The Fastest Way to Get a Passport Application Processed

In order to get a US passport fast, you need to have the application expedited. The estimated passport processing times to expedite applications is 7 to 9 weeks. This is less than the 10 to 13 weeks required for standard passport processing but it's still not the fastest way to get a passport. The U.S. State Department has options specifically for first time applicants who need new passports for emergency travel or other urgent travel needs.

If you are traveling internationally but didn't plan ahead and apply early, you must make an appointment at a passport agency or center. This may be the only way to get your passport on time.

The best option is to get help from a passport expediting service. These registered passport expeditors help you complete and submit your passport application. Their multiple locations and expertise with helping applicants with their travel document needs can save you both time and money. This is especially true if you do not have the time or means to travel to a regional agency with an available appointment.

In a rush? The best passport expediting service we recommend is Rush My Passport. Based on our over 20 years of helping readers get passports quickly, we can attest that they are a reliable option for getting a passport as fast as possible.

Already have a passport that you need to renew? Visit our guide to renewing a passport fast. The process is similar to the steps outlined here, but there are several key differences that can save you time and money.

The 3 Steps to Get a Passport as Fast as Possible

If any of the following apply to you, you're in the right place:

• You don't have a passport already
• Your passport was issued before the age of 16
• You are at least 16 years of age
• Your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your current passport has been lost or stolen
• Your current passport is significantly damaged

This page will walk you through all the steps to get your new passport as fast as possible. The process is exactly the same as applying for routine service with one important difference.

Complete Form DS-11

The first step is to complete Form DS-11. You can download the application form and complete it offline or you can complete the form online and then print it.

Either way, do not sign the application until an Acceptance Agent asks you to do so. Passport applications that are already signed will not be accepted.

Expedite Passport in 24 hours.

Gather Supporting Documents

Once the application form is filled out, the second step is to gather the required supporting documents that provide proof of who you are and your date of birth. These include evidence of U.S. citizenship which must be an original or certified copy.

Acceptable documents include:

• A birth certificate (must be in long form and include parents' full names)
• A previously-issued U.S. passport
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• A Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship.

If you no longer have evidence of your U.S. citizenship but were issued a passport in the past, you can request a file search. Note, there is a $150 fee for this service.

Other documents that you will need to apply for a new passport include:

• Proof of identity
• A copy of your identification document
• A recent passport photo

You may also need to submit evidence of name change if your name has been legally changed from the one on any of your supporting documents.

Visit Acceptance Facility

The third step is to take the completed form and supporting documents to the nearest application acceptance facility. These can be found in many post offices as well as county and municipal government offices.

Some post offices accept walk in applicants for passports, but not all do. Be advised that most facilities require you to make an appointment for anything having to do with passports.

We recommend that you call or schedule an appointment online before visiting any passport agency. When you do, be sure to record the confirmation number, date, and time you are given. This will help you avoid missing your appointment and having to take your chances to apply as a walk in.

At the acceptance facility, an agent will review your application and documents, administer an oath and witness the signing of the form.

Since you want fast passport service, you will add the expedited service fee of $60 to the application fee of $130. For an additional $19.53 your new passport will be mailed by 1-2 day Priority Mail Express delivery. You can write one check or money order for the total, made out to the "U.S. Department of State." Do not send cash or credit card information.

The form, documents and fees payment will be placed in an envelope and sealed.

The address for express service is different than where you mail an application for routine processing. Both can be found on the application form. We also recommend that you write the word "expedite" on the outside of the envelope if the agent doesn't. Be sure to write the correct address on the envelope in order to avoid passport processing delays.

The last thing to do is pay the acceptance agent $35 for the execution fee and you are done. This is separate from the fees you send with your application.

Finally, all that's left to do is wait for the application to be processed. You can visit the U.S. Passport Application Status Update webpage run by the Department of State to get the latest updates on your application status.

Note: Your supporting documents will be returned to you. However, they are usually arrive in the mail after you receive your passport.

The Fastest Way to Get a Passport Expedited

While fast, applying for expedited service at an acceptance facility is not the fastest way to get a passport.

For faster service, the application form needs to be submitted at a regional agency where same day passport processing is available, if required. You will need to make an appointment and be able to show proof that you have urgent travel needs within the next two weeks. There are also special considerations for travelers who can prove a life or death emergency.

Applicants who are unable to visit one of the 26 agencies in person can authorize someone to do it for them. There are expedited passport courier services that can hand deliver forms and documents for a fee. Even though these services come at a cost, expediters can actually be the most cost effective way to get a passport fast-especially when compared doing so on your own.

These professional service providers are experienced in the passport expediting process and must be registered with the Department of State.

The best expeditors have multiple offices near multiple regional agencies. This means they can get appointments at locations that may take too long and/or cost too much for you to travel to on your own. As a result, a professional passport courier service may be able to get a passports faster than if you had to travel, in person, to the agency nearest you.

For more on how passport expeditors work, what they can do for you, and how to find a reliable one, check out the FAQ below.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

U.S. Passport Service Guide - Who we are

For over 20 years, U.S. Passport Service Guide has helped American citizens understand and navigate the passport application process. We use our expertise and experience to help travelers get United States passports quickly and efficiently.

Our website currently receives over half a million visitors a month. We are committed to going the "extra mile" for all of our readers. Both passport officials and website visitors frequently write to express gratitude for the assistance we provide.

Please contact us if you have any travel related questions - especially ones about passports and visa expediting. We usually respond to e-mails within 24 hours, oftentimes the same day. We are committed to working with you until you get the answer you need.

Expedite Your Passport Now!