Need for Speed? How to Get Your Passport Faster
Whether you’re taking an impromptu vacation or have an urgent business or family matter outside of the country, waiting weeks or even months for standard passport processing isn’t an option. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate around passport processing delays and get your travel documents in time.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about expedited passport services, passport processing delays, and how to check your passport status so you can get where you need to go with less hassle.
Why get an expedited passport?
If you have an unexpected trip, last-minute business travel, or an urgent family matter, expediting your passport can provide peace of mind that you’ll have your document when you need it. Depending on the service you use, passport expedition can reduce your wait time from several months to within a few days or weeks. Although expediting a passport comes at an additional cost, the necessity of having one in time for a critical trip often outweighs the expense.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Passport processing times can vary between two to three weeks for expedited processing and six to eight weeks for regular processing. Emergency processing is also available if you need to travel within 14 days for a life-or-death matter in your immediate family.
Here are some key factors that impact how long it takes to get a passport:
First-time passport vs. renewal
Your first passport application will likely take longer to process because it involves additional verification, including proof of citizenship and identity. As a first-time applicant, you must submit your forms in person at a designated passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or courthouse, or a passport agency. You’ll need an appointment for these visits.
In contrast, you can complete a passport renewal by mail, which tends to be quicker because you don’t need an appointment and your background information has already been verified.
In-person vs. mail-in renewal
Mail-in renewal is generally smoother because it avoids the need for an in-person appointment. However, if your passport is significantly damaged, expired beyond 15 years, or you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Other factors in passport processing times
Your passport application time can also be impacted by the following:
- Application volume: Increased demand during peak travel seasons, like summer and holidays, can lead to longer wait times.
- Application errors: Incomplete forms, missing documents, or incorrect information can cause delays.
- Mailing times: Both sending and receiving passport documents can add extra days to the total processing time.
- Government backlogs: Unexpected surges in applications or staffing shortages can extend processing times.
How to speed up passport processing
If you need a passport quickly for upcoming travel, follow these steps:
Purchase expedited service from the State Department
For non-emergency travel, you can select the expedited service option on your passport application to the U.S. Department of State. You’ll pay an additional $60 processing fee, but the service will reduce your wait time to approximately two to three weeks. To further speed up delivery, opt for overnight shipping when submitting your application (if you’re mailing it in) and when receiving your new passport.
Use a third-party expediting service
If you need a passport urgently but can’t secure an appointment at a passport agency, a legitimate third-party expediting service can be a valuable alternative. These private companies work directly with government agencies to secure faster processing times, sometimes delivering passports within 24 to 72 hours. However, this convenience comes at a premium, with fees ranging from $100 to over $500, depending on the company and urgency of the request.
Exercise caution when selecting an expeditor, as not all services are reputable, and some may charge excessive fees without guaranteeing faster processing. To avoid scams, choose a company that is registered with the U.S. State Department and has positive customer reviews. Additionally, be aware that while expeditors can facilitate a quicker submission, they don’t have the power to approve passports—all applications still go through official government processing.
Apply at a passport agency for urgent travel
If you need a passport within 14 days for travel or 28 days for a visa application, an in-person appointment at a passport agency may be your best bet. To schedule an appointment, visit the U.S. State Department website and find the nearest agency. Bring all required documents to your appointment, including proof of urgent travel, such as a flight itinerary, and documentation of the emergency, if applicable.
Note that passport agencies have limited appointments available, so secure one as early as possible.
Get help from an elected official
If your passport application is delayed and urgent travel is approaching, your local congressperson or senator may be able to assist you. Many elected officials expedite their constituents’ passport applications in special cases. Visit their official website to find their contact information and submit a passport assistance request, along with details about your travel plans, application status, and any delays you’re experiencing.
Track your passport status regularly
After submitting your application, a passport status check can alert you to any issues, such as missing documents, that are slowing down processing. Use the U.S. State Department’s online tracking tool for the most accurate data. If you have a delayed passport application, call the National Passport Information Center to inquire about the reason for the delay and additional steps you need to take.
Written by Casey Clague