How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast (2024)

  • We offer four types of service:
  • Consider the total time it will take to get a passport, including mailing times, when booking your international travel.
  • *Restrictions apply for Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You must also have an appointment for these services.
  • Use our Form Filler tool to fill out your form online. Print the form at home to save time and reduce errors caused by handwriting.
  • Expand the options below to learn more about the four types of service we offer.
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    How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast (1)

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    How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast (2)

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    How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast (3)

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    How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast (4)

Contacting Us If You Have Urgent Travel

We encourage customers who have already applied tocheck their application status onlineand sign up for updates via email. How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

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I'm traveling in 5 days or less. I'm traveling in 6-14 days. I'm traveling in more than 14 days.
Call 1-877-487-2778. You must have an appointment to go in person to a passport agency or center. Appointments are limited and we cannot guarantee that one will be available. Call 1-877-487-2778. We will notify the agency processing your application of your date of travel. Processing times for routine applications are 6-8 weeks, and expedited applications are 2-3 weeks.

Do not call unless you are changing your mailing address, upgrading to expedited service, or requesting 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport. We are working around the clock to issue your passport. Subscribe to email updates about your application status.

I'm traveling in 14 days or less. I'm traveling in more than 14 days.
Make an appointment online to go to apassport agency or center. Appointments are limited and we cannot guarantee one will be available. Make an appointment online if you need a foreign visa within the next 28 days. Appointments are limited and we cannot guarantee one will be available.
  • Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We are closed on federal holidays.
  • Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778.
  • Se habla español.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
  • Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

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Traveling in Less Than 2-3 Weeks

Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments:Life-or-Death Emergency ServiceandUrgent Travel Service.

  • You cannot walk in without an appointment.
  • We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
  • You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service: We are prioritizing customers who are traveling internationally in the next 3 business days due to a qualifiedlife-or-death emergency. Learn more on ourLife-or-Death Emergency page.

Urgent Travel Service: If you have not yet applied, make an appointment online. Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.

If you have already applied, call 1-877-487-2778. Your appointment must be scheduled within 5 calendar days of your international travel date.

Appointments are limited and we cannot guarantee one will be available.

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Traveling in Less Than 8 Weeks

Expedite a First-Time Application or a Child's Application

Use our Form Filler to fill outForm DS-11and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

Here's how you expedite at an acceptance facility:

  • Fill out your DS-11 application and collect your documents. SeeHow to Applyfor more information.
  • Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee.SeePassportFeesfor more information.
  • Find anacceptance facilitynear you to submit your application and fees. Some facilities may require appointments.
  • Purchase USPS' Priority Mail Express for faster shipping of your application to us.
  • The expedite fee does not include the optional 1-2 day delivery fee of your completed passport.

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Expedite a Renewal or Name Change by Mail

Here's how to expedite the application by mail:

  • Use our Form Filler tool, and follow the instructions for completingForm DS-82if you are renewing, or Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued.
  • Collect your supporting documents.
  • Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee. SeePassportFeesfor more information.
  • Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of theenvelope.
  • The expedite fee does not include the optional 1-2 day delivery fee.
  • Purchase USPS' Priority Mail Express for faster shipping of your application to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

  • Delivery to us: Purchase Priority MailExpress from the United States Postal Servicefor faster shipping of your application to us. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
  • Return to you: Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport1-2 days after we send it. Include the fee with your passport fee in your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for fastest return shipping. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid.

Youmay receive your passport and the supporting documents submitted with your application in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you viaFirst Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

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I need my passport sooner than I thought. What should I do?

You can upgrade your application from routine processing to expedited processing for an additional $60.You may also choose to add a 1-2 delivery service of your completed passport book for an additional $19.53. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.

If you applied in person or renewed by mail, call the National Passport Information Center at1-877-487-2778(1-888-874-7793TDD/TTY) and ask to upgrade your application service type. You’ll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth. The National Passport Information Center will email you additional information about how to upgrade your application to expedited service or 1-2 day delivery.

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What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are private companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. Some of these companies are registered at our passport agencies, and are allowed to submit expedited passport applications on behalf of customers.

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in additional fees for expediting services, or charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form.

To learn more about these companies, visit ourPassport Expeditor and Courier page.

Last Updated: December 18, 2023

How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast (2024)

FAQs

How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast? ›

Go to our Get My Passport Fast page for information on expediting your application, or making an appointment at a passport agency or center. If you have a life-or-death emergency, go to our Life-or-Death Emergency page to see if you qualify for an appointment.

How can I speed up my U.S. passport process? ›

Use our Form Filler to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.
  1. Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. ...
  2. Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. ...
  3. Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee.
  4. Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us.
Mar 21, 2024

What is the fastest you can get a U.S. passport? ›

Current Processing Times (applied on or after December 18, 2023)
Routine6 to 8 weeks
Expedited2 to 3 weeks
UrgentMust make an appointment and have international travel within 14 calendar days

How can I hurry my passport? ›

In the case of an emergency situation we can issue your passport on the day. The Passport Office must be satisfied on the basis of supporting evidence that immediate travel is required due to the death or serious illness of a family member or for emergency medical treatment of the applicant.

Is there any way to speed up a passport application? ›

If you're eligible, you'll be able to submit a request. After you've done that, you'll get an email asking you to provide evidence that shows why you need the passport urgently. Call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 and choose option 1. You'll need to have your application reference when you call.

What happens if my passport doesn t arrive before my flight? ›

Travelers who haven't received their passport in time wonder, "My passport hasn't arrived, what can I do?" If two weeks have passed since your passport application status changed to “Mailed,” and you haven't received it yet, call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778.

What happens if my U.S. passport doesn't arrive in time? ›

We will help you complete a special form (known as the DS-86 form) which is a signed statement that you didn't receive your U.S. passport. You must complete the DS-86 form within 90 days of the date we issued your passport. After 90 days, you must reapply and pay all fees, by law.

Can I go to my local post office to get a passport? ›

Apply for a First-Time Passport. If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

What documents do I need for a U.S. passport? ›

1. Gather Required Documentation
  • Form DS-11, completed but not signed.
  • Form DS-64, completed but not signed.
  • Evidence of U.S. citizenship.
  • Photocopy of evidence of U.S. citizenship.
  • Evidence of parental awareness.
  • Photo ID.
  • Photocopy of photo ID.
  • Passport photo.
Mar 18, 2024

What is the hardest passport to obtain? ›

The Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship
  • Liechtenstein. ...
  • Bhutan. ...
  • Saudi Arabia. ...
  • Kuwait. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • China. ...
  • North Korea. ...
  • Japan. Japan, with one of the world's most powerful passports, maintains strict requirements for naturalization.
Sep 22, 2023

How fast is the fastest way to get a passport? ›

Processing Times
  1. Routine: 6-8 weeks*
  2. Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*
  3. Urgent Travel: See our Get my Passport Fast page.
3 days ago

Why would you be denied a passport? ›

Reasons for denying a passport include a valid, unsealed federal warrant of arrest, a federal or state criminal court order, a condition of parole or probation forbidding departure from the United States (or the jurisdiction of the court), or a request for extradition.

How quick can you get an emergency passport? ›

Your emergency travel document will usually be ready to collect 2 working days after you apply. It may take several weeks if: your original British passport has expired. you're applying for a child under 16.

How much does it cost to speed up passport application? ›

Need a new passport? Apply now as fees are set to rise by 7% next month
Application typeCurrent feeNew fee from Thursday 11 April
Child£64£69 (+£5)
Fast track (one-week service) 📅
Adult£155£166.50 (+£11.50)
Child£126£135.50 (+£9.50)
7 more rows
Mar 26, 2024

What can slow down passport application? ›

According to Conde Nast Traveler, incorrect passport photos are the most frequent issues with delayed passports. Some of the most common ways a passport photo can get your application denied is if your eyes are shut, you're wearing headphones, or are wearing non prescription glasses.

Can you check passport status? ›

Call us at 1-877-487-2778 (or 1-888-874-7793 if you are deaf or hard of hearing). You'll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth.

Can you get a passport in 1 day in LA? ›

Are you looking for a New Passport or Passport Renewal in Los Angeles, California? At Ambassador Passport and Visa Services, we can process your expedited US passport in as little as 24 hours or even the same day, no matter where in the U.S. you are located.

How long does it take to reissue a U.S. passport? ›

4. How long does it take to get a passport? Standard processing is currently taking 6 - 8 weeks. Expedited processing is currently taking 2 - 3 weeks.

Can I travel with an expired passport? ›

Based on current rules and trends, you cannot leave the US with an expired passport. However, traveling with one is not untrue; as of May 2021, the US government made it possible for citizens with expired passports to return home using their expired passports if they expired on or after the end of January 2020.

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