Can I expedite a passport application after submitting a standard renewal application?

Question: About 4 hours after submitting my renewal application by mail (today), my school informed me that they may want to send me abroad about a week earlier than originally planned (Sept. 15th, rather than Sept. 22nd). The 22nd is 8 weeks away. The 15th is seven. Given that applications generally take 4-6 weeks, 7 weeks cut things a bit closer than I am comfortable with.

If I do need to leave on the earlier date, what is (or are) my best option(s) for expediting my application, assuming there are any? I am currently working in Washington DC, but will be back in San Francisco on Aug. 20th.

Also, do you think I need to even worry about expediting the application?

Answer: You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to try and change your request from routine to expedited processing. If you can pay the expedited passport fee with a credit card, you will likely be able to make the switch.

Having said that, it is very likely that your passport will arrive in plenty of time and you will be spared the added expense. I recommend you keep tabs on the status of your passport and, if it does not arrive a couple of weeks before your trip, go to the regional passport agency in San Francisco. You can get a same-day passport there if you need it.

Click the link below to check the status of your passport application. Note, the status usually does not appear until 5-7 days after you submit the application.

Check Passport Status Online