HELP! Emergency Border Crossing Card Questions

[DisMomme]

Does anyone know how long it takes to process the paperwork for a border crossing card? I have all the paperwork filled out and I have my photo but I dropped the ball on turning it all in this past summer.

My parents summer in Canada and when I decided we were not going up to visit this summer I didn't file the paperwork. Now my Grandmother is in the hospital and very ill. My aunt called yesterday to say they didn't expect her to make it through the week.

Are there any emergency exceptions? Can I cross if I don't have a card or passport?

I'm feeling extremely guilty right now. Both that I didn;t visit this summer and that I didn't get the paperwork in. My Mom says not to worry and that it will be okay if I miss seeing her or miss the funeral. How can I do that??

 

[disneyfreakk]

here is a way to expedite a passport.

not sure about the border crossing card.

 

[figment52]

You can also check with the DMV - they may offer an enhanced drivers license that acts like a passport. We can get hem in MI - but I don't know how long it will take.

I am sorry that your gramdmother is ill.

 

[tiggger1]

found this on http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/faq/faq_1741.html#gen1

Life or Death Emergencies involve serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family that require you to travel within 24-48 hours to a country that requires a passport. Customers must appear in person at a passport agency for emergency service and documentation of the emergency may be requested.

Please call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (TTY/TDD 1-888-874-7793) to schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Agency. Our automated appointment system is accessible every day, 24 hours a day.

If an appointment that will meet your needs is not available and you are calling from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, ET, Monday-Friday, except federal holidays, please stay on the line and follow instructions to speak to a Customer Service Representative (CSR). The CSR will give you guidance on what to do. CSRs are available on weekends for limited hours to assist customers traveling within 7 days.

If an appointment that will meet your needs is not available and you are calling on a federal holiday or during hours the CSRs are not available, please call 202-647-4000 and explain your situation to the operator.