If you need a passport for a family emergency, start by requesting a life-or-death emergency passport appointment at a U.S. passport agency or center.
You may qualify if an immediate family member outside the United States has died, is dying, is in hospice care, or has a life-threatening illness or injury, and you need to travel internationally within 14 days.
In a family emergency, the fastest path is the one with the fewest mistakes.
Confirm your appointment, prepare every required document, and arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Use a registered passport courier if it helps you solve a real timing or travel problem.
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What to do first in a family emergency
- Confirm that your situation qualifies. Life-or-death emergency service is for travel caused by the death, hospice care, or life-threatening illness or injury of an immediate family member outside the United States.
- Check your travel date. You generally need international travel within 14 days to request this type of appointment.
- Collect proof. Bring documentation of the emergency and proof of international travel, such as a flight itinerary.
- Schedule an appointment. Emergency passport service is available only at passport agencies and centers. Walk-ins are not accepted.
- Review every document before you go. Missing forms, unsigned forms, wrong fees, or incomplete proof can delay your passport.
Documents for an emergency passport
To avoid delays, gather these documents before your appointment:
- proof of the emergency,
- proof of international travel,
- the correct passport application,
- proof of U.S. citizenship,
- valid photo ID,
- a recent passport photo,
- and payment for the required passport fees, including the expedite fee.
Proof of the emergency may include a death certificate, a letter from a hospital or doctor, or another official document that explains the situation. If the document is not in English, bring a certified English translation.
Where to apply for an emergency passport
Regular passport offices, post offices, and acceptance facilities cannot issue emergency passports. They can accept some applications, but emergency passports are handled by passport agencies and centers by appointment only.
Emergency passport appointments are limited, so check availability as soon as possible.
If you cannot get an appointment or cannot travel to a passport agency yourself, a registered passport courier may be able to help prepare and submit your application.
A courier cannot guarantee faster processing than applying directly at a passport agency, but it may help if distance, timing, or logistics make it difficult for you to handle the process on your own.
If you cannot get to a passport agency
A passport courier may be an option if you need help preparing the application, submitting documents, or managing overnight delivery. This can be useful if the nearest passport agency is far away or if your schedule makes it difficult to travel.
Before choosing a courier, confirm that the company is registered with the U.S. Department of State, clearly explains its fees, provides written instructions, and has reliable customer support.
Avoid any service that guarantees results the State Department does not promise. Search our directory of registered courier.
If you use a courier for a first-time passport, child passport, lost passport, or other DS-11 application, you still need to visit a passport acceptance facility first.
An authorized agent must review your documents, witness your signature, and seal your application package before it is sent to the courier with a letter of authorization.
How to avoid delays
- Use the correct passport form for your situation.
- Do not sign Form DS-11 until an acceptance agent tells you to sign.
- Bring original or certified proof of U.S. citizenship plus required photocopies.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a photocopy.
- Bring one compliant passport photo.
- Bring printed proof of international travel.
- Bring official proof of the family emergency.
- Bring a certified English translation for any emergency document written in another language.
- Confirm accepted payment methods before your appointment.
More Help With Emergency Service
- Expedite vs Emergency Passport Service
- Emergency Service in U.S. and Abroad
- New Emergency Passport (Form DS-11)
- Emergency Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)
- Travel Visa and ETA Requirements
- Check Passport Application Status
- Rush My Passport Review
Compare Your Fast Passport Options
If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.
