How to Get a Passport Faster Than Standard Processing
Expedited passport processing cuts the wait from weeks to days
The State Department offers expedited processing for passports, which speeds up the timeline from the standard 6 to 8 weeks to 2 to 3 weeks. You pay an extra fee — currently $60 on top of the regular passport fee — and you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Expedited processing does not mean same-day or next-day service; it means moving your application ahead in the queue at the processing facility.
The catch is that expedited processing has limits. You cannot use it if you are renewing by mail, if you need a passport card only, or if you are applying for your first passport as an adult and do not already have a valid passport or birth certificate on file. You also cannot expedite an application that requires a name change, a gender marker change, or corrections to citizenship information — those go through standard processing no matter what you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Expedited processing costs $60 extra and takes 2 to 3 weeks instead of 6 to 8 weeks, but you must apply in person.
- You cannot expedite a passport renewal by mail, a first adult passport, or any application involving name or citizenship changes.
- Passport agencies process expedited applications faster than acceptance facilities, so applying at an agency rather than a post office or library saves time.
- If you need a passport in fewer than 2 weeks, you must request an emergency appointment at a passport agency, which is a separate process from expedited processing.
- Bring original documents and proof of travel plans when you apply in person, because incomplete applications will be rejected and sent back to you.
Where to apply in person for expedited service
You have two types of locations: passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies. Passport acceptance facilities are post offices, libraries, and some government offices in your city or county. Passport agencies are federal offices run by the State Department, and they exist in major cities and some smaller ones. Agencies process expedited applications faster than acceptance facilities because they handle higher volume and have dedicated staff.
To find the nearest passport agency, go to travel.state.gov and search "passport agencies near me." If there is no agency in your area, you will apply at an acceptance facility. Either way, you must make an appointment in advance — walk-ins are not accepted. Book your appointment through the State Department's online system at travel.state.gov/appointments, or call 1-877-487-2778 if you cannot book online.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your completed passport application (Form DS-11 for a new passport, Form DS-82 for a renewal if you are applying in person, or Form DS-64 if your passport was lost or stolen). You also need proof of citizenship — an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
You will also need a new passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background, and you cannot wear a hat or sunglasses unless for religious reasons. Many post offices and pharmacies take passport photos on the spot if you do not have one ready.
If you are applying for a minor's passport, bring the child's birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and a signed consent form from any parent not present. If the parents are divorced or separated, bring custody documents or a court order.
The cost of expedited processing
A new adult passport book costs $130, plus $35 execution fee, plus $60 for expedited processing — a total of $225. A passport renewal in person costs $130 plus $60 expedited, totaling $190. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) costs $30 plus $15 execution, but you cannot expedite a card-only order. If you want both a book and a card, you pay for both and can expedite the book but not the card.
Minors' passbooks cost $100 plus $35 execution plus $60 expedited, totaling $195. Bring a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State," or ask whether the facility accepts credit or debit cards — policies vary by location.
What happens after you submit your application
The acceptance facility or agency will review your documents on the spot. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will reject the application and return it to you. If everything is complete, they will take your photo, collect your fee, and send your application to the processing facility that serves your region. You will receive a receipt with a tracking number.
With expedited processing, your application should be processed within 2 to 3 weeks. You can track the status online at travel.state.gov using your receipt number and date of birth. When your passport is ready, the State Department will mail it to the address you provided. Standard mail delivery takes 1 to 3 business days, so budget for that time as well.
When you need a passport in fewer than 2 weeks
Expedited processing is not fast enough if you are leaving in 10 days or less. In that case, you must request an emergency appointment at a passport agency. Not all agencies offer emergency appointments, and they are only for travel that is happening within two weeks. You cannot book an emergency appointment online — you must call 1-877-487-2778 and speak to a representative who will determine whether your situation qualifies.
Emergency appointments are same-day or next-day in most cases, and you will receive your passport the same day you apply if you arrive early enough. The fee is the same as expedited processing ($60 extra), but you must have proof of your travel plans — a flight confirmation, cruise ticket, or hotel reservation with dates. If you cannot provide proof, the agency will not see you.
Situations where expedited processing will not work
If you are renewing your passport by mail and you do not need it urgently, standard processing is your only option. If you are applying for your first adult passport and you do not have a previous passport or certified birth certificate, you cannot use expedited processing — you must apply in person at an acceptance facility or agency, and it will go through standard processing.
Any application involving a legal name change, gender marker change, or corrections to your citizenship status must go through standard processing, even if you pay for expedited. The State Department requires additional review for these cases, and expedited fees will not speed them up. If you are in this situation and you need a passport quickly, your only option is an emergency appointment, and even then the agency may not be able to help if the changes require extra documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my passport by mail and pay for expedited processing?
No. Expedited processing is only available if you apply in person. If you are renewing by mail, you must use standard processing, which takes 6 to 8 weeks. If you need your passport faster, you will have to apply in person at an acceptance facility or agency instead, which allows you to choose expedited processing.
What if I apply for expedited processing but my application is incomplete?
The facility will reject it and send it back to you. You will not be charged, but you will lose time. Make sure every document is original, not a copy, and that your application form is filled out completely and signed. Bring your receipt and reapply as soon as you have corrected the problem.
Can I get my passport the same day if I pay for expedited processing?
No. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks because your application still has to be sent to a processing facility and reviewed there. Same-day or next-day service is only available through an emergency appointment, and only if you have proof of travel within two weeks and the agency determines your situation qualifies.
Do I have to apply at a passport agency, or can I use a post office with expedited processing?
You can use either, but passport agencies process expedited applications faster. If you have a choice, apply at the nearest agency. If there is no agency near you, a post office or library acceptance facility will accept your expedited application, but it may take slightly longer because the facility has to mail it to the processing center.
What if my travel plans change after I apply for expedited processing?
Contact the State Department at 1-877-487-2778 as soon as possible. If your passport has not been mailed yet, they may be able to cancel the expedited processing and refund the $60 fee, though policies vary. If your passport has already been mailed, you will receive it regardless, and you can use it for future travel.