For any international traveler, a passport is a necessity. So what happens when you discover your passport is expired right before a trip abroad? Don’t panic! You have options. Here’s how you can get a passport fast in the U.S., from standard expedited processing to emergency services.
Update: On June 12, 2024, the U.S. State Department announced the return of an online passport renewal trial service, with plans to soon expand the system for all users.
There are four ways to get a new passport, and each has a different processing time. Anyone can apply for a new passport or renew their existing passport via routine and expedited services, but you will need to meet special qualifications to apply or renew via urgent or emergency services.
Expert tip: These processing times do not include mailing times. To speed up delivery to the processing center if you’re renewing by mail, you’ll have to pay for Priority Mail Express (rates and shipping times vary by location, so inquire at your local United States Post Office branch). To speed up delivery to your home, you can pay $21.36 to the U.S. Department of State for 1- to 2-day shipping.
Expedited passports take 2-3 weeks to process, and that doesn’t include shipping times. Shipping can add up to 2 weeks to the processing timeline.
You will need to apply in-person at an official passport acceptance facility, if you are applying for:
Expert tip: Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments, so be sure to check in advance.
In these situations, you will need to fill out Form DS-11 and provide the following:
If you are renewing an eligible passport (one issued to you within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older), you can renew by mail. You will need to fill out Form DS-82 and:
The U.S. Department of State offers life-or-death emergency appointments for those needing to travel internationally in the next two weeks if an immediate family member has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening condition. In this instance, immediate family means parents, legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings, or grandparents. You will need to provide documentation of the emergency, as well as proof of your international travels. For your appointment, you will need to complete the correct form, provide a passport photo, and present a valid form of ID.
Yes, the fastest passport renewal time is a same-day turnaround, but this service is only offered to individuals who meet certain criteria. You must be traveling internationally within 14 days, and you must be available to attend an in-person appointment at one of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the country. Appointments are extremely limited, and you may need to travel across the country for one.
To make a life-or-death emergency appointment, call 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, or 202-647-4000 outside those hours. To make an urgent appointment for international travel within 14 days, you must call 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET.
Expert tip: If you want to use a courier or expeditor, do your due diligence to ensure it’s a legitimate company. You are, after all, handing over very sensitive personal documents.
There are private companies that offer to handle your passport application or renewal for you, including expedited services. While many (but not all) of the companies are legit, they usually charge hundreds of dollars in additional fees for services that are free via the U.S. Department of State.
If you don’t have a passport in your possession, you’re in luck. The U.S. has plenty of incredible destinations for your next vacation, no passport necessary.
It’s possible to get your passport fast, but you’re best off applying or renewing well in advance of your international trip!
As a travel writer, I always have my passport nearby. For my last renewal, I opted for expedited service, so I’m familiar with the process. In addition to that, I’ve only used reliable sources of information to compile this guide, and I recommend checking these sources (see below) when planning your next international trip.
