Affordable and straightforward: My experience obtaining an expedited passport through ItsEasy.com

A few months back, I noticed my passport was nearly filled up. While it wasn't set to expire for another couple of years, I was running low on blank pages. I was aware that some countries, including popular tourist spots like Italy and Iceland, might deny me entry if I didn’t have at least two blank passport pages.

I received my passport in 2017, before I joined TPG and before my travel frequency increased significantly. I should have opted for the larger 52-page passport book, but I didn’t think I would need it back then. Now, I travel frequently for both work and leisure. Thanks to TPG, I've explored places like Ghana and Liberia, which required full-page visas. This is why I was rapidly running out of space in my passport.

Having reported on the passport backlog for years, I was aware that wait times had returned to prepandemic levels. However, I had very little flexibility between my international trips to secure a new passport.

That's when a friend introduced me to a company I had never heard of before called ItsEasy.com.

This company specializes in arranging last-minute passports and visas. The best part is that you can complete almost everything online (or through their app). I wanted to try out the service for the TPG audience, as readers frequently inquire about expedited passports. I can confidently say that I was a very satisfied customer. I opted for expedited service and received my new 52-page passport in less than two weeks after sending off the online application.

Here’s a rundown of how the expedited service works and how you can snag a special offer from the company to try it for yourself.

Understanding How ItsEasy.com’s Expedited Service Functions

ItsEasy.com offers a flat fee of just $39.95 for its service, which is comprehensive and includes the online application, free passport photos, round-trip standard shipping, notifications, and 24/7 customer support.

Keep in mind, you will also need to cover the actual passport fee and additional shipping charges for the U.S. Postal Service and/or FedEx for expedited delivery. Nonetheless, that's a fantastic deal, especially for rush service.

The first step is to download the app. It's named "ItsEasy Passport Renew & Photo" in the Apple Store.

After installing the app, it’s most convenient to apply using your cellphone. If you prefer, you can also access the desktop version at ItsEasy.com. For the passport photo, using your phone will likely be the simplest option, but the choice is yours.

Detailed instructions

Launch the app, and the first thing you'll encounter is a welcome screen.

After the welcome animation concludes, a menu will pop up. You can select options to renew your passport or passport card, apply for a second passport, or update your name on your passport. If you require additional services — such as assistance with a child's passport or a travel visa — those options are available within the app as well.

I selected the option to renew and clicked the "Let's Get Started!" button. This directed me to a page where I could confirm my eligibility for a U.S. passport renewal. You'll then see choices under the "Which type of passport service are you looking for?" section, including options for renewal, an additional passport card, a special second passport, and a name change on the passport.

The next set of options lets you choose between a passport ($130), a passport and a passport card ($160), or just a passport card ($30). I wanted both a new passport book and a passport card, so I opted for the second choice and clicked "Continue."

The subsequent screens let you select standard processing, expedited processing, or urgent processing. (Urgent processing isn't available through the app; a pop-up will prompt you to provide proof of urgent travel and to call 866-487-3279 for further assistance.) Next, you'll decide between a 26-page passport book or a 52-page passport book at no extra cost.

Lastly, select your preferred shipping method for the application to ItsEasy.com. USPS First Class shipping is free, while Priority Mail costs $11.95 and includes tracking, and FedEx Overnight shipping is $24.95, also with tracking.

Next, select your return shipping method—either USPS Priority Mail with tracking (included in your application fee) or USPS Express Mail with tracking for an extra $21.36. You'll also need to choose whether to pay a $12.28 convenience fee for ItsEasy.com to send a check to the federal government on your behalf, or if you'd prefer to write a check to the government for the total application fee yourself.

Since I didn’t have any checks available, I opted to pay the convenience fee; you can save that $12 by providing a personal check instead.

Next, you'll provide your contact details, shipping address, and specify whether you need one or multiple passports.

One of the best features follows: you won't need to visit a drugstore for passport photos. Instead, you can take them directly in the app at no cost. The app will request access to your camera and then assist you in capturing the perfect shot. Once you’re happy with your photo, simply tap "My Photo's Great!" It's that simple.

Next, you’ll reach the payment screen where you’ll enter your phone number and credit card details. After that, click "Submit Order." If you encounter any issues during or after the application, you can call 866-487-3279, which is available year-round, 24/7.

Once your payment for the passport is confirmed, you’ll see a submission confirmation page followed by a page where you can use your order number to track your application status. You'll need to set up a PIN, so make sure to jot it down.

At the end, you'll receive an offer for additional services, such as a document review. This is also where you can specify how you'd like to receive updates. I opted to receive both text and email notifications regarding my application's status.

On the same day you finish the application, an email will arrive containing a downloadable PDF. I took mine to a print shop in Oakland, California, where I printed the necessary documents and got them ready for mailing.

I truly appreciated the regular text messages and emails I received that kept me updated on my application's status.

I sent off my application on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and despite the holiday, my new passport arrived by June 6. That's only nine business days for a brand-new 52-page passport. I was quite impressed.

A few days later, I got my new passport card in a separate envelope. Eventually, my old passport was returned to me in the mail as well.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with the service I received.

The final cost totaled $303.71, which breaks down to $190 for the larger passport with expedited service, $30 for the passport card, and $32 for quicker shipping. ItsEasy.com charged a fee of just $39.95. That's quite a reasonable amount for all the convenience provided.

History of ItsEasy.com

ItsEasy has been in operation for over 40 years. According to President and CEO David Alwadish, the company began as a service to assist with car registrations, adopting the motto: "You name the states, we get the plates." Recognizing the growing need for passport services, they ventured into that market, becoming the first in the industry. While there are now competitors, Alwadish claims ItsEasy remains the best and most affordable.

The app was introduced about nine years ago.

Customers of ItsEasy receive a prefilled form, which, according to Alwadish, is favored by the government due to the included bar code. "When they receive it, they scan it, issue the passport, and it’s done," he explained. They can process 20 passports in the time it takes to handle a standard application, he noted.

Alwadish mentioned that the primary cause for passport rejections is poor-quality passport photos. ItsEasy ensures that the photos are flawless, and best of all, this service is included at no extra charge. "I personally guarantee their quality," he stated. "A robot doesn’t check each photo; it’s done by a human."

"If your passport doesn’t arrive, I’m here to help," he asserted. "Just contact ItsEasy. I won’t rest until your passport is in your hands." He emphasized that the bar-coded forms, along with prefilled documentation and preapproved passport photos, mean there’s "nothing left for you to do."

Exclusive offer for TPG readers

ItsEasy is offering an exclusive first-time deal just for TPG readers. By using the ItsEasy app or ItsEasy.com for any adult passport renewal service, you’ll receive the company’s comprehensive Passport Protection Plan as a special limited-time gift.

This includes:

• Reimbursement for government fees equal to the remaining balance of years on your newly issued passport. For instance, if you renew your current passport via ItsEasy.com and the new one expires in August 2034, but is lost in 2030, ItsEasy.com will cover the value for the three remaining years at a prorated rate of $13 per year, giving you a $39 credit to replace your lost passport.
• 24/7/365 live assistance for lost passports globally.
• A complimentary lost passport preparation plan (valued at $58.95), where ItsEasy.com’s round-the-clock customer service will help you prepare all necessary documentation for passport replacement and schedule an appointment if your passport goes missing.
• Free government service for exchanging an emergency "limited" passport issued abroad in case of a lost passport while traveling, allowing you to get a full 10-year passport upon returning to the U.S.
• A 25% discount on ItsEasy.com’s urgent passport processing service fee to replace a qualifying lost or stolen passport within 10 business days or less.

To benefit from this offer, simply include a note in the application’s notes section or attach a separate piece of paper with the special promo code "TPG-MYPASSPORT" when mailing your application. This offer is valid until September 30.

"I will not rest until you have your passport," Alwadish stated. "If the Department of State believes you are eligible for a passport, I will ensure it happens."

In summary

I found the process of using ItsEasy.com incredibly straightforward when I needed a new, larger passport and passport card. It caters to all needs, whether you're looking for an emergency passport, a bigger passport book, a visa, a passport card, or new passports for the entire family.

Although passport processing times have improved since the peak of the pandemic, it can still be quite a hassle. The convenience of managing nearly the entire passport application through an intuitive app is a real time-saver and a dream for frequent travelers. I successfully applied and sent off my application from the West Coast and received my shiny new passport on the East Coast in just two weeks, all while juggling three trips—what an exhilarating experience!