If you need a passport renewal in 24 to 48 hours, standard expedited service at the Post Office (2 to 3 weeks) is not an option. There are only two ways to secure a passport this quickly: make an emergency appointment at a Regional Passport Agency, or use a registered courier service.
This guide compares the logistics, true costs, and requirements of both options.
Regional Passport Agency Appointments
There are 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the United States. If you secure an appointment, you can submit your renewal application in the morning and pick up your new passport the same afternoon. This is the only way to get a passport issued and in your hand on the same day.
View Regional Passport Agency Locations in a larger map
The Hidden Costs of "DIY"
While the $190 government fee ($130 renewal + $60 to expedite) appears cheaper than a courier, visiting a regional agency often incurs significant hidden costs. Unless you live in or very near a city with an agency (like Miami, Dallas, or New York) you must factor in:
- Last-Minute Logistics: The cost of same-day airfare or gas/tolls for a long-distance drive.
- Accommodation: Hotel costs if your appointment time, passport processing time, or travel distance prevents a same-day return trip.
- Lost Wages: Most applicants must take at least one full day off work to travel, wait in line, and return home.
When these expenses are added up, the "DIY" route often exceeds the cost of a courier service fee.
Expedited Courier Services (24-Hour Processing)
If you cannot secure a regional appointment or cannot travel to one, a registered courier is the alternative. These private companies are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to hand-carry your DS-82 renewal application directly to the Department of State for expedited processing.
Courier Comparison: Fastest Renewal Tiers (2026)
| Courier Service | Fastest Service Tier | Service Fee* | Drop-off Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| RushMyPassport | 1 Business Day | ~$629 | 2,000+ (FedEx Office) |
| CIBTvisas | 1 Business Day | ~$1,150 | ~60 Offices |
| G3 Global Services | 1 Business Day | ~$629 | ~9 Offices |
| Travel Visa Pro | Emergency | Call for Quote | ~8 Offices |
*Fees listed are for courier service only. The $130 government renewal fee, the $60 government expediting fee, and shipping costs are separate. Prices subject to change.
Emergency Passport Renewal via Congress
Be prepared to sign a privacy release form immediately so they can speak to the State Department on your behalf. This is not guaranteed, but it is a legitimate avenue for genuine crises.
Why We Recommend RushMyPassport
While multiple companies offer 1-day processing tiers, RushMyPassport offers specific logistical advantages:
- Access: Most couriers require you to ship your documents to a handful of main offices. This can add additional time and cost to the application process. RushMyPassport integrates with FedEx Office, allowing you to drop off your application packet at over 2,000 locations nationwide.
- Price: Their 1-Day service is competitively priced, often hundreds of dollars cheaper than other leading competitors (like CIBT) for the same speed.
- Tracking: Because they utilize the FedEx network, you get real-time tracking of your documents to and from the U.S. State Department.
Same Day Renewal FAQs
Yes, but only if you go in person to a Regional Passport Agency with a pre-scheduled appointment. Courier services offer 24-hour processing, which typically takes 1–3 days total including shipping.
No. Post Offices are acceptance facilities that mail your documents to the State Department. They cannot issue passports on-site. The fastest Post Office option typically takes 2 to 3 weeks not counting shipping times.
At a Regional Agency: $190 in fees ($130 renewal + $60 expediting fee) plus variable travel costs (flights, hotels, meals, lost wages) that can often push the total well over $1,000.
Through a private 1-day courier: ~$750+ (includes government fees and service fees).
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
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.
