Expedited Passport FAQ

What is an expedited passport?

When applying for a passport, American citizens have the choice of standard processing or expedited service.

An expedited passport is one in which the application is given priority and processed more quickly than other applications. By contrast, standard processing is significantly slower.

How long does it take to expedite a passport?

Requesting expedited processing is the only way to guarantee faster service.

The time it takes to expedite a passport varies according to when, where, and how you apply. Applications for new passports submitted at an application acceptance facility (most often located at a U.S. post office) or renewals sent by mail have an estimated processing time of 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service.

Applications submitted at a regional agency can be processed anywhere between 1-5 business days. The timing depends on both the volume of applications and what expediency the attending agent deems to be necessary.

Opting for registered passport expediting courier service to deliver your materials to a regional agency on your behalf can improve the odds that your passport application can be completed as quickly as a day or two.

How much does it cost to expedite a passport?

The expedited service fee paid to the U.S. Department of State is $60. This is in addition to the application fee and, in the case of a new passport, the execution fee.

That said, the cost to expedite a passport application can be much more when you factor in other expenses, especially if you require the services of an expedited passport courier. Fees for courier service can range from $79 to $499 for the fastest service.

While courier service fees are expensive, using a passport expediting service may be the least expensive alternative if you need to get a passport fast - particularly if you are unable to visit a regional agency personally. Applicants who have to travel a long distance to get to an agency could easily end up spending far more on transportation, parking, food and, even lodging than they would to expedite the process through a courier.

It is also worth considering that airlines charge as much as $450 to reschedule international flights. The cost of cancelling your trip could be even higher. There are also several other costs associated with trying to visit a regional passport agency to get an emergency passport expedited on your own. Hiring a passport courier can save you serious time, money, and frustration - especially in a pinch.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

List of Passport Expediting Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions about passport expediting submitted by our website visitors. Click the question link to read the complete answer.

Need an answer to a passport expediting question you don't see here? Check out our complete guide to passport expediting services.

How long before Passport Services contacts me for additional documents? 

Question: Hello, I recently applied for my passport and paid extra to expedite the process. I am traveling in a month. When I went to apply at the post ...

Can I find out my passport information before I receive my passport in the mail?

Question: I am leaving for Japan on Feb. 10, 2011. I sent off my passport paperwork on Jan. 6, 2011 and paid for the 1-2 week expedited service. The tour ...

Address to the Philadelphia Passport Expediting Center

Question: My passport was overnighted from Canada to the National Passport Processing Center in Philadelphia for expediting its renewal. I used the ...

Can I get a passport to travel out of the country in less than a week 

Question: I got a passport 20 years ago and used it once. Never needed to renew it. Have to travel to Tunisia in 6 days, what forms do I need to fill ...

How can I expedite a passport for a minor?  Question: I am so short of time to renew or get new passports for my children. I know it can be done but it seems every passport service agency that I've inquired are all asking for a plane ticket as one of the requirements but in our case were not flying.

What is quickest way to get passport with name change?  Question: I legally changed my last name a year after it was issued but I haven't used my passport since. What's my quickest course to getting a valid passport? Mail? In-person, and if so, where?

How much is a same day passport?  Question: What is the price for getting a passport in 14 days?

How can I expedite a passport the same day in Chicago?  Question: We have all the necessary paperwork and need to know whether they will be able to issue our passports the same day if we paid the expedited fee. We live over 2.5 hours from Chicago.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers