How to Get a First-Time Emergency Passport in 72 Hours or Less

If you've never held a U.S. passport - or yours is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged - and you need one in 24-72 hours for a life-or-death emergency or urgent travel, there's no time to waste.

Applying for emergency expedited passport service will get your new passport in hand before you board for your last-minute trip abroad.

You can apply for a new emergency passport yourself by following the steps outlined below or you can hire a registered passport expediter to manage the process for you.

Either way, you must start by gathering all required documents as noted on the Critical-Item Checklist below.

Note: If you need to need an emergency passport renewal for a passport that has been issued within the last 15 years, follow this guide instead.

Critical-Item Checklist

Print or save this list. You must bring everything listed below. If your application is incomplete or you are missing any of these documents, your emergency passport application will be rejected.

• Proof of Travel within 14 days or 28 days if you need a foreign visa (e.g., boarding pass, e-ticket, confirmed booking)
• For Life-or-Death Emergencies: certified proof of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, mortuary statement, or hospital letter on official letterhead, translated if not in English).
  • Emergency must involve you or an immediate family member: parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, or grandparent.
• Form DS-11, completed but unsigned (sign only in front of the acceptance official)
• Form DS-64 if your previous passport was lost or stolen
• Your expired or damaged passport (if applicable)
• One compliant passport photo (2 × 2 in., plain white background, no glasses)
• Government-issued photo ID with a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified birth certificate) - speeds up verification
• Payment (see fee table below)
• Photocopies of all documents and payment (one-sided only; originals or certified copies are still required)

New Emergency U.S. Passport: Life-or-Death & Urgent Travel Guide

Select the category that matches your situation, then follow the checklist exactly:

Life-or-Death Emergency Service

Eligibility

Your departure must be in 14 days or less (28 days if a visa is required) because an immediate family member outside the U.S. has died, is dying, or faces a life-threatening condition. This also applies if you need life-saving medical treatment abroad.

Procedure

1. Book a "Life-or-Death Emergency" appointment at a Regional Passport Agency within the 14-day window.
   • Schedule your appointment online.
   • If you cannot secure an appointment online, call 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8 am-8 pm ET).
   • Nights/Weekends/Federal Holidays: call 202-647-4000
2. Gather all documents for your travel need as listed in the Critical-Item Checklist, including certified proof of emergency or proof of urgent travel.
3. Arrive 30 minutes early for security screening and document review. Late arrivals may have to reschedule.
4. Sign DS-11 only when the acceptance official instructs you to do so.
5. Pay service fees via check, money order, or credit/debit card, where accepted.
6. Processing is typically same-day; otherwise, your passport will be shipped to you overnight.

Urgent Travel Service

Eligibility

Your departure must be in 14 days or less (28 days if a visa is required) for any reason other than a documented life-or-death emergency.

Procedure

1. Book an "Urgent Travel" appointment at a Regional Passport Agency within the 14-day window.
   • Schedule your appointment online.
   • If you cannot secure an appointment online, call 1-877-487-2778 (Mon-Fri 8 am-8 pm ET)
   • Nights / Weekends / Federal Holidays: call 202-647-4000
2. Gather all documents for your travel need as listed in the Critical-Item Checklist, including Form DS-64 if your previous passport was lost or stolen.
3. Arrive 30 minutes early for security screening and document review. Late arrivals may have to reschedule.
4. Sign DS-11 only when accpetance officials instruct you to do so.
5. Pay service fees via check, money order, or credit/debit card, where accepted.
6. Processing is typically same-day; otherwise, your passport will be shipped to you overnight.

Emergency or Urgent Passports for Minors (Under 16 Years)

Applying for an emergency minor's passport can be done by following the same steps as outlined above under life-or-death or urgent service. To qualify, you must follow these additional steps:

• Both parents/guardians must appear in person with the child or submit notarized consent (Form DS-3053) completed by the absent parent/guardian.
• Provide the child's certified birth certificate or other proof of parental relationship.
• Submit the required documents listed in the Critical-Item Checklist and follow the same appointment procedures as describedd above.

Mandatory Passport Fees

*Overnight return can be omitted if you pick up in person - subtract $21.36 accordingly.

Professional Passport Expediters - A Practical Option

After you sign DS-11 and seal your packet, a registered passport expediting service can hand-carry your documents to a regional agency and get your new passport within 48 hours - saving you time, stress, and extra trips.

Important Note: Expediters cannot sign DS-11 for you. You must first appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (e.g., post office) for document verification and for an acceptance official to witness your signature before handing the sealed packet to the passport courier.

For vetted, registered expediters who comply with State Department regulations, see our Passport Expediter Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I show proof of travel on my phone?

A: Yes. Make certain that your name and departure date are easy to read. Save an offline copy in case your signal or battery dies.

---

Q: Can I request a passport card instead of a book?

A: No. Emergency agencies issue passport books only; passport cards aren't available for same-day service.

Key Points to Remember

• Do not sign DS-11 until a passport acceptance official instructs you to do so.
• Life-or-death emergencies require certified documentation; all other urgent departures must use standard "Urgent Travel" service.
• Adult fees total $246.36 with overnight return; minor fees total $216.36.
• Expediters can hand-carry your sealed documents to a regional agency and return with your passport in 24-48 hours, saving you time and stress.
• Verify every document listed on the Critical-Item Checklist before your appointment to avoid delays.

Follow the steps outlined above for life-or-death emergency or urgent travel and you'll have your new passport in time to board your last-minute flight.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers