The Passport Service of the U.S. Department of State is the only authorized U.S. passport issuing agency. The number of passport processed over the last decade nearly doubled from 4,895,151 in 1994 to 8,825,410 in 2004.

Due to this increase in demand, it has become more difficult for Passport Services to process passports within the stipulated time. They claim to process a passport in six weeks although this is not guaranteed. Problems with applications or documents submitted can prolong the processing time by days or even weeks.

U.S. Passport processing fees are $85 for anyone age 16 and over. The fee for those 15 and under is $70. Renewals are $55. Recently, a new security fee of $12 was added.

They also offer to expedite U.S. passports in two weeks. Once again, this is not guaranteed. The expediting fee is $60. To use this emergency passport service, you will have to make an appointment at one of the thirteen agencies.

Bob Tedeschi used this passport service and this was his conclusion:

"I spent an entire day sitting in lines in a hot, cramped passport office in Stamford, Conn., since moved to South Norwalk. The office, an hour's drive from my home, was one of the few in the Northeast that provided last-minute service for those who call at least a few days ahead for an appointment. The lines moved at a pace that made those at the Department of Motor Vehicles look fast. In retrospect, given the amount of work I missed and the aggravation, I would've paid $150 for an online service."

Bob Tedeschi, New York Times Travel Section, March 17, 2002

If you are in no rush to get your passport, you can contact the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services where you will find further instructions or visit our Passport Agency information.

Get a passport in as little as 24 hours.

U.S. Passport Top