How to get a U.S. passport fast: a step-by-step guide

For any international traveler, a passport is a necessity. So what happens when you discover your passport is expired right before a trip abroad? Don’t panic! You have options. Here’s how you can get a passport fast in the U.S., from standard expedited processing to emergency services.

In this post

How long is the current wait for a US passport?
How long does it take to get an expedited passport?
How to get a passport fast in case of emergency?
Can you get a passport in one day?
How to make an appointment to get a passport fast?
Our tips to be sure you’ll get your passport on time
Should you use a passport courier expeditor company?
Where to travel while you wait for your new passport?

How long is the current wait for a US passport?

There are four ways to get a new passport, and each has a different processing time. Anyone can apply for a new passport or renew their existing passport via routine and expedited services, but you will need to meet special qualifications to apply or renew via urgent or emergency services.

Routine: 8–11 weeks
Expedited: 5–7 weeks
Urgent: Same day to 14 days
Emergency: Same day to 3 business days

Expert tip: These processing times do not include mailing times. To speed up delivery to the processing center if you’re renewing by mail, you’ll have to pay for Priority Mail Express (rates and shipping times vary by location, so inquire at your local United States Post Office branch). To speed up delivery to your home, you can pay $19.53 to the U.S. Department of State for 1- to 2-day shipping.

How long does it take to get an expedited passport?

Expedited passports take 5 to 7 weeks to process, and that doesn’t include shipping times. Shipping can add up to 4 weeks to the processing timeline.

How to apply for a new passport with expedited services

You will need to apply in-person at an official passport acceptance facility, if you are applying for:

your first U.S. passport,
your child who is younger than 16,
renewing a passport that was issued when you were younger than 16,
renewing a passport issued more than 15 years ago,
applying for a new passport after your previous one was lost, stolen or damaged.

In these situations, you will need to fill out Form DS-11 and provide the following:

provide evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy,
present a valid form of identification and a photocopy,
provide a passport photo,
pay a $130 application fee for adults or a $100 application fee for children, a $35 acceptance fee, and a $60 fee for expediting.

Expert tip: Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments, so be sure to check in advance.

How to renew your passport with expedited services

If you are renewing an eligible passport (one issued to you within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older), you can renew by mail. You will need to fill out Form DS-82 and:

submit your most recent U.S. passport,
provide a passport photo,
pay a $130 application fee and a $60 fee for expediting,
and mail everything via the United States Postal Service.

The official passport of the United States along with $100 banknotes.

How to get a passport fast in case of emergency?

The U.S. Department of State offers life-or-death emergency appointments for those needing to travel internationally within 72 hours if an immediate family member has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening condition. In this instance, immediate family means parents, legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings, or grandparents. You will need to provide documentation of the emergency, as well as proof of your international travels. For your appointment, you will need to complete the correct form, provide a passport photo, and present a valid form of ID.

Can you get a passport in one day?

Yes, the fastest passport renewal time is a same-day turnaround, but this service is only offered to individuals who meet certain criteria. You must be traveling internationally within 14 days, and you must be available to attend an in-person appointment at one of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the country. Appointments are extremely limited, and you may need to travel across the country for one.

How to make an appointment to get a passport fast?

To make a life-or-death emergency appointment, call 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, or 202-647-4000 outside those hours. To make an urgent appointment for international travel within 14 days, you must call 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET.

Our tips to be sure you’ll get your passport on time

Check your passport’s expiration date before you book international travel.
If renewing by mail, pay for faster delivery. This can reduce the overall timeline of your passport processing and shipping by up to four weeks.
Be ready to book a last-minute flight for an in-person appointment. If you’re in a pinch, you won’t have the luxury of convenience. Appointments are very limited, and you may need to travel across the country for one.

Should you use a passport courier expeditor company?

There are private companies that offer to handle your passport application or renewal for you, including expedited services. While many (but not all) of the companies are legit, they usually charge hundreds of dollars in additional fees for services that are free via the U.S. Department of State.

Expert tip: If you want to use a courier or expeditor, do your due diligence to ensure it’s a legitimate company. You are, after all, handing over very sensitive personal documents.

Where to travel while you wait for your new passport?

A row of colourful kayaks parked on a white beach.

A building with light green exterior walls and white arched mouldings around its windows and doorway.

If you don’t have a passport in your possession, you’re in luck. The U.S. has plenty of incredible destinations for your next vacation, no passport necessary.

For culture: New Orleans, Louisiana, or Flushing, New York
For nature: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, or Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
For European flair: Solvang, California; Leavenworth, Washington; or Frankenmuth, Michigan
For wine: Napa, California; Sonoma, California; or Walla Walla, Washington

Find cheap flights within the U.S.

Bottom line

It’s possible to get your passport fast, but you’re best off applying or renewing well in advance of your international trip!

How KAYAK knows what to put in this guide

As a travel writer, I always have my passport nearby. For my last renewal, I opted for expedited service, so I’m familiar with the process. In addition to that, I’ve only used reliable sources of information to compile this guide, and I recommend checking these sources (see below) when planning your next international trip.