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

Your Expedited Passport Service Guide

Happy couple holding passportsNeed to expedite a passport application quickly? Whether you need to obtain a new passport, renew one that is about to expire, or replace one that has already expired or been lost, it is possible for citizens of the United States to get a passport as fast as the same day if specific requirements are met.

Applicants who are not in a hurry can apply for routine processing in order to secure a passport. The U.S. State Department offers expedited service for those who need to travel within 30 days. Emergency passport service is available to Americans who require their travel document in less than 14 days or within 30 days if a visa is also needed.

For over 20 years we have been helping readers to get their travel documents fast by offering advice to select the sppropriate services and avoid processing delays. Read on for the latest options and explore the menu to the left to find the specific support you need with your travel documents.

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Current Passport Application Processing Times

The U.S. Department of State regularly updates their passport processing times. Below are the most current timelines you can expect for new passports and passport renewals.

  • Routine passport processing currently takes 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Expedited passport processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Epedited passport couriers can usually get a passport in as fast as 1 week or less

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service!.

Trending Passport Topics

Passports of Infants

a baby holding his new passport

Make the infant passport process simple with our comprehensive guide. We share the required documentation, real-world video examples from a family going through the process, and our own expert application tips.

To find out more, read our blog post, How To Get A Passport For An Infant: A Complete Guide To Baby Passports.

Passport Name Changes for Honeymoon Travel

A vintage orange car with a just married sign on the back

Planning your honeymoon? Ensure smooth international travel with our expert guide to passport name changes after marriage, with all the timelines, fees, procedures, & tips you need.

Learn more by checking out our blog article, Marriage, Passports, and Honeymoons: Changing Your Name Made Easy.

Avoid Passport Renewal Mistakes on Form DS-82

Man filling out Form DS-82: Application for Passport Renewal by hand with a pen

Tips on using the correct form version, filling out the form accurately, and ensuring a smooth and fast passport renewal process.

Learn more by checking out our blog article, Form DS-82: Avoid Common Passport Renewal Mistakes.

Routine Passport Service

Standard processing of passport applications is currently taking from 6 to 8 weeks. Occasionally, the forms are processed faster but it can sometimes take longer, especially during peak travel periods or when additional documents must be requested.

Basically, there are three steps to obtaining a passport by routine processing:

  1. Complete the appropriate application form.
  2. Gather the required supporting documents.
  3. Submit the application and documents together with payment for fees.

Requests for a renewal, added visa pages, correction of errors and name changes can be sent by mail. Applications for a new passport, or the replacement of a lost, stolen or significantly damaged one must be submitted at a passport office.

Choose the service you require from the menu to the left for a complete list of instructions, tips and a link to download the proper application form.

Expedited Passport Service

Expedited processing is an optional service available to those who cannot wait 6 to 8 weeks to get a passport. The estimated time to expedite an application by mail or through an application acceptance facility is 2 to 3 weeks.

The steps for requesting faster service are the same as those for routine processing: complete application, gather supporting documents, sumbit form. The differences are that you need to include evidence of your travel plans and add $60 to your payment for the expedited service fee.

Be aware that the address to which the application and supporting documents are sent to be expedited is different from the address for standard processing. The address is located on the form.

Additional steps to ensure your passport is expedited quickly:

  • Write the word "expedite" on the envelope.
  • Use an express delivery method that is traceable.
  • Add the overnight delivery fee to the payment.

Urgent Passport Expediting

The fastest way to get a passport expedited is to submit the application for to a regional passport agency for speedy processing. You can submit the application yourself or authorize a third party such as a registered courier service to submit it for you.

Processing centers are located in major U.S. cities such as Boston, Chicago, DC, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and several other locations.

The first step if you plan to submit the application yourself is to schedule an appointment through the Department of State's automated scheduling service.

The faster you need to get your passport, the farther you live from a regional agency and the less time you have to personally commit to the application process, the more important it is to get an experienced expediter to apply on your behalf. Of the nearly 50 courier services in our directory, our highest recommend goes to RushMyPassport.com.

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!

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