How to Expedite a Second Passport in 2 to 3 Weeks

U.S. citizens who travel frequently may need a second passport to keep one book free for travel while the other holds visa applications, or because visa stamps from certain countries could bar entry into others.

Key Details About a Second Passport

• Validity period: A second passport book is valid for four years or less-never the full 10-year term.
• Book only: The State Department issues only second passport books, not cards.
• Reissue vs. renewal: Second passports are reissued as entirely new books, and are hardly ever renewed like a standard passport.

If standard processing isn't fast enough, expedited processing can get you a second passport in 2 to 3 weeks (additional $60).

You can apply in person at a passport acceptance office, hire a registered passport expediting service, or apply by mail if you can wait 2 to 3 weeks.

Who This Guide Is For

• U.S. citizens aged 16 or older who need to apply for a second passport book or get an existing one reissued
• Travelers seeking expedited processing to receive their passport in 2 to 3 weeks
• Those who don't require immediate same-day service but want faster turnaround than routine processing

How to Get an Expedited Second Passport in 5 Steps

Follow these five steps to get an expedited second passport in 2 to 3 weeks:

Step #1: Determine Eligibility

To qualify for expedited processing for a second passport, the applicant must be either:

• a U.S. citizen or
• a qualifying non-citizen national.

The applicant must also be able to:

• Complete Form DS-11 (New Second Passport) or Form DS-82 (Second Passport Renewal)
• Provide proof of citizenship and identity,
• Submit a valid passport photo, and
• Pay all required fees.

Step #2: Gather Required Documents and Fees

Application Forms for an Expedited Second Passport

When applying for an expedited second passport, you must prepare the following documents:

The form you use depends on whether you can submit your most recent passport book.

• Form DS-82 - if you can send your full-validity, 10-year passport book and meet the renewal requirements. Download Form DS-82
• Form DS-11 - if you cannot submit your passport book and must apply in person at an acceptance facility or agency. Download Form DS-11

Tips to complete your form:

• Complete every field on a desktop or laptop computer.
• Sign and date Form DS-82 when you're done.
• Do not sign Form DS-11 until instructed by the acceptance agent.
• Print your form on single-sided paper only; double-sided forms aren't accepted.

Additional Documents for an Expedited Second Passport

• Signed statement of need: A signed, dated statement explaining why you need a second passport book (for example, to avoid visa-stamp restrictions or because of frequent travel).
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Certified birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Naturalization Certificate.
• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, state ID, previous U.S. passport, or military ID. See acceptable proof of identity.
• Photocopies of all identification and citizenship documents.
• A Passport Photo: One recent color photo meeting State Department standards. See our Passport Photos Guide.

Step #3: Request Routine Expedited Service

To ensure your second passport application is expedited, select the expedited processing option on your DS-11 or DS-82 form.

Please note: You will also need to pay an additional fee for this service.

Fees for an Expedited Second Passport

Expect to pay:

• Passport Fee
• Expedited Service Fee
• Execution (Acceptance) Fee (for first-time applicants)

Payment methods accepted:

• Check or money order
• Major credit/debit card
• Apple Pay, Google Pay

Current Fees:

Step #4: Submit Your Second Passport Application

Your submission method depends on which form you're using and how soon you're traveling:

• Form DS-82 (Mail or Agency):
  
  • If you can submit your current passport book and your trip is more than 3 weeks away, mail your completed DS-82, supporting documents, and payment to the address listed on the form.
  • If your trip is in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment and apply in person at a passport agency or center.
• Form DS-11 (In Person):
  
  • Use DS-11 if you cannot submit your passport book. Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility
  • For trips in less than 3 weeks, schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency or get help from a passport expediting service to go on your behalf.

  Step #5: Track Your Second Passport Application

  After submitting your second passport application, you can track your application's status through the U.S. State Department's Passport Status Portal.

  For additional assistance, see our step-by-step guide, Tracking Your Passport Status Updates, for a full walkthrough, or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

  Quick Tips for Faster Processing

  To ensure your second passport is processed as quickly as possible, consider these tips:

  • Double-check your documents before submitting. Make sure your proof of identity and citizenship are valid and correct.
    
  • Ensure that your passport photo meets all U.S. requirements. This is a common reason for delays.
    
  • Use a passport expediting service if you want extra help with the process. Expediting services ensure that all your documents are correctly formatted and can submit your application on your behalf.

  Need Your Second Passport Fast? Make the Right Choices for Your Situation.

  When time is short, it's critical to follow the right steps for submitting your second passport application the first time.

  At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we've helped U.S. citizens obtain their second passports for over 20 years.

  Want a faster, easier path? Get started with a registered passport expediting service here.

  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!