Navigating government websites and paperwork to apply for the necessary travel documents can be time-consuming and confusing. Vertical-specific AI companies are making it easier than ever for travelers to apply for passports, travel visas, and renew other critical credentials through easy-to-use interfaces under urgent deadlines.

As the most common travel document, a valid passport is a linchpin for international travel. Unfortunately, mishaps can occur from losing a passport to discovering it has expired days before departure. Many countries also require at least six months of validity, catching travelers off guard.

Receiving as much hands-on help as possible to prevent delays or surprises is ideal in these situations. Traditional government agencies may not have the necessary manpower to respond promptly or answer all of your questions.

Instead of a DIY passport application, over 50,000 travelers per year trust HelloGov for step-by-step guidance for quick, error-free approval whether you’re on a tight schedule or want a convenient, easy-to-use platform.

HelloGov focuses on streamlining citizen services like passports and government forms that often involve time-consuming and complex application methods via traditional channels. Utilizing AI and the first of its kind marketplace of registered government passport expeditors, the platform helps users expedite their documents with confidence and clarity

Aspiring globetrotters enjoy premium perks, including:

By incorporating AI and optimizing the efficiency of passport applications, HelloGov is able to reduce the typical wait time from 6 to 8 weeks to as little as 3 business days. Expedited passport services are in high demand, as wait times can be longer, due to the U.S. State Department receiving a record number of passport applications.

The inspiration behind HelloGov AI began after CEO and co-founder Adam Boalt made a seed investment in Jasper AI, a vertical-specific AI marketing startup that became a unicorn in just 18 months, raising $125 million at a $1.5 billion valuation. Witnessing Jasper's rapid ascent underscored the transformative potential of AI in specialized sectors.

For Boalt, who had already built and successfully exited three startups, including two gov-tech ventures acquired by private equity and a call center marketplace sold to Stericycle (NASDAQ: SRCL). It was a clear signal that the citizen services space was ready for similar disruption. With HelloGov, his fourth venture, he set out to modernize how citizens access essential services, using AI to simplify government processes and improve speed, accuracy, and accessibility.

“Passport couriers and local tag and title agencies are small businesses that play a vital role in helping people access essential government services,” says Boalt.

“With HelloGov, we’ve built a marketplace that not only gives citizens a simple way to connect with trusted, vetted providers—but also helps these businesses grow by bringing them more customers and better tools. We’re not replacing public systems—we’re helping bridge the gap by modernizing how people access them.”

Specifically, government services are notorious for their outdated platforms, which are cumbersome and lack adequate document processing tools for identifying errors before application submission.

While HelloGov isn’t an official government agency, it partners with registered government couriers to help individuals obtain travel documents, vehicle registrations, and other essential documents directly from your home or office. Its services are available for multiple states and countries.

Customers use a secure scanner to upload required documents and photos for both new and renewal applications. The platform then verifies compliance using a proprietary AI model. If any issues arise, a live customer support specialist steps in immediately to assist.

Additionally, users can also select a vetted courier from HelloGov’s marketplace to physically deliver their documents to a regional passport agency participating in the hand-carry program.

Each courier in the HelloGov network is held to a higher standard by undergoing rigorous background checks, maintaining up-to-date licensing, and meeting strict compliance protocols that go above industry norms to ensure trust, safety, and reliability.

As more countries require electronic and physical travel visas for short-term stays, the likelihood increases that travelers will overlook all the necessary paperwork or make critical mistakes due to confusing application screens.

Europe is a prime example as it already has travel mandates affecting international visitors:

Navigating the documentation requirements on the websites of foreign governments or the U.S. State Department may provide unclear information. The typical DIY research process can also result in a maze of clicking on multiple links with conflicting procedures.

These challenges arise as the Deloitte Government and Public Services AI Dossier reports that 80% of government agencies are only at the early stages of technology adoption maturity.

Consequently, investing in AI-integrated platforms with a user-friendly experience usually isn’t a top priority. Likely outcomes include undertrained support staff, longer wait times, and an increased burden on the traveler to complete visa applications correctly.

Thankfully, AI startups like HelloGov offer budget-friendly solutions that track current travel requirements. Consumers are aware of the specific clearances required based on their destination and country of citizenship.

The platform also provides end-to-end assistance to ensure the travelers receive their credentials as speedily as possible while applying for passports and travel authorizations simultaneously. A personal AI assistant answers your questions and verifies your application details at each step, and human support is also available.

The company’s courier network also maintains physical offices near government agencies in major U.S. cities. This infrastructure ensures smooth handoffs and quicker outcomes for urgent applications.

Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck don’t yet benefit from third-party AI in the same way passport applications do. Thankfully, changes are underway to reduce bottlenecks at security checkpoints.

Facial recognition plays an increasingly prominent role in bypassing traditional biometric verification.

Government agencies and legacy tech companies are increasingly incorporating advanced AI with human oversight at high-traffic locations for these traveler-centric benefits:

Specifically, Global Entry members can utilize facial recognition-first touchless portals instead of verifying fingerprints or presenting physical travel documents.

Many major airports around the world also support the free Global Entry mobile app to skip the portal or kiosk. Eligible members simply upload a current photo and receive a virtual receipt that a customs officer confirms with minimal delay.

Additionally, travelers with CLEAR+ can soon process through the pre-security lines quicker than before. The program is installing face-first EnVe Pods at select airports to avoid the traditional eye and finger verification procedures.

These biometric innovations are the next generation of enhancing the airport security experience. As a result, passengers spend less time waiting in line or risk missing their next departure due to security checkpoint delays.

A decade ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection partnered with airlines to install over 1,500 Automated Passport Control kiosks. Average wait times were reduced by up to 35%, and travelers spent only up to 60 seconds with CBP officers, compared to the previous 3-minute average.

Commercial travel has many moving parts that are ripe for improvement, and AI-first companies are providing in-depth solutions at a rapid rate. Technological advancements in document processing and natural language processing enable travelers to receive accurate and budget-friendly assistance with passport applications and trip planning, while also reducing security wait times during both peak seasons.

Related Articles: