Getting an expedited passport: What to know
The U.S. Department of State recommends getting or renewing a passport 6-9 months before you travel abroad. But if that deadline has already passed, you still have options. You might just need to expedite your application or renewal.
What you’ll learn:
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Expediting your passport means speeding up the time it takes to get one.
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You might need to expedite your passport if you’re closer than about 3 weeks away from traveling abroad.
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It costs $60 extra to expedite your passport, plus any priority mailing fees.
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It’s possible to accelerate the process even after you’ve submitted your application.
How long does it take to expedite a passport?
Getting a passport expedited means speeding up the passport application or renewal process. Processing times vary depending on current demand. But under standard conditions, the State Department says it routinely takes 6 to 8 weeks. And in that case, an expedited service could cut the processing time down to 2 to 3 weeks.
Keep in mind that the processing estimate doesn’t include mail delivery times. For that, the State Department advises allowing an additional two weeks on either side.
If you need your passport even sooner, you can look into urgent travel and life-or-death emergency passport services. You can read more about those below.
How do you expedite a passport?
There are a few different ways to expedite a passport depending on how urgently you need it. They all require a $60 service fee. Here’s a quick look at each:
Expedited
The regular expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and mostly follows the same process as a routine application or renewal. That means you find the forms you need online. Then, if it’s a new passport application, you present them and any other required documents at an acceptance facility. If it’s a renewal, you send them by mail.
The difference between a routine application and an expedited one is that you add $60 to the required fees and either ask to expedite in person or mark “Expedite” on the mailing envelope.
Remember that the State Department can only expedite the processing time. For a shorter delivery time, it recommends you pay an extra $21.36 for 1- to 2-day delivery once your passport is ready. And if you’re mailing in forms, it recommends using the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Priority Mail Express service.
Urgent
The State Department defines urgent travel as “travel in less than 2-3 weeks.” If you’re in this situation and haven’t started an application or renewal yet, you can visit the agency’s Urgent Travel page to make an appointment at a passport agency. And if your application’s already in process, you can call 877-487-2778.
One thing to consider: You can make expedited travel appointments at any acceptance facility, including a local post office, library or other government office. But urgent travel appointments only happen at passport agencies, which are fewer in number and tend to be in cities. So you may have to travel for your appointment.
Life-or-death emergency
If an immediate family member dies, is in hospice care or has a life-threatening injury or illness and you need to travel within 72 hours, you can submit a life-or-death emergency request. “Immediate family” qualifies as a parent or guardian, child, spouse, sibling or grandparent.
To get the process started, the State Department advises first trying to make an appointment online. If you can’t find an appointment or if you’ve already applied for a passport, you can call 877-487-2778. In addition to the regular paperwork, you’ll also need to present documentation of the emergency, like a doctor’s letter, and proof of your imminent travel plans.
You can visit the agency’s Life-or-Death Emergencies page to learn more.
Expedited passport FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about expediting your passport.
Which documents are needed for an expedited passport?
Besides the passport application form, the documents you need for any passport depend on the type of application you’re making. For example, a first-time application requires evidence of U.S. citizenship. A renewal doesn’t.
The urgency level of your request dictates any additional paperwork you may need. For example, a life-or-death emergency request requires documentation of the emergency and proof of your travel plans.
You can visit the State Department’s U.S. Passports page to learn which documents you need for your application.
How much does it cost to expedite a passport?
Each method of expediting costs $60 more than the standard passport processing fee. And for expedited delivery, the State Department recommends sending documents to it via USPS Priority Mail Express and including an extra $21.36 so you can receive the passport 1-2 days after it’s complete.
Can you expedite your passport after applying?
If you’ve already applied for your passport, you may still be able to expedite your passport.
Those traveling in 14 days or fewer can call 877-487-2778 to make an appointment at a passport agency. There’s no guarantee an appointment will be available, though.
Those whose travel is at least 14 days away are encouraged to first check the application status online. If necessary, they can call and ask to expedite their application. They can also request 1- to 2-day delivery of the completed passport.
How long does it take for a passport to be delivered?
The State Department advises leaving two weeks on either side for mail delivery. Or you can send your documents by USPS Priority Mail Express and pay an extra $21.36 to have them sent back within 1-2 days.
Key takeaways: Expedited passports
There are several ways to expedite a passport. How you choose to do it will depend on your situation, including when you’re scheduled to travel.
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