How Can I Expedite My Passport

See how you can get your passport in a hurry. If you are traveling in the near future or just need to get a passport right away, then you can expedite your passport application. Expedited service is an additional $60. Review the table below to see what best fits your situation and how to obtain your passport. You can also view the passport processing time on this page.

When do you need your passport?

When? Why? Service How?
Right now I have a life-or-death emergency Expedited View the Life-or-Death Emergencies page
Less than 2-3 weeks I have urgent international travel plans Expedited Make an appointment at a passport agency or center
Less than 4-6 weeks No reason needed Expedited Expedite at an acceptance facility or expedite a renewal by mail
More than 4-6 weeks No reason needed Routine Apply at an acceptance facility or renew by mail

Expedite at a regional passport agency or center

Expedite at an acceptance facility

When applying in person at a passport acceptance facility, you must use Form DS-11. You can only use Form DS-82 when renewing your passport by mail.

  • Fill out your application and collect your documents. View how to apply for passport to find the right form for you
  • Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee. See passport fees for more information
  • Find the acceptance facility nearest you to turn in your application and fees. Contact the facility before arriving to determine if an appointment is required
  • The expedite fee does not include 1-2 day delivery

Expedite a passport renewal by mail

If using Form DS-82, then it must be mailed in. You cannot apply with Form DS-82 (Renew a Passport by Mail) at an acceptance facility. To find out if you are eligible to use Form DS-82, see renew a passport.

  • Fill out your application and collect your documents
  • Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee. See passport fees for more information
  • Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope
  • The expedite fee does not include 1-2 day delivery

1-2 Day Delivery Service

You may choose to pay for a 1-2 day delivery service for your application, however it is optional. If you are only applying for a passport card, they will send it to you via First Class Mail. They do not use 1-2 day delivery services for passport card applications. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

  • Delivery to them
    Purchase 1-2 day delivery service at a post office or other passport acceptance facility for faster shipping of your application to them. The price for 1-2 day delivery service varies depending on the area of the country
  • Return to you
    Include the $15.89 1-2 day delivery service fee with your passport fee in your check or money order payable to the US Department of State for faster return shipping

Passport processing time

The processing times below apply to all passport services. Please note, routine and expedited processing times include mailing time. Expedited at agency processing time does not include mailing time.

Service Process Time
Routine 4-6 Weeks
Expedited 2-3 Weeks
Expedited at Agency 8 Business Days (Based on need, restrictions apply)
Need your passport sooner?

If you are traveling within 2 weeks or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks, you should make an appointment at a passport agency or center. They will specify when you will get your new passport. For more information, view the page, get a passport in a hurry.

Already applied for a passport?

There are a couple of ways to check the current status of your passport application. They are listed below:

Check Online
Find out how to check the status of your application online to get the latest update. It takes 7-10 business days for applications to be trackable online.

By Phone
Call the National Passport Information Center to check your application status at 877-487-2778 or 888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) between the following hours (All times eastern):

Days Times
Monday - Friday 7:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm
*Excluding Federal Holidays