Important: Processing times recently changed for both routine and expedited passport applications.

Expedited Passport Renewal FAQ

Expedited Passport Renewal service
Image by HASLOO/Stockfresh

Expedited passport renewals are processed at regional agencies. Mailing in your request will get the application processed in 2 to 3 weeks. You can submit the application personally at a regional agency or get a registered expediting service to submit it for you. Forms submitted at a processing center can be completed within a few days to as fast as the same day.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service!.

If you have a question about expediting a passport renewal, you can read through the FAQ below or visit our expedited passport renewal information web page. If you need a list of requirements, you can read the passport renewal instructions. You can also access our directory of experienced passport expediting services.

List of Expedited Passport Renewal FAQ

Below are questions from actual readers from our over a decade of supporting visitors like you with their travel document issues and concerns.

How fast can I renew an expired passport?

by Linda from Massachusetts

Question: My daughter's passport was issued when she was 13 years old. She is now 18 years old and her passport has already expired. We are traveling on April 16th. How can I get her passport renewed by that date?

Answer: To get a passport in less than two weeks, you have two options. One, you can submit the application at a regional passport agency or you can authorize a professional passport expediter to submit it for you.

Since you live in Massachusetts, your daughter can submit her application at the Boston Passport Agency. She needs to set up an appointment first by calling 1-877-487-2778. For a list of all the required documentation, click the link below.

How to Get a New Passport

If your daughter does not have the time to schedule the appointment and appear herself, she can get an expediter to do it for her. Note, she must still appear at a nearby acceptance facility in order to take an oath and sign the application in the presence of an agent. She will then take the sealed package and mail it by express mail to the expediting service. To apply for this service, click the link below.

How to Expedite a New Passport Application: A Complete Guide

Can I get expedited service after submitting passport renewal form?

by Hakim from Maryland

Question: Just last week I sent an application in for renewal of my passport for a trip to be taken in late June. Yesterday I was informed that my visa application would need to be submitted by May 14. I am not sure if the passport will be back to me by then. What are my options?

Answer: Regular processing takes 6 to 8 weeks so it is possible that your passport will be delivered to you before May 14.

If it does arrive after this date, it will probably be only a few days to a week or so later. If this occurs, you can expedite your visa request.

Click the link below to view the options for expediting your travel visa and bookmark the page so that if you need it later, you can easily access the website.

Apply for Visa Expediting

How do I renew my passport quickly for a trip to Haiti in July?

by Mark from Marmora, NJ

Question: I'm going on a trip with my church to Haiti on July 18-28. I just realized my passport expired last January. Should I make an appointment to have it renewed in person in Philadelphia, PA since I live about 1.5 hours away, or via mail?

Answer: If you meet all the criteria, you can renew your passport by mail. Routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks so that is out of the question.

Expedited passport renewal by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks unless some problem occurs. (e.g., forgot to mail payment, forgot to sign application, passport photo not acceptable, etc.), you should be fine. However, using a registered passport expediting service could help give you better peace of mind.

For complete expedited renewal instructions and to download the form, click the link below.

Complete Guide to Expedited Passport Renewals

Is it faster to renew my passport in person or by mail?

by Daniel from Seattle, Washington

Question: I am over 18 and my passport was issued less than 15 years ago. Which method will be faster to renew, in person or by mail?

Answer: When you renew your passport by mail you have two options concerning processing. Routine processing takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete. You can request expedited processing which will reduce the time to 2 to 3 weeks.

To renew your passport in less than 3 weeks, you also have two options:

  1. You can submit the application yourself at the regional passport agency. For more information, click the link below.

    How to Apply for a Passport at a Regional Passport Agency

  2. You can get a professional passport expediter to submit the application for you. For more information, click the link below.

    Apply for Expedited Service through Expediter

I expedited my passport renewal but need it immediately

by Kaylee from Los Angeles, California

Question: I expedited my passport renewal application last week and am wondering when is the soonest I might get it. The latest?

Answer: If you requested expedited passport renewal by mail, it can take 2 to 3 weeks to process the application. It may arrive sooner but it could also take longer. You can call the National Passport Information Center and try to request a change from routine to expedited processing. The toll-free number is 1-877-487-2778.

If you applied through a registered passport expediter, the time of processing would depend on the service you requested. Expediters can obtain passport renewals as quickly as the same day.

If you submitted the application through an expediting service but need the renewal quicker, contact the expediter directly.

If you mailed in the application and fear that your passport will not be renewed in time for your flight, you might want to visit the Los Angeles Passport Agency. An appointment is required but, in emergency situations, applicants can usually get in without one.

If your application has been entered into the system and can be located, then it probably will not be necessary to resubmit the renewal form and supporting documents. However, this may be required if your application cannot be located.

Where and how should I renew a passport that expires soon?

by William from Alpine, California

Question: I am traveling to Belgium on April 3, returning April 5. My passport expires May 11 of this year. I have another trip to Germany scheduled for May 25 - what is the best method for me to renew and ensure that I have a valid passport in time for the May 25 trip? I am noticing that in some examples (or all), I should surrender my current passport to acquire a new one - and as noted above I will need my passport for an April 3 journey to Brussels.

Answer: Belgium is party to the Schengen Agreement. You are not required to obtain a visa for the initial entry into the Schengen area, but you must have a passport valid three months beyond the proposed stay. Since your passport will not have three months validity at the time of your trip, you need to renew it before your departure date.

There are only two ways to get your passport so quickly. One, you can visit the San Francisco Passport Agency. Due to the urgency, you have no time to make an appointment. Just appear at the agency very early with the completed application form DS-82, your current passport, one passport photo and payment for the fees. Bring proof of your imminent travel like an airline e-ticket or hotel reservation. Your renewed passport should be issued the same day.

If you are unable to travel to San Francisco, you can request the assistance of a reputable passport expediting service. By using express mail delivery, you can obtain your passport by Thursday or Friday.

Still Have Questions?

We pride ourselves in ensuring our readers have all the information they need to get their travel documents as quickly as they need them. If you need more information about expedited passport renewals, be sure to check out our comprehensive, expert guides below.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service:Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!

This website is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.