
If you need an urgent second passport in two weeks or less 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 in person or hire a registered passport expediting service to handle the process on your behalf.
This guide is exclusively for American citizens who:
- Travel frequently for work or government assignments,
- Need to apply for visas while keeping their primary passport available,
- Travel to countries in conflict with each other, or
- Have other valid reasons for needing a second U.S. passport.
This urgent passport guide explains how to get a second passport fast through a Regional Passport Agency or registered passport expediter if you have confirmed international travel within 14 days or need a visa within 28 days.
Table of Contents
How to Get an Urgent Second Passport in 5 Steps
Follow these five steps to get an urgent second passport in time for your next trip:
Step #1: Determine Eligibility
To qualify for urgent processing, the applicant must be either:
- a U.S. citizen or
- a qualifying non-citizen national.
To get an urgent second passport, you must also be able to:
- Complete Form DS-82 (or DS-11 if not eligible to use DS-82),
- Provide a signed Second Passport Request Justification Statement,
- Submit their current valid U.S. passport,
- Submit a valid passport photo,
- Pay all required fees,
- Provide acceptable proof of immediate travel within 14 days (or 28 days if a foreign visa is also required)*, and
- Appear in person at a Regional Passport Agency
- or
- Sign and swear an oath before a passport agent at a passport acceptance facility (like a U.S. Post Office) and use a registered passport expediter .
*Acceptable proof of urgent travel includes confirmed flight/cruise itineraries, hotel reservations, or boarding passes/travel tickets.
Step #2: Gather Required Documents and Fees
Documents for an Urgent Second Passport
When applying for a second U.S. passport, you must prepare the following documents:
- Form DS-82 (if eligible)
- Download Form DS-82 here, or DS-11 here if not eligible to use DS-82, and complete it in black ink.
- Print clearly, single-sided pages only.
- Important: Do not sign until your appointment!
- Signed Letter of Justification: This must include a clear explanation of why a second passport is necessary. Examples include:
- Needing visas from conflicting countries,
- Frequent travel that would require a visa while traveling,
- Working on sensitive government/military contracts.
- Your current valid passport: This must be submitted with your application.
- Photocopy of passport ID page: A clear copy of the identification page of your current passport.
- Passport Photo:
- Provide one recent color passport photo meeting U.S. Department of State standards.
- Check our Passport Photos Guide for full details.
- Proof of Immediate Travel: (e.g., airline ticket, travel itinerary.)
Fees for an Urgent Second Passport
Expect to pay:
- Second Passport Book Fee
- Expedited Service Fee
- Execution (Acceptance) Fee
Payments methods accepted:
- Check or money order
- Exact cash
- Major credit/debit card
- Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Hidden Costs to Consider for an Urgent Second Passport
While applying at a Regional Passport Agency doesn't cost more in fees, you may face added expenses such as:
- Travel expenses (transportation, hotel, meals)
- Lost wages from work absences
- Childcare or other logistical arrangements
Read our guide to Understanding the Hidden Costs of Urgent Passport Applications for a full breakdown and free worksheet to plan your expenses.
Tip: Hiring a professional registered passport expediter can help reduce these hidden costs, especially if you don't live near a Regional Passport Agency.
Step #3: Schedule Your Appointment
Appointments at Regional Passport Agencies are mandatory. You must book an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency through the State Department's Online Passport Appointment System.
Check out our guide for scheduling a passport appointment. Appointments are limited, so book as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Tip: Passport expediters often have offices located near multiple passport agencies, so they can often get your application processed faster by visiting one with the soonest available appointments.
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
At your Regional Passport Agency appointment:
- The applicant must be present.
- The applicant will sign Form DS-82 (if eligible) or Form DS-11 in front of the passport agent.
- You must submit all required documents and proof of immediate travel.
If approved, your second passport may be issued the same day or within a few business days, depending on agency processing times.
Using an Expediting Service Instead?
If you can't attend an agency appointment or prefer assistance, a registered passport expediter can help. Here's what you need to do:
- Visit a passport acceptance facility (e.g., a post office) to verify your documents and identity.
- Verified documents are then overnighted to the expediting service.
- The expediter will submit the passport application to the Regional Passport Agency and deliver your second passport once it is issued.
Using a reputable expediting service is especially helpful for business travelers or professionals managing tight schedules and travel plans.
Step #5: Track Your Passport Application
Once submitted, you can track the status of your second passport application through the U.S. State Department's Passport Status Portal.
For additional assistance, see our step-by-step guide, Tracking Your Passport Status Updatesfor a full walkthrough, or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Quick Reminders for Applying for Urgent Second Passports
- Second passports are valid for 4 years (not 10).
- They are issued only in specific cases-be sure to clearly justify your need.
- Proof of immediate travel is required for urgent processing.
- You must still meet all the requirements for U.S. passport issuance.
Need Your Second Passport Fast? Make the Right Choices for Your Situation.
When time is short, it's essential to follow the process exactly - missing a document or step could delay your travel plans.
At U.S. Passport Service Guide, we've helped business travelers, government employees, and frequent fliers navigate urgent passport issues for over 20 years.
Want a faster, easier path? Get started with a trusted, registered passport expediting service here.
Still exploring your options? Learn more about 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.