present parent has complete custody, a consent form is not necessary; however the present parent must have official court documentation proving these circumstances.
