How To Expedite a Passport: Your Essential Guide to Hassle-Free Adventures

How to expedite a passport is a question I get asked all the time. During the COVID era, delays were expected, and expeditions became the new norm for many of us. Given how the world has been over the past few years, it’s not uncommon for many people to have last-minute travel plans only to realize their passports have expired or been lost.

Post-COVID, the passport process has resumed its normal flow; however, many people do not allow enough time for processing or are unaware of processing times. Add to this that many people do not check passport requirements for the country they are visiting. Some countries require travelers to have at least 6 months of passport validity when applying for a visa or entering the country. Travelers should apply for a passport renewal at least 6 months before their existing passport expires. Ideally, nine months is safer, given the current backlog and delays. Imagine booking a trip and then finding out that you do not have six months left on your passport. You will be in scramble mode.

From the outset, this may sound like a problem that’s easily fixed, but Passport applications can take a long time. What’s worse is that many government facilities work even more slowly than the deadlines they provide, which makes the process drag on even further. But there’s a fix: expedite a passport.

If a traveler needs their passport as soon as possible, they will need to expedite their application. Unsure how expediting a passport works? This guide will cover it all!

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Tradition Passport Processing Time

When someone applies for a passport, they’re usually given a processing time of 5 to 7 weeks. Currently, the standard processing time is 8 to 11 weeks! Day one, the first day of the time frame, is not when an applicant sends in their application. Day one starts when the U.S. State Department receives the passport applications.

This also doesn’t include how long the U.S. State Department will take to return the passport to the applicant’s delivery address. As a result, even though the official processing time is five to seven weeks, the process can take more than ten weeks.

So if a passport is needed for a specific date, you must factor in 8 to 11 weeks for processing. The eleven weeks do not account for any backlogs, shipping issues, or other things that could cause delays.

If you need a passport sooner than 11 weeks, or don’t have 11 weeks before you travel, you must apply for an expedited passport.

This service places a passport on the “priority” list. This, in turn, ensures it is processed faster than everyone else’s.

Process To How To Expedite a Passport

You can expedite a new passport by visiting an official passport acceptance facility and submitting the required documents along with the application and processing fee. You can apply online if you already have a passport and have renewed it. 

In most cases, you must have a reason to request an expedited passport. The U.S. State Department will not expedite passport processing if the traveler doesn’t have legitimate grounds for the expedited processing. How fast an expedited passport is processed depends on the reason provided.

There are usually four tiers of processing time for an expedited passport:

• Regular: The standard is 5 to 7 weeks. In this case, the authorities do not ask for the reason for the expedition. The passport, passport renewal, or replacement is processed along with the rest of the expedited passports.
• Faster: Passports are processed more quickly than in the five-to-seven-week category. Typically, this is for travelers who have made last-minute travel plans or lost their passports.  
• Even Faster: Passports are processed in less than two weeks. To be eligible, the traveler must provide proof of travel plans for their application to be accepted.
• Immediate: Most people think there’s no way to get a passport processed faster than a week, but that’s not the case. Under extraordinary circumstances, the government can process a passport within 24 hours. However, immediate is strictly reserved for emergency cases. Sometimes called the “life or death” category. This category is only available to people with a family member outside the country whose life is in danger. Or in cases where someone has passed away overseas, the applicant must handle post-death formalities. It’s also worth noting that unless you can go in person on the same day, you still need to submit the expedition request 3 days before the travel date.

How To Expedite A New Passport

New Passport Applies When:

• This is your first time applying for a passport.
• You have a valid passport, but your legal name has changed.
• The traveler’s passport was issued to them when they were under 16. 
• A passport has been damaged, lost, or stolen.

All first-time applicants, children under 16 and applicants who have lost their passport or had it stolen must apply in person.

To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must apply in person and submit Form DS-11 in addition to Form DS-64. 

When you apply for a brand-new passport, you must decide if you want a passport book or a passport card. If you are traveling from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, you can choose a passport card.  However, a passport card will not work outside of these regions. It is best to apply for a passport book from the get-go.

Applying Via Mail

1. Complete the new passport form DS-11. Use the government’s checklist to avoid mistakes that could slow the procedure.
2. Send your application and check for payment. Use Priority Mail Express with the U.S. Postal Service via trackable mail. This way, you can track when your application arrives.
3. Decide if you want one- to two-day return delivery of their passport for an extra $17.56.
4. Remember to write “expedited” on the envelope and mail in your application. 

Applying In-Person

Appointments are tough to get. In most cases, appointments are reserved for emergencies only. Or for international travel in the next five business days.

1. Passport agency appointments must be scheduled over the phone by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY.
2. Make a free appointment. You can do this at passport agencies or acceptance facilities.
   

   Note: None are accepting walk-in services and all require advance appointments. Facilities that accept appointments are post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. And, all facilities accept different payment forms. You will need to determine the payment forms accepted before you attend your appointment.

3. Complete the new passport form DS-11. Use the government’s checklist to avoid mistakes that could slow the procedure.
4. Attend the appointment with all the required documents, including the correct payment form.

How To Expedite A Renewal Passport

Some countries require travelers to have at least 6 months of passport validity when applying for a visa or entering the country. Travelers should apply for a passport renewal at least 6 months before their existing passport expires. Ideally, nine months is safer, given the current backlog and delays.

The easiest way to renew an existing passport is online; however, you will still need to mail in your current passport.

1. Complete the DS-82 online passport form. Use the government’s checklist to avoid mistakes that could slow the procedure.
2. Send your application form, payment, and expiring passport. Use Priority Mail Express with the U.S. Postal Service via trackable mail. This way, you can track when your application arrives.
3. Decide if you one- to two-day return delivery of their passport for an extra $17.56.
4. Remember to write “expedited” on the envelope and mail in your application. 

How To Expedite A Child’s Passport

A “Child Passport” is a passport for minors under 16.  The child must visit a passport acceptance facility or regional agency in person to obtain these passports.

A child’s passport requires the consent and attendance of both parents. If one parent cannot attend the appointment, a consent form or evidence of why they cannot be present is required. 

1. Passport agency appointments must be scheduled over the phone by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY.
2. Make a free appointment. You can do this at passport agencies or acceptance facilities.
   

   Note: None are accepting walk-in services and all require advance appointments. Facilities that accept appointments are post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. And, all facilities accept different payment forms. You will need to determine the payment forms accepted before you attend your appointment.

3. Complete the new passport form DS-11 or the renewal form DS-82. Use the government’s checklist to avoid mistakes that could slow the procedure.
4. Attend the appointment with all the required documents, including the correct payment form.

Passport Expedited Fees

• The fee for expediting a passport is $60. There’s also a $35 same-day delivery fee.
• If you use a third party to expedite your passport, you will also have to pay their service fees.

FAQs About How To Expedite A Passport

Closing Thoughts

Even though you can expedite a passport, the process can be strenuous and incurs additional costs. Give yourself ample time to apply for a new passport or a renewal. Most importantly, follow the guidelines to ensure your application is accepted with no errors.

Looking for more travel hacks?  Start here:

• Airline Passenger Rights – The 14 Steps to Handle Flight Cancellations
• Biggest Travel Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
• How To Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter
• Get Your Guide or Viator – Which One Is Best?
• Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck
• Visa Requirements By Country

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