If you need your passport renewed in under two weeks and standard or regular expedited processing isn't fast enough, your best option is to apply directly at a Regional Passport Agency. You can either make an appointment and attend yourself or hire a registered passport expediting service to manage the process on your behalf.
This guide is exclusively for American citizens who:
- already possess a U.S. passport issued within the past 15 years;
- were at least 16 years old when the previous passport was issued; and
- can submit their most recent passport book along with the application.
Table of Contents
Renewing Your U.S. Passport Urgently: The 5-Step Process
Renew your passport quickly and efficiently by following these five essential steps:
Step #1: Determine Eligibility
To qualify for urgent passport renewal, you must:
- be renewing a passport issued within the past 15 years;
- have been at least 16 years old when the passport was issued;
- be able to submit your most recent passport book;
- complete Form DS-82 (Application for Passport Renewal);
- provide proof of immediate travel within 14 days (or 28 days if a foreign visa is needed).
- Acceptable proof of travel includes confirmed flight itineraries, travel tickets, or letters from employers on company letterhead.
Step #2: Gather Required Documents and Fees
Documents for Urgent Passport Renewal
Applicants renewing passports urgently must apply in person using Form DS-82, "Application For Passport Renewal By Mail," along with the required supporting documents.
To complete this application, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Form DS-82:
- Download Form DS-82 here and complete it in black ink.
- Print clearly, single-sided pages only.
- Sign and date the form before submitting it at your appointment.
- Double check your form for these common DS-82 mistakes
- Current Passport Book:
- Submit your most recent passport, undamaged and issued within the past 15 years.
- Passport Photo:
- Provide one recent color passport photo meeting U.S. Department of State standards.
- Check our Passport Photos Guide for full details.
Fees for Urgent Passport Renewal
Expect to pay:
- Passport renewal fee
- Expedited processing fee
Payment methods accepted:
- Check or money order
- Major credit/debit card
- Apple Pay, Google Pay
Hidden Costs to Consider for Urgent Passport Renewal
Renewing your passport urgently at a Regional Passport Agency costs the same as regular expedited renewal, but consider additional hidden costs:
- Travel expenses (transportation, hotel, meals)
- Lost wages from work absences
- Additional logistics or childcare costs
Explore these expenses thoroughly in our guide to Understanding the Hidden Costs of Urgent Passport Applications for a full breakdown and a planning worksheet.
Tip: Hiring a professional passport expediting service can help reduce these extra expenses significantly, especially if you live far from a regional agency or have a rigid work schedule and other time-sensitive commitments.
Step #3: Schedule Your Appointment
Appointments at Regional Passport Agencies are mandatory. Appointments must be made through the State Department's Online Appointment System.
For a full walkthrough of the process, check out our guide for scheduling a passport appointment.Slots are limited, so book your appointment as early as possible to secure timely processing.
Tip: A speedy appointment isn't guaranteed. A registered passport expediter with offices near multiple agancies might be able to secure an appointment faster than you can on your own.
Choose the location of the agency or processing center below that is nearest to you:
View Regional Passport Agency Locations in a larger map
Step #4: Attend Your Scheduled Appointment
When attending your passport renewal appointment, arrive early with:
- completed Form DS-82 (unsigned)
- current passport book
- passport photo
- proof of immediate travel
- payment for passport fees
Using an Expediting Service Instead?
If you hire a registered passport expediter, they'll attend the appointment for you, simplifying your urgent renewal significantly. You'll send your documents directly to the expediting service, and they will handle the rest.
Step #5: Track Your Renewal Application
After submitting your application, track your passport status through the U.S. Department's Passport Status Portal. For additional assistance, see 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.
Need Your Passport Fast? Make the Right Choices for Your Situation.
When urgent travel demands quick action, choosing the right renewal path is crucial.
While visiting a Regional Passport Agency yourself is feasible for some, many travelers find hiring a registered passport expediting service saves valuable time, reduces stress, and often proves more cost-effective.
At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we're committed to helping you renew your passport efficiently and confidently.
Ready to expedite your renewal quickly and effortlessly? Explore professional passport expediting services here.
Need more information? Understand the hidden costs of urgent passport renewals here.
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.