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How Can I Get a Passport in 2 Weeks?

While getting a U.S. passport is a relatively simple process, if you need a passport in 2 weeks this could take a little more effort. Standard passport turnaround times are about 4-6 weeks and expedite processing, for an extra fee, usually requires 2-3 weeks.

However, for last-minute travel plans that require a passport in less than 14 days, a trip to a Regional Passport Agency may be necessary. Appointments are mandatory and can be scheduled 24 hours a day via telephone at 1-877-487-2778. Most locations are in major cities. So, allow extra time for travel if you do not live in a major metropolitan area.

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The Application Process

The standard passport application will need to be filled out, and renewals require form DS-82 as well. In addition to the passport fee , which ranges from $130 – $195, the Expedited Service fee of $60 per person will apply. The new passport can be picked up at the agency or mailed. Overnight delivery has an extra charge of $12.85 per application. All agencies accept checks, money orders, and credit and debit cards.

Expediting Agencies

Some agencies may require proof of travel within two weeks to use this expedited processing service. Have a copy of your itinerary. They will not accept a mobile itinerary. The Regional Passport Agency does not charge any extra fees to use their services. In some cases, passports are available within hours of applying.

Expedite With a Private Passport Company

If you are unable to travel to your nearest Passport Agency, there are also many passports expediting services. They generally charge fees in addition to the passport charges listed above. Fees may range from $70 – $300, depending on how quickly you need a passport. One benefit of using an expediting service is that the passport is delivered to your location. Whether it’s your home or the airport.

Both choices are legitimate options. The main difference lies in cost and convenience. Going directly to an official Regional Passport Agency will save the costs of using an expediting service. However, with an expediting service, you never even have to leave your home.

The fees listed above are current as of 5/10/13, but the most up-to-date information can be found at the State Department .

In conclusion, obtaining a passport takes time and commitment when done through official channels. This process is essential in becoming an international traveler, however, in some cases, you may need to expedite the process. It is possible to get a passport within two weeks if you’re willing to pay the additional fees and consult a professional service if necessary.

It’s important to remember that although it may seem expensive upfront, the long-term benefit and satisfaction of having a valid passport far outweigh any costs associated with it.

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Need A New U.S. Passport Fast? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process

From emergency travel to suddenly realizing your passport has expired right before a big international trip, there are numerous situations that might require a quick passport turnaround..

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Sometimes we need a new passport sooner than we realized.

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Whether last-minute travel plans have suddenly sprung up or a big international trip is here before you had time to double-check the expiration date on your passport, it’s not uncommon for travelers to have to expedite their U.S. passport applications.

Several other situations might require a new or renewed passport in a hurry as well. For example, some countries don’t permit entry if your passport has less than six months of validity. Some international destinations, like South Africa, require that you have at least two consecutive blank pages in your passport book. It’s important to check the U.S. State Department’s website for each country’s visa and passport requirements or contact your airline or travel agency before you hit the road to make sure that your travel documents will be accepted upon arrival.

The process (for both renewing and getting a new passport quickly ) is fairly similar to the regular application process , which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Due to a big surge in demand for new and renewed U.S. passports—the U.S. State Department processed nearly 22 million passports in 2022, more than at any point since tallying began in 1974— standard passport processing times inched back up in early 2023.

Here’s what you need to know to get a passport in your hands as quickly as possible.

How long does it take to get an expedited passport?

During the pandemic, even expedited services experienced a massive slowdown. Thankfully, both regular and rushed passport processing times started to come down toward the end of 2021. But in early 2023, regular passport processing times crept back up due to a massive influx in applications—the standard processing period is 8 to 11 weeks, according to a March 2023 update from the State Department, up from the 6 to 9 weeks for a routine passport application in January 2023.

If you apply for an expedited passport directly though the U.S. State Department, processing times are about 5 to 7 weeks, according to a March 7 update —but that doesn’t include mail delivery times, which according to the State Department can add “several weeks” to the total processing time.

“Processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply. Mailing times may add several weeks on to the door-to-door time it takes to receive your passport,” the State Department reports.

Nevertheless, the 5- to 7-week time frame is down from the 12 to 18 weeks the agency had estimated for expedited passport service during the pandemic. For a faster turnaround, an expeditor like RushMyPassport.com offers services that are as speedy as one or two weeks, but it’ll cost: The fastest one-week service is about $800. At press time, RushMyPassport.com offered expedited passport services ranging from 1 to 10 weeks from the time documents are received by the agency.

If you need it within 7 weeks, you can still do it yourself

If you have a life-or-death emergency or urgent international travel coming up within 14 days, you can make an in-person appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies throughout the United States. You must have an appointment to visit an agency, and the only way to make an appointment is by calling 1-877-487-2778.

You can also apply via mail. The window for expediting is 5 to 7 weeks, but as mentioned above that doesn’t include mail delivery times, which can vary widely across the country.

How to apply for an expedited passport

Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to find out your passport isn’t travel ready.

Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock

To apply for a rushed passport, begin at the State Department’s website , where a handy checklist will keep you from making a mistake that could slow down the process. The $60 expediting fee (plus overnight shipping) is not refundable, so make sure you have dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s when applying. This fee is in addition to the standard $130 application fee—so $190 total for the expedited passport service (not including shipping). First-time applicants are charged an additional $35 execution fee.

If you want the expedited service, you need to send your application using Priority Mail Express with the U.S. Postal Service. The State Department recommends that applicants send their application via trackable mail so that applicants can know exactly when it arrives and enters the system. Travelers can also opt for one- to two-day return delivery of their passport for an extra $19.53, to help speed things along somewhat.

If you score an appointment to apply in person, you must use form DS-11. To apply by mail, you’ll need to use the form DS-82 (you can download these forms here ). Submitted forms must be single-sided and printed clearly. Complete the application online before printing it out or by hand in black or blue ink; remember to write “expedited” on the envelope and include two recent photos that meet the passport photo specifications. If applying by mail, you must include a check; if applying in person, find out what methods of payment are allowed at your specific acceptance facility.

You can renew your passport by mail and can begin the process online as long as you are in possession of your expired or expiring passport; your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older; it was issued within the past 15 years; and it was issued to your current name or you have documentation to support a name change. Children under 16, all first-time applicants, and applicants who have lost their passport or had it stolen must apply in person.

You can make a free appointment ahead of time but spaces are limited—passport agencies and acceptance facilities are not accepting walk-in services and require advance appointments. Acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. If you want to apply at a post office, you need to make an appointment at USPS.com . Other acceptance facilities may be requiring advance appointments as well.

Passport agency appointments must be scheduled over the phone by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. The online appointment system was disabled after an underground market developed; third parties using bots would secure urgent appointments and then sell them to travelers in a bind. Many of these were not even legitimate appointments.

How an expeditor can (and can’t) help

Expediting agencies are companies that assist with rushed passport applications. They charge an additional fee (on top of the standard passport application fee and expedited passport service fee) but can often help navigate the ins and outs of the expediting process. Services like RushMyPassport.com double-check your application before it gets submitted and catch any errors or snags that might slow it down. The fastest turnaround time RushMyPassport.com offers is one week for $799 or a two-week option for $599. Even these can be limited in availability since expeditors also rely on a subset of appointments being available.

David Alwadish, CEO and founder of ItsEasy Passport & Visa , notes that the expediting slots get snatched up quickly. ItsEasy Passport & Visa currently charges $45 for its four-week passport processing service and $895 for one-day service. “One- to three-day passport service requires urgent travel. Please contact us for details,” the agency advises. Do-it-yourselfers can also use his company’s ItsEasy Passport App to submit applications for standard passport processing.

If you need it within 24 to 72 hours, try going to an agency in person

If it’s a life-or-death emergency , such as an illness, injury, or a death in your immediate family, getting an emergency appointment at an agency in person is the only option. Instead of wasting a day with overnight shipping, you can save valuable time by going in-person—even if you have to fly to a passport agency in the departure city of your international flight. In these circumstances, it can take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours depending on where you apply and if you can provide accepted documentation, such as a death certificate or signed documentation from medical personnel.

One final tip . . .

The best thing you can do to avoid paying extra for expediting your passport is to set a calendar reminder for nine months before the expiration date of your current valid passport, for those who have one. At that point, you can look ahead at your travels and figure out the best 18-week period to apply—one where, ideally, you know you won’t be heading abroad. If you travel frequently enough that such a period is hard to identify, you may want to look into the option of applying for a second passport .

This article was originally published in 2019. It was updated on March 7, 2023, to include current information.

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What to do if Your Passport is Delayed and You Have an Upcoming Trip

Your dream vacation that you’ve been planning for months is right around the corner. Your bags are packed, airline tickets booked, and you have the perfect vacation home just waiting for your arrival. The only thing that’s getting in the way of you being fully excited for your trip? Your passport  still  hasn’t arrived. You  applied for your passport  weeks ago, and it’s nowhere to be found. You start to panic and wonder if it will even come at all… what are you to do now?!

What to Do if Your Passport is Delayed

If your  passport is delayed  and hasn’t come when it was supposed to, your first instinct may be to panic. But, this is precisely what you shouldn’t do. Take a deep breath, and try one of the following options to try and obtain your passport as soon as possible:

Option 1:  Call 1-877-487-2778 to try and make an in-person appointment with a Passport Agency near you. It’s important to note that most of the appointments available are only for people who need to travel internationally for a  life-or-death emergency  or for those who need to travel for an  urgent manner .

You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel internationally within 72 hours for an immediate family member who is dying, has a life-threatening illness or injury, or has died.

You may qualify for an appointment for urgent travel if you have urgent travel plans within 2 weeks and you can provide proof of travel.

Option 2:  Call the  National Passport Information Center  (1-877-487-2778). When you call, explain your situation and ask if paying an expedite fee would guarantee your passport being issued and shipped to you right away. You can then track the progress of your passport  here .

Option 3:  If you become notified that there is a problem with your passport application, follow the instructions listed on the government-issued letter. If timing is a concern for you, you should work directly with the government to get your situation resolved in a timely matter or call 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

What to Avoid if Your Passport is Delayed

If your passport is delayed and hasn’t arrived within the estimated processing time, the one thing you should  never  do is to start a new passport application with Swift or any other third-party agency. If you submit a new application, you’ll have two passport applications being processed, which will raise a huge red flag to the Passport Agency. Having two passport applications being processed at the same time could potentially delay your passport even longer. Please, do not do this!

Expedite Your Passport With Swift

To avoid potentially missing your trip due to not receiving your passport in time, you should expedite your passport with Swift. We can help you get your  new passport  or  passport renewal  in a timely manner so that you can enjoy the anticipation of waiting for your trip without worrying if your passport will get to you in time. 

If you are looking to obtain a  new passport  or  passport renewal , Swift has a 7-10 business days processing option. Please note that you must call ahead (312-929-2105) if you want to use our 7-10 business days option, as it’s being offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Using our expedited service will help to give you peace of mind that your passport will arrive in time for your trip.

If you have any questions about obtaining a  new passport  or  passport renewal , please don’t hesitate to  contact us . We’d be happy to help answer any questions you may have and work with you to get the process started. As always, no matter where you plan on traveling, we’ll get you there!

4 thoughts on “What to do if Your Passport is Delayed and You Have an Upcoming Trip”

My passport renew has not come in time because I didn’t pay to expedite and they are running much later than usual – 12 weeks. I’m scheduled to leave next week on 7/14. I’ve spent a lot of time on hold and talking to people this week with no luck. Ever hear of anyone having luck walking up to a passport office without an appointment? Due to Covid, appointments are limited and seem to be unattainable. Wondering if I should even bother just showing up since everything I read says you must have an appointment. Any advice is appreciated.

Under current policy, the Passport Agency offices will not allow walk ins. Your best option is to make an appointment and if unsuccessful, keep trying at it. passportappointment.travel.state.gov

We ordered our passport 8 months early – paid the expedition fees and it was promptly sent to us in about 7 weeks WITH THE NAME MISPELLED. This was a passport print error – it was not our error. We sent it back, along with all information requested and birth certificate. It took 6 weeks for it to be received. Now we are told it will take 12-18 more weeks to get it corrected. App

Trip is bought and paid for and less than 6 weeks away. We called 4 times and were on hold over 4 hours – never able to talk to anyone. Finally today after 3 hour hold we are told there is nothing they can do. They cant even look it up and see any information. Told us to call back two weeks before the trip – but don’t expect to be able to get the passport and dont expect to be able to get an appointment and no there is no refund for fees paid for services that we not honored. We asked to speak to a supervisor and got put on hold then hung up on.

We did everything right. Applied early, paid all the rush fees and they made the mistake – and we are going to be out $9000 for a trip. Such a disservice to taxpayers.

To add to it, I had to send my birth certificate back with the correction (again, their error) and have a job offer but cant complete informatiom because passport department has my vital documents.

Mailed my US passport renewal on april 9th. Did not opt for the $60 expedited fee. Intended to travel august 2021 so based on 8 to 10 weeks I thought I had loads of time. Did not realise it takes 4 weeks for them to acknowledge they received it after you mail it in. So my passport renewal is in process since May 7th. Today is July 18th, its been 10 weeks since they offically received it and 14 weeks since I mailed (paid extra to overnight it). I started reading the fine print on the US renewal site, they state it can take them 6 weeks to mail it back once they are done. Seriously. I have tried calling the 1 877 487 2778 number several times, never get to speak to a real person in order to inquire about paying the extra $60 fee. I just get bounced around a menu only to be eventually hung up on. Tax payers deserve better service.

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How to Get a U.S. Passport in 2 Weeks or Less | Rustic Pathways

Need a u.s. passport quickly learn how to expedite your renewal or get a new passport fast, even if you're traveling in less than two weeks. essential tips inside..

How to Get a U.S. Passport in 2 Weeks or Less [2024 Update]

It happens to the best of us. You need to travel soon and realize you don’t have a valid passport. Maybe it’s expiring or you’ve never had one in the first place.

With the clock ticking, you need to know the quickest way to get a passport. Follow the links below to see what you need to know to get a passport fast.

• Do I need a new passport?
• How do I renew a passport by mail?
• How to I get my first passport or renew a U.S. passport that was issued before I was 16?
• How long does it take to get my passport?
• If I have less than two weeks, what’s the fastest option?

Passport rules vary by destination

Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months from your return date. You can see details for your destination by searching for it at this U.S. Department of State site .

Generally, if you’re leaving soon and your passport is set to expire in the upcoming months, it’s time to get it renewed.

If you need to renew passport:

You can renew an expired or expiring passport by mail and pay an extra $60 to expedite it if you wish. This expedited fee is added to the renewal fee cost ($130 for a passport book).

In order to renew by mail you need to be able to say “Yes” to the following questions:

• Do you have your passport in hand to submit with your application?
• Is your passport undamaged other than normal wear and tear?
• Was it issued when you were age 16 or older?
• Was it issued within the last 15 years?
• Was it issued in your current name or you can document your name change?

To renew by mail, gather these documents:

• Filled-out Form DS-82
• Your most recent U.S. Passport
• Name change documents (if applicable)
• New passport photo ( photo requirements )
• Passport book: $130
• Passport book and Passport card: $160
• Expedited service: Additional $60

Mail these materials to:

Routine Service (If you live in California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, or Texas):

National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 640155 Irving, TX 75064-0155

Routine Service (If you live in any other state or Canada):

National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Expedited Service (Additional fee applies. For any state or Canada): Write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the mailing envelope.

National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90955 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

You can see all the steps with links to form DS-82 at the US State Department .

If this will be your FIRST passport:

You’ll need to drop your application off at a passport acceptance facility , like a local post office or library.

To get a new passport or renew one issued before you were 16, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

• Fill out Form DS-11
• U.S birth certificate
• A full validity U.S. Passport (5 years is fully valid for an under-16 passport)
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Valid or expired U.S. passport
• In-state, valid driver’s license
• Valid foreign passport
• In-state valid non-driver ID with photo
• If you’re 16-17 years old, you need to bring a parent along with you
• Passport book: $130 over 16 years; $100 under 16 years
• Passport book and Passport card: $160 ($115 under 16 years)
• If you not renewing, but applying for a first passport there is an additional and separate $35 acceptance fee.
• Submit all these documents at a passport acceptance facility

You can see all the steps with links to form DS-11 at the US State Department .

How fast can I get a passport?

The honest answer to this question is that it depends. Here are the current expected timelines for a passport :

• Routine service : 6-8 weeks + mailing time.
• Expedited service (if you are traveling in less than 8 weeks): 2-3 weeks + mailing time.
• Urgent travel : Travel in less than two to three weeks – This is generally faster than expedited since it includes an in-person appointment.
• Emergency travel : Travel in less than three days – This is reserved for life and death emergencies.

What happens if you don’t qualify for emergency travel, but don’t have weeks to wait?

If you have less than two weeks until your trip, here’s the fastest option to get a U.S. passport in 2 weeks or less:

Individuals traveling in less than 14 days can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get an appointment at a passport center to expedite your U.S. passport. This applies both for people who have already applied and those who have not.

Here’s what to do:

• Find your nearest passport agency .
• Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an in-person appointment.
• Fill out the passport form online to print or print a pdf to fill out by hand ahead of time. Keep in mind there are different forms for a new passport versus a renewal.
• Make copies of the front and back of your citizenship evidence , like your birth certificate, and government-issued photo ID , like a driver’s license, on separate 8.5×11 pieces of paper. (A current, undamaged passport will work for both.) You must bring both the originals and the copies to your appointment.
• Print out your travel documents (your e-ticket confirmation) that prove you’re leaving in less than two weeks.
• Bring a photo of yourself . You can get passport photos at your local pharmacy, or you can take one at home. But no selfies! Here are some photo examples and a video with instructions .
• Head to your appointment! Don’t forget your completed application, your citizenship doc, photo ID and photocopies, travel docs, passport photo, and a check or a money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Passport agencies do not accept credit cards for application and expediting fees. Here’s the fee chart. Keep in mind acceptance facilities will also charge an extra $35 fee that must be paid separately.
• Get your passport and have an incredible adventure!

If you don’t live near a passport agency, try calling the National Passport Information Center for more information.

Some people try hiring a third-party expeditor. They’re the ones that come up when you google something like “how to get a passport quickly.” But be very wary. The U.S. State Department has turned off the ability to make online appointments because third party bots were taking all the appointments. As such, passport agencies say they may not honor appointments made by third parties.

Essential Steps for U.S. Passport Application Passport-Free Travel Locations Where Americans Can’t Go Emergency Passport Application Expedited Passport Application

Need more information on travel, please visit our Definitive Parent Guide to Teen Travel

If you’re between the ages of 12-22 and want to put that passport to good use, see our current student travel programs or contact us anytime for help.

Scott Ingram

Scott is the Director of Admissions at Rustic Pathways. He has spent the last 15 years in the student travel and experiential education world. Before helping families find the perfect Rustic Pathways program, he led gap year programs that took students around the world and spent three years teaching English in Japan.

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If you’re a procrastinator and your passport is set to expire, hopefully you don’t have an international trip planned within the next three months (at least). The U.S. Department of State is warning of massive delays in turnaround times both for issuing new — and renewing existing — passports.

U.S. passport renewal

Passport renewal applications can be done in person or by mail. Either way, the State Department suggests leaving at least three months (or more) between the time you submit your passport application and the day you receive the actual passport.

Current posted processing timelines are as follows:

Routine processing: Six to eight weeks.

Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.

Plus, that doesn’t even account for time to put together your application. Though not as onerous as first-time passport applications, you’ll still need to put in effort to gather some materials, such as a photograph from the last six months.

Applying for a U.S. passport for the first time

Children under age 16, first-time applicants and applicants who had their passport lost or stolen must apply in person — no mail-only option is allowed. Budget time to get an appointment at a local acceptance facility, which is typically a post office, library or city clerk's office.

Appointments are required at some, but not all, locations. Once you’ve applied at an acceptance facility, expect even lengthier processing times than what the renewal folks will experience.

If you need your passport sooner than the routine processing timeline noted in the previous section, you can pay $60 for expedited processing. But even still, the speedy version still takes several weeks.

And again, make time to gather your application materials, which includes evidence of U.S. citizenship for new passports. If you need time to track down your birth certificate from that dusty box in your parent’s garage, hopefully your international trip is even further than just a few weeks out.

» Learn more: 5 steps to take if you lose your passport

Your passport may need at least six months' validity remaining

Sometimes, even a valid passport that’s set to expire soon might be insufficient. Some countries require passports to be valid at least six months beyond your trip dates.

So even if your passport doesn’t expire until 2024, your late 2023 travel plans may be in jeopardy if your passport expires within six months of that trip. Some airlines won’t even let you board with a passport set to expire within that window. See which countries have such requirements via the State Department’s Country Information page .

What if you can’t wait that long to renew your passport?

With luck — and some extra money — you may be able to get your passport sooner. The State Department offers a few types of rush passport services:

Pay extra for expedited service by mail

For an additional $60, you can have your passport renewal processed on a shorter timeline. “Expedited” is a bit of a loose term here, and you’ll still need to plan for some turnaround time.

Additionally, the State Department recommends purchasing rush mail delivery, which costs an additional $18.32 for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport.

Use this service if: You need your passport within the currently posted expedited processing timeline.

Claim a life-or-death emergency

Hopefully you don’t fall in this category, but if you have an eligible life-or-death emergency (eligible reasons include having an immediate family member outside of the U.S. who has died, is in hospice care, or has a life-threatening illness or injury) and you need to travel to a foreign country within three business days, you may qualify for an emergency, in-person appointment.

You’ll have to provide proof of the emergency, such as a death certificate or letter from the hospital, plus your airline ticket and passport application. From there, you’ll have to call the State Department’s Life-or-Death Emergency Service number to make an appointment.

There are only about two dozen locations nationwide offering such appointments, so you’ll likely need to make domestic travel plans just to get that rush passport.

And to make matters worse, you can’t make an appointment online. Due to the massive backlog, the State Department has actually disabled its online booking system. Bake in extra time to listen to on-hold music.

Use this service if: You need your passport within three business days and you have a valid emergency.

Hope for the best

You may also qualify for a rush passport if you have urgent international travel plans within two weeks but don’t have emergency proof.

Appointments are extremely limited though, and the State Department warns that there’s no guarantee you’ll get an appointment. Like the emergency process, you’ll have to call the same number (no online appointments either) and get your passport in person at one of those roughly two dozen locations nationwide.

Use this service if: You need your passport within three business days.

Why are passport processing times suddenly so slow?

Especially at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, passport processing times massively slowed. At one point, the State Department recommend leaving 18 weeks (that's more than four months) due to not just its own processing delays, but mail delays from the U.S. Postal Service.

In 2020, the State Department said processing times were roughly 12 weeks. But in the years following the initial shock of lockdowns, processing times got even higher — up to as many as 13 weeks. They have since started to level-off.

The State Department is chalking it all up to a record number of people applying for passports and renewals of existing ones. In fact, the State Department estimates that 2023 is on track to set the record for the highest demand of passports ever, far surpassing volumes seen during previous surges in demand in 2007 and 2017. 

In some weeks during the winter of 2022 into 2023, the Department received more than 500,000 applications. Not only did that exceed projections, but it marked a record number for that time of year.

Renew your U.S. passport now

With most borders open now and far fewer COVID-19 restrictions, international travel might be one of your top-of-mind vacation plans. But here’s something you never want on your mind: stressing over a rushed passport.

Beyond just the agony, rush passports can be expensive given the fees for expedited service, the cost of faster shipping and the potential extra trip to visit one of the few emergency passport centers.

Check now to see when your passport expires. If it’s anytime in the next year or so, start the application process now. There are enough reasons that travel is stressful, complicated and expensive already. Don't let an expired passport be one of them.

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75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.

• Renewing Passports : If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the " Renew a Passport by Mail " section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department. If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you'll need to go to a Post Office in person and do a new, first-time passport application.
• First-Time Passports (and Passport Photos) : Schedule your in-person appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

Alert: --> online scheduler to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. The State Department has extremely limited passport services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expect significant delays of several months before receiving your new U.S. passport. Learn More

Alert: Please use our online scheduler , a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk, or visit a Post Office retail counter to make an appointment for first-time passport and photo services. Alternatively, find a location near you with passport walk-in acceptance hours.

First-Time Passports

First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

Apply at a Post Office

Expedited Delivery

Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

• Application forms (unsigned)
• Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

• Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
• Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
• Have a passport photo taken.
• Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
• Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
• State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

• Go to Schedule an Appointment .
• Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
• After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

• Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
• At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
• Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
• Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
• Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
• Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

• $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
• $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

• State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
• Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

• Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

• Is in your possession to submit with your application.
• Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

• Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
• Print and sign your DS-82 form.
• Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
• Calculate your passport renewal fees .
• Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
• Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
• TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
• Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

• With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

• Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
• The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

• You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

• Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
• Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
• Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
• $60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
• $18.32—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
• Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
• Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

• Department of State Passport Website English | Español
• Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
• Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

• Get a Passport
• Renew a Passport
• Get a Passport Fast
• Courier Services
• Passport Information

Can you travel out of the country on a soon to expire passport?

The question of whether or not an American can travel abroad on a soon to expire passport is asked more often than most other questions. It is not uncommon for the bearer of a valid passport to arrive at the airport only to discover that the passport is not "valid" for the flight's destination. This is due to the fact that many countries require a passport have six months of validity remaining before a visitor will be allowed to enter. The initial question submitted by one of our visitors discusses this question in a general way. You can read the comments to find information about specific destinations. Question: My passport expires in April. The person in the Post Office just told me that I cannot travel within 6 months of the expiration date. Is this correct? Answer: The answer to your question depends on your destination. Many countries in the world require your passport have at least six months validity remaining beyond your visit before they will allow you to enter. Others only require 3 months of validity while still others only require your passport be valid at time of entry. If the country you plan to visit requires six months of validity then you will need to renew your passport before your departure date. Check the foreign entry requirements for the country or countries you plan to visit. Routine processing can take up to 6 weeks, 8 weeks or more depending on the demand at the time you apply. It takes 2-3 weeks for expedited service. Faster service requires you apply at a regional agency. If you need to apply for a passport renewal , you can learn what requirement you need to do that here

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Passport Expiration FAQ.

More Passport & Travel Information

Top 5 questions about expedited passport couriers.

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

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Update May 10, 2024

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Respond to a Letter or Email

Enroll in email updates so you know when your application status changes. Use the following information to check your status and enroll in updates: 

• Include suffixes (ex. Jones III, Patton Jr, etc.)
• If you have a hyphen in your name, enter it with and without the hyphen if you cannot find a status update on the first try. (ex. Jackson-Smith, Jackson Smith, or JacksonSmith)
• Date of Birth  (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Last Four Digits of Social Security Number

What Your Status Means

I got a letter and/or email requesting more information, help what should i do if:, my passport was "mailed" but i have not received it.

If you have waited over two weeks since we mailed your passport, call us at 1-877-487-2778  (or  1-888-874-7793  if you are deaf or hard of hearing).

We will help you complete a special form (known as the DS-86 form ) which is a signed statement that you didn't receive your U.S. passport.

You must complete the DS-86 form within 90 days of the date we issued your passport. After 90 days, you must reapply and pay all fees, by law.

I applied and need my passport sooner than I thought

Call us at  1-877-487-2778  (or  1-888-874-7793  if you are deaf or hard of hearing). You’ll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth.

• Get expedited service for $60. 
• Get 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for $19.53. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.

I changed my mailing address

Do not contact us if your address changed  after  you received your passport.

Contact us only if your mailing address changed while you are waiting for your passport.

If you want to receive your passport at an address other than your own, we will send the passport “In Care Of” someone else who lives at that address.

I have not received my supporting documents

If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

Contacting Us If You Have Urgent Travel

Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I have not applied yet, reminders for contacting us.

• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

You cashed my check. why is my status still "not available".

Still In Transit: Your application status is "Not Available" because your application is still in transit to a passport agency or center. After you apply, your application is:

• Delivered to a mail facility. Your tracking number may say that your application has "Arrived" at the mail facility. 
• Sent from the mail facility to an intake facility where your payment is processed (check is cashed). 
• Sent by the intake facility to a passport agency or center. 

It may take up to 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is "In Process" at one of our passport agencies and centers. 

Problem with your Application : In some cases, it may take longer than 2 weeks if our intake facility finds a problem with your application. We will contact you if we need more information. 

Technical Issue : We may have a temporary, technical issue with our system. Please try again in several hours. 

Entering Your Last Name : If you cannot find a status update on the first try, make sure the name you enter is spelled the same as the name you provided on your passport form. If you have a hyphen in your name, try entering your name with and without the hyphen.

Why does my status say "Mailed" if I just applied?

Your status may be "Mailed" if you received a new passport in the last 180 days, and you are re-applying for a new passport. For example, you may need to use  Form DS-5504 if you need to Change or Correct Your Passport . It may take 2 weeks after the date you apply on Form DS-5504 for your status to change to "In Process." 

Why does my status say "In Process" after it was already "Approved"?

You may see this update if we discovered a problem we need to fix during our final review of your passport. We are fixing the issue and preparing to print a new passport for you. 

Will I receive my new passport and my documents back in one envelope?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

How do I know which location is processing my application and has my documents?

The first two digits of your nine-digit passport application locator number allow you to know which agency or center is working on your application. You can find your application locator number by checking our  Online Passport Status System . The unique digits for each of our agencies and centers are below.

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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14 visa-free destinations for Indian passport-holders; check full list here

It's time to pack your bags and explore the world

A little get-away from the mundane daily life is something that many of us desire. Sometimes, it's the lengthy visa processing time that acts as a hurdle in reaching our dream destination. So here are a few countries where Indians can travel without worrying about a visa:

Nepal, home to the Himalayas, is an often visited destination by trekkers around the world. The journey from India to Nepal is easy and budget-friendly too! If you are travelling by air, all you need to carry is either a valid Indian passport or your Indian voter ID card with a photograph. So now it's time to pack your bags and go trekking and paragliding in the Himalayas and exploring the heritage sites in Nepal.

Just like Nepal, Bhutan is a culturally rich nation sharing its borders with India. Though Bhutan allows Indian citizens to travel visa-free, they have stated that visitors from India is required to get a permit. It can be done online through their website, through a tour operator or at the point of entry

Seychelles is an archipelagic state consisting of 115 islands open to visitors worldwide. Though visitors do not need a visa, they are required to apply for a Travel Authorisation (TA) at least 10 days prior to their travel. The application can be made through through Seychelles E-Border app. A standard application fee is charged during this process. The requirements, as specified by the government include a valid passport, selfie, contact information, trip information, airline booking confirmation, accommodation booking confirmation and credit or debit card information. The time taken to process the application would depend on the package that is chosen. On arrival, a visitor’s permit will be issued. This maybe your call to visit Seychelles, which is known for hosting various rare species of life and for activities like cruising, swimming, fishing and sailing.

This scenic island country with a panoramic view situated in the South Pacific Island, often referred to as ‘The Rock’. Niue allows Indian citizens to visit the country visa-free for less than 30 days. Visitors are required to take connection flights through New Zealand in order to reach Niue. The entry requirements include having a valid passport and meeting New Zealand’s border entry requirements while transiting. The government of Niue has also recommended all visitors to get a travel insurance. Tourism is a developed sector in Niue and they have various activities at hand for the tourists.

Montserrat is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea and is home to an exotic variety of flora and fauna. It has included India in the list of countries that does not require a visa, in order to visit. Just make sure that you have a valid passport during your period of stay. Here is your key to explore the monasteries, museums, chapels, monuments and sculptures located in the splendid hillsides and town of Montserrat. Hikes, train trips, the annual Alliouagana Festival of the Word and other natural attractions make it a worthwhile journey for all visitors.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

St Vincent And the Grenadines is a small and beautiful archipelago that is open to international travellers. The visitors must have a valid passport, a return ticket, a place to stay and should indicate the reason for travel, as mentioned in the official government website. Indian nationals are free to travel without any visa. Visitor’s permit will be granted on arrival by an Immigration Officer and it would be valid for three months. In case of extensions, changes can be made at the Immigration Head Office in Kingstown.

Grenada is a part of West Indies situated in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, which renders a visa-free visit to Indian nationals. If you have a valid Indian passport, get your ticket to explore the wide range of activities that Grenada offers! You can be a part Grenada’s exuberant culture by taking part in their festivals and culture, experiencing the eco-adventures, exploring and site seeing and by tasting their delicious cuisine.

Jamaica is yet another island country in the Caribbeans that does not pose a visa requirement to Indian citizens. Indians can travel to Jamaica with a valid and approved travel document, preferably a passport. Jamaica offers you safaris, waterfalls, beaches, gardens and a great range of other water activities like river rafting.

Kenya, an East African country, is often distinguished by its rich culture and traditions. Kenya brings the pictures of wildlife and safaris into our minds. An Indian citizen does not require a visa to travel to Kenya as a tourist. Instead, you would be in need of an “electronic Travel Authorisation” (eTA) while travelling. An eTA application can easily be filed online and once approved, it would be electronically linked to your passport. Kenya allows for a stay up to 90 days. The Immigration Office has specified that the eTA extensions can be done in the Immigration Office in Nairobi after expiration of current eTA. The eTA requirements as specified by the Kenyan government are an Indian passport, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Kenya, confirmation page of the application, a colour passport size photograph, current email address, a basic travel itinerary and the return ticket.

Angola, a South African country, is blessed with panoramic views of nature. Angola permits Indian passport holders to visit the country without a travel visa for up to 30 days. If you wish to stay for more than 30 days, you can easily apply for an e-visa through their website. The Kissama National Park, Tunda Vala Fissure, Dilolo lake, Dala Waterfalls and a lot more act as Angola’s major attractions.

Mauritius is drawn with picturesque natural resources like waterfalls and glassy blue beaches with golden shore. Mauritius exempting India from the visa requirements has given Indian citizens a chance to explore the national parks, botanical gardens, museums, hiking trails and many natural wonders! All you need to do is fill in the all-in-one travel form, which is available in their official website and take a printed copy of the completed form while travelling. You need to submit the form to the health officials on arrival at Mauritius.

In July 2022, Kazakhstan introduced visa-free travel to all Indian citizens. The government has set the maximum duration of the visitor’s visa-free stay is 42 days within every 180 days. Kazakhstan is a Central Asian country that offers a series of attractions to its visitors. Various museums, natural attractions, places of pilgrimage and monuments act as major sights in Kazakhstan.

Fiji, an island country situated in the South Pacific, has exempted Indian citizens from carrying a visa during their visit, but make sure to carry all the required documents with you. The requirements include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay, a return ticket or a ticket for onward travel, a confirmed address for your stay in Fiji and a complete immigration arrival card. According to BBC, Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific, relying heavily on tourism and sugar industries.

Cook Islands

Cook Islands in the South Pacific consists of 15 islands in total. For a stay of less than 31 days, Cook Islands has allowed the visitors to travel visa-free. The permits will be issued at the border on your arrival. Visitors must meet the general requirements related to evidence of identity, character, health and proof of onward travel. You must provide evidence of sufficient funds for yourself and for dependent children (if applicable). You must also be a bona fide visitor, not intending to work or study during your stay in Cook Islands. Delve into the various water activities, mountain hikes and many other entertainments when you travel to this destination.

• Travel Special

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