How to Get an Urgent First-Time Passport in 2 Weeks or Less

Getting a new passport application processed in less than two weeks requires you to hand deliver the completed form and supporting documents to a Regional Passport Agency. You can make an appointment and go yourself, or you can hire a registered passport expediting service to go on your behalf.

This guide is specifically for those who need a passport in under 2 weeks and have either:

• never had a passport;
• only had a passport issued as a minor under age 16; or,
• had their passport issued over 15 years ago.

In each of these cases, you will be applying for a new passport the same way a first-time applicant would.

Obtaining an Urgent First-Time Passport in Under 2 Weeks

First-time adult passport applicants can get their new, urgent passports in 2 weeks or less by following this five-step process:

Step #1: Determine Eligibility

To apply for any U.S. passport, you need to be either:

• a U.S. citizen or
• a qualifying non-citizen national.

To get a new passport, you must also be able to:

• complete Form DS-11 (unsigned until appointment),
• provide proof of citizenship and identity,
• submit a valid passport photo,
• pay all required fees, and
• appear in person to sign and swear an oath before a passport agent.

If you need a new passport sooner than 2 weeks, you will need to:

• apply at an in-person appointment at a Regional Passport Agency and
• provide acceptable proof of immediate travel that they have international travel plans within 14 days (or 28 days if a foreign visa is also required). A confirmed flight itinerary or travel ticket works.

Step #2: Gather Required Documentation and Fees

Urgent New Passport Documentation Requirements

All first-time passport applicants are required to apply in person using Form DS-11, "Application for a U.S. Passport," along with the required supporting documents.

To complete this application, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Form DS-11: Download the DS-11 form here, complete it legibly in black ink on single-sided pages.
  • Important: Do not sign until your appointment!
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: (e.g., certified birth certificate, previous passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship)
  • Additional information can be found in our Proof of Citizenship Guide.
• Proof of Identity: (e.g., valid driver's license, state ID, previous U.S. passport, or military ID)
  • More about acceptable proof of identity for passport applications.
• Photocopies of Citizenship and Identity Documents: Bring both originals and clear photocopies of each.
• Passport Photo: One color photo meeting U.S. State Department requirements.
  • Get photo guidelines, locations, and tips in our Passport Photos Guide.

Urgent New Passport Fees

• Your passport book
• Expedited processing fee
• Execution (acceptance) fee

Payments accepted: Check, money order, exact cash, major credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay.

Current fees :

Hidden Costs to Budget for an Urgent New Passport

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency doesn't cost more than a regular expedited passport - but hidden costs can add up fast.

Because there are only 26 Regional Passport Agencies nationwide, you might need to travel far to get to an available appointment.

Plan for expenses like:

• Transportation
• Hotels
• Meals
• Lost work time

Check out our guide to Understanding the Hidden Costs of Urgent Passport Applications for a full breakdown and a planning worksheet.

Tip: Hiring a reliable registered passport expediter can sometimes save money and reduce stress - especially if you live far from an agency or have a tight work schedule.

Step #3: Schedule an Appointment

Appointments at Regional Passport Agencies are mandatory and must be made through the State Department's Online Passport Appointment System. For a full walkthrough of the process check out our guide for scheduling a passport appointment.

Tip: Appointment availability is limited. Book as early as possible to maximize your chance of getting same-day service. If slots fill up, you may need to return another day to pick up your passport.

Choose the location of the agency or processing center below that is nearest to you:

Step #4: Attend the Appointment

Arrive early with:

• All required documentation
• Payment for all passport fees

At the appointment, you'll sign your DS-11 form and swear an oath before an official agent.

Using an Expediting Service Instead?

A registered passport expediter will attend the agency appointment for you.

However, you'll first need to visit a passport acceptance facility (like a Post Office) to:

• Have your DS-11 form witnessed
• Swear your oath locally

Afterward, your documents will be overnighted to the expediter. Once everything is approved at a regional passport agency, your new passport and supporting documents will be shipped back to you via your expediting service.

Step #5: Track the Application

After your appointment, track your passport status online through the U.S. Department of State's website.

Check out our step-by-step guide, Tracking Your Passport Status Updates, for a full walkthrough, or contact the National Passport Information Center directly at 1-877-487-2778 for assistance.

Need Your Passport Fast? Make the Right Choices for Your Situation.

When every day counts, how you apply matters just as much as what you submit.

Some travelers can manage an in-person agency visit on their own. Others find that working with a trusted passport expediter saves time, money, and stress.

At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we're here to help you weigh your options and move forward confidently.

Want a faster, easier path? Get started with a registered passport expediting service here.

Still deciding? Learn more about the hidden costs of urgent passport applications here.

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