United States Passport Services

To get a United States Passport, you first have to choose the type of service you need and then determine how quickly you want your application processed.

Regular processing takes 6 to 8 weeks or longer. Expedited service reduces the processing time to 2 to 3 weeks. Same day service is available at regional agencies or you can go through a professional expediting service to apply for emergency United States passport.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

Step 1: Confirm the Type of Passport Service You Need

Verify the correct passport application that you need to complete and submit by choosing from the list below.

New Renewal

Child Replacement

Name Change

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New United States Passport

Choose this option if you:

• have never applied for a passport.
• have a passport issued at age 15 or under.
• have a passport issued more than 15 years ago.
• have an expired passport that is not in your possession.
• have a current, valid passport that is damaged.

Go to Step 2

United States Passport Renewal

Choose this option if:

• your prior passport was issued when you were 16 or older.
• your prior passport was issued within last 15 years.
• your prior passport is in your possession and undamaged.

Go to Step 2

Replace United States Passport

Choose this option if:

• you have lost or had your passport stolen AND
• your lost/stolen passport is still valid

Go to Step 2

Child United States Passport

Choose this option if:

• your child who is 18 or under needs a passport

Go to Step 2

Passport Name Change

Choose this option if:

• your passport is still valid.
• your passport expiration date is greater than one year away.
• If you do not meet BOTH of the above conditions select from below:
• If the prior passport is still in your possession, AND was issued less than 15 years ago, AND you were age 16 or over when that passport was issued, choose Passport Renewal.
• If the passport applicant is currently age 15 or younger, choose Child Passport application.
• If the passport applicant is age 16 or older,choose New Passport application.

Go to Step 2

Step 2: Choose the Time Frame in Which You Want to Acquire Your United States Passport

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs offers regular and expedited services. Regular service takes 6 to 8 weeks while expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks.

There is no guarantee in either case. During peak travel seasons, it can take months to receive your passport. If you're in no rush to get your United States passport, click here.

Emergency situations are attended to at regional agencies. After scheduling your appointment, you need to arrive at the agency approximately 5-15 minutes early with your application and supporting documentation.

Depending on the demand at the time you apply, you may wait for less than an hour to as long as several hours. Note, there are only 25 regional passport agencies in the U.S.

Getting a United States passport through a private expediter provides you with the following options concerning how quickly you can obtain your travel document.

Urgent Passport - 24 hours

Choose this service if your departure date is in 3 days or less.

Rush Passport - less than 4 days

Choose this service if your departure date is in 4 to 9 days.

Fast Passport - 4 to 10 days

Choose this service if your departure date is in 10 to 29 days.

Normal Passport - more than 10 days

Choose this service if your departure date is in 30 days or more.

NOTE: Expedited Passport Service providers vary in both the terms used and time amounts given for the expediting of passport applications. The above division serves only as a general guide. Please confirm processing times with the passport expediter you choose

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers