How to Expedite a Passport
Three options depending on how fast you need it — from same-day to 3 weeks. Pick the one that matches your travel date.
Warning
Regional Passport Agency — Same-Day to 3 Days
The fastest option. There are 27 regional passport agencies in the US that can issue passports within hours. Appointments are available only if you have documented travel within 14 days (or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days).
You must have documented international travel within 14 days OR a foreign visa appointment within 28 days. Without proof of imminent travel, you will not receive a regional agency appointment.
Call 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–10 PM ET, Sat–Sun 10 AM–3 PM ET) or book at travel.state.gov/passportappointment. Have your travel dates and flight itinerary ready. Appointments at popular agencies (NYC, LA, Chicago) can fill up 2–4 days out — call as early as possible.
Bring: completed application (DS-82 for renewal, DS-11 for new/lost passport), proof of US citizenship, government-issued photo ID + photocopy, proof of travel (flight itinerary or hotel booking), one 2×2 inch passport photo, and payment ($130 book + $60 expedite fee). DS-11 applicants also pay a $35 acceptance fee.
Arrive 15 minutes early. Regional passport agencies process applications quickly — most passports are ready same-day for morning appointments, or available for pickup the following business day. Some agencies offer will-call (pickup same day) and mail return options.
Third-Party Expediting Service — 7–14 Days
If you have 1–2 weeks and can't get a regional agency appointment, authorized third-party expediting services courier your application to a passport agency on your behalf. No appointment required on your end.
You mail your completed application to the service. They deliver it to a regional passport agency in person, pick up the finished passport, and mail it back to you — typically 7–14 days total from when they receive your documents.
Service fees range from $100–$300 depending on speed, plus standard government fees ($130 book + $35 acceptance, $60 if expedited). Budget $300–$525 total.
Unlike the regional agency route, you don't need to prove imminent travel to use a third-party service. This makes it the best option if your trip is 2–4 weeks away.
CIBT, ItsEasy, VisaHQ, and Rush My Passport are State Department-registered authorized courier services. Avoid unregistered services that can't access passport agencies directly.
Tip
Expedited Mail-In Renewal — 2–3 Weeks
The most common expediting option. Available only to people who qualify for mail-in renewal (Form DS-82). You pay an extra $60 and write "EXPEDITE" on your envelope.
Your most recent passport is in your possession (not lost or stolen)
Your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older
Your passport was issued less than 15 years ago
Your passport is undamaged
Your name is unchanged, or you have legal documentation of the change
Complete DS-82, get a new passport photo, and gather your old passport + ID photocopy.
Write a check for $130 (book) + $60 (expedite) = $190, made payable to 'U.S. Department of State'. Add a $35 check for the acceptance fee only if your facility charges one.
Write 'EXPEDITE' in large letters on the outside of your envelope. Mail to the expedited processing address at travel.state.gov (not the standard address).
Include a prepaid Priority Mail Express return envelope ($19.53) if you want fast return shipping — otherwise allow 2 weeks for standard return.
All Options Compared
| Option | Speed |
|---|---|
| Regional passport agency | Same-day – 3 days |
| Third-party expediting | 7–14 days |
| Expedited mail-in (DS-82) | 2–3 weeks |
| Standard mail-in (DS-82) | 6–8 weeks |
| Standard first-time (DS-11) | 6–8 weeks |
Don't Let Your Photo Derail an Urgent Application
A non-compliant passport photo is the most common reason expedited applications are rejected and returned — resetting your entire timeline. When you're trying to travel in 2 weeks, losing 3–4 days to a photo rejection can mean missing your trip.
Must be plain white or off-white — no shadows, patterns, or light gray
Exactly 2×2 inches (51×51mm) printed on photo paper — not trimmed from a larger print
No glasses permitted, even prescription — State Dept has enforced this since 2016
Head must be 1–1⅜ inches from chin to crown (50–69% of total frame)
DS-11 and DS-82 require printed photos — digital submissions are for online renewal only
Must represent your current appearance; a recent haircut or weight change may require a new photo
Note
Get a Compliant Photo Before Your Appointment
Wrong photo = rejected application = missed trip. 2×2 inch · White background · Print at any pharmacy for $0.35
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Expedited Passport FAQ
How fast can I get an expedited passport?
The fastest option is a same-day appointment at a regional passport agency — available if you have documented international travel within 14 days (or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days). Passports are typically issued the same day or within 1–3 business days. If you have more time, expedited mail-in processing takes 2–3 weeks for an additional $60 fee.
How much does it cost to expedite a passport?
Expedited mail-in processing costs $60 on top of the standard fees ($130 book + $35 acceptance fee = $225 total). Regional passport agency appointments require the same fees but can issue same-day. Third-party expediting services charge $100–$300 on top of government fees, depending on how fast you need it (7–14 day range). A 1–2 day Priority Mail Express return envelope adds $19.53.
How do I get an appointment at a regional passport agency?
Call 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–10 PM ET, Sat–Sun 10 AM–3 PM ET) or book online at travel.state.gov/passportappointment. You must have documented travel within 14 days (or a foreign visa appointment within 28 days) to qualify. Have your flight itinerary or proof of travel ready when calling — the agent will ask for your travel dates.
What documents do I need for an expedited passport appointment?
For a regional passport agency appointment: completed application form (DS-82 for renewals, DS-11 for new/lost passports), proof of US citizenship, government-issued photo ID + photocopy, proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel booking, or employer letter), one 2×2 inch passport photo, and payment ($130 + $35 + $60 expedite fee). Missing even one document means you leave without a passport.
Can I expedite a passport renewal by mail?
Yes — if you qualify for mail-in renewal (DS-82), you can add the $60 expedite fee and write 'EXPEDITE' on the outside of your envelope. Mail to the expedited processing address listed at travel.state.gov. Expedited mail-in typically takes 2–3 weeks from the date the State Department receives your application. This is the most common expediting option for most travelers.
What is a third-party passport expediting service?
Third-party passport expediting services are companies registered with the State Department as authorized couriers. They physically deliver your application to a passport agency on your behalf and return the passport to you — typically in 7–14 days without requiring you to have a same-day appointment. Cost: $100–$300 in addition to standard government fees. Reputable services include CIBT, ItsEasy, VisaHQ, and Rush My Passport.
What if I need a passport in less than 3 days?
If you need a passport in under 3 days, your only option is a regional passport agency emergency appointment. Call 1-877-487-2778 immediately and explain your situation — specify your exact travel date. Some regional agencies can issue passports same-day for morning appointments. You must bring proof of imminent travel. If you cannot get a regional agency appointment, some third-party expediting services have relationships with agencies and can sometimes secure faster processing.
Will a non-compliant passport photo slow down my expedited application?
Yes — a rejected photo is one of the most common reasons expedited passport applications are returned and delayed. The State Department will send your application back with a note requesting a new photo, and the entire processing timeline resets. For urgent travel, this can mean missing your trip entirely. Get your photo right the first time: 2×2 inches, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, printed on photo paper within the last 6 months.