Expedited Passport FAQ

What is an expedited passport?

When applying for a passport, American citizens have the choice of standard processing or expedited service.

An expedited passport is one in which the application is given priority and processed more quickly than other applications.

By contrast, standard processing is significantly slower and currently takes an estimated 6 to 8 weeks to complete. It is important to remember that these are just estimates - a passport application may be processed more quickly or take longer depending on when and where you apply.

Requesting expedited processing is the only way to guarantee faster service.

How long does it take for an expedited passport?

The time it takes to expedite a passport varies according to when, where, and how you apply. Applications for new passports submitted at an application acceptance facility or renewals sent by mail have an estimated processing time of 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service.

Applications submitted at a regional agency can be processed anywhere between 1-5 business days. The timing depends on both the volume of applications and what expediency the attending agent deems to be necessary.

Opting to hire a registered passport expediting courier service to deliver your materials to a regional agency on your behalf can improve the odds that your passport application can be completed as quickly as the same day.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

How much is an expedited passport?

The expedited service fee paid to the U.S. Department of State is $60. This is in addition to the application fee and, in the case of a new passport, the execution fee.

That said, the cost to expedite a passport application can be much more when you factor in other expenses, especially if you require the services of an expedited passport courier. Fees for courier service can range from $79 for processing in 10-14 business days to $399 for same-day service.

While courier service fees are expensive, using a passport expediting service may be the least expensive alternative if you need to get a passport fast - particularly if you are unable to visit a regional agency personally. Applicants who have to travel a long distance to get to an agency could easily end up spending far more on transportation, parking, food and, even lodging than they would to expedite the process through a courier.

It is also worth considering that airlines charge as much as $450 to reschedule international flights. There are also several other costs associated with trying to visit a regional passport agency to get an emergency passport expedited on your own. Hiring a passport courier can save you serious time, money, and frustration - especially in a pinch.

List of Passport Expediting Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some more of the most frequently asked questions about passport expediting submitted by our visitors. Click the question link to read the complete answer.

Need an answer to a passport expediting question you don't see here? Leave a comment below or check out our complete guide to passport expediting services.

How do I expedite a passport name change within 4 weeks?

Question: I recently got married and am going on my honeymoon to Europe on September 1st. How do I get the name changed and ensure the passport will ...

I need a passport in a week. What steps should I take?

Question: I just became an American citizen and live in Boca Raton in South Florida. Do I have to go in person? Where is the passport information center ...

How can an expedited passport application take longer than usual?

Question: On your website it states that an expedited passport application + fee could in some cases take longer than usual. What does that mean? I am trying to see if the fee is worth the cost.

What counts for proof of travel to get an appointment for expedited passort service? 

Question: I am a U.S citizen who will apply for a U.S. passport and will make a report of birth abroad for my 18-month-old daughter who was born in the ...

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

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 ...

How do I expedite my expired passport renewal for my trip to Nassau? 

Question: How do I expedite my expired passport renewal by March 16 for my trip to Nassau?

How long before Passport Services contacts me for additional documents? 

Question: Hello, I recently applied for my passport and paid extra to expedite the process. I am traveling in a month. When I went to apply at the post ...

Can I find out my passport information before I receive my passport in the mail?

Question: I am leaving for Japan on Feb. 10, 2011. I sent off my passport paperwork on Jan. 6, 2011 and paid for the 1-2 week expedited service. The tour ...

I misplaced my passport and have a trip planned to Tijuana, BC in two weeks 

Question: I last used my passport to return to the USA from Tijuana, BC. I realized yesterday that my passport was missing as I was going over my checklist ...

I can't find my passport and need to fly this Saturday. 

Question: I can't find my passport and need to fly this Saturday. I have a copy with the passport number. Can you have me sent one by Friday if I pay Wednesday?...

Address to the Philadelphia Passport Expediting Center

Question: My passport was overnighted from Canada to the National Passport Processing Center in Philadelphia for expediting its renewal. I used the ...

Need passport expedited in 3 days but already submitted to agency 

Question: I needed to have my named changed on my passport and I wasn't scheduled to leave until the first week of August to go on a business trip to ...

Can I get a passport to travel out of the country in less than a week 

Question: I got a passport 20 years ago and used it once. Never needed to renew it. Have to travel to Tunisia in 6 days, what forms do I need to fill ...

How do I speed up my passport application?

Question: I am leaving for a trip out of the country on Wednesday and just realized I do not have a US Passport....Is it possible for me to obtain one by Tuesday ...

Can I get a last minute passport for a business trip? 

Question: What do I do if my boss needs me to travel for work but I don't have a valid passport?

My passport is delayed and I'm traveling on April 28th. Can I hire a passport rush service? 

Question: We are booked to fly on April 28th. I sent my passport application on Jan 28th and it's been more that 11 weeks. Every time that I call ...

Where to get a passport if the regional agency is too far away?  Question: If my regional passport office is a great distance away, and I need a passport within the next two weeks (as a new applicant), will I be able ...

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers