How can I get a new passport within two-three weeks?

by Pam
(Burlingame, CA USA)

Question: I can't clearly remember but would assume my passport expired well over ten years ago. I am planning a rather impromptu trip to visit a friend in New Zealand and need to know what steps I need to take to get a passport. It would need to be delivered within two weeks. Can you tell me how to proceed? Thank you.

Answer: There are two ways to get a passport within two weeks. One way is to schedule an appointment at the San Francisco Passport Agency.

The second way to get a passport that fast is to employ the assistance of an experienced passport expediting service that will submit the application at the regional office for you.

If your previously-issued passport was issued less than 15 years ago and you can submit it with the application, you can apply for a passport renewal by mail using Form DS-82. This costs less and requires fewer supporting documents.

If your previously-issued passport was issued more than 15 years ago or you no longer have it, you must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11 and submitting all required documents.