Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and partner with other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. Learn more.
How to Get a Passport Fast: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Realizing your passport is expired (or nonexistent) less than a month before your trip is a surprisingly common situation. The good news: the US passport system has clear — if sometimes expensive — options for getting a passport in days, not months.
Here’s exactly how to get a US passport, from standard timelines all the way to same-day emergency processing.
Current Processing Times (2026)
| Service | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 6–8 weeks | $130 (book) + $35 (execution) |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks | $190 (book) + $35 (execution) |
| Expedited + Overnight | ~1.5–2 weeks | $200–$230 + delivery fees |
| Appointment (urgent) | 2–10 business days | $190+ varies |
| Same-day (emergency) | Same day or next day | $190 + appointment required |
Note: Processing times fluctuate. Always check travel.state.gov for current wait times before planning.
How to Apply for a Passport: Step by Step
Step 1: Get the Form
- First-time applicants: Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport)
- Renewing within 15 years: Form DS-82 (Renewal Application)
- Lost/stolen passport: Form DS-64 + DS-11
- Download from travel.state.gov
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
For first-time applicants (DS-11):
- Completed, unsigned DS-11 form (DO NOT sign until in front of the acceptance agent)
- Proof of US citizenship: certified US birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license)
- Photocopy of your ID (both sides)
- Two identical 2x2 passport photos
- Payment for all fees
For renewals (DS-82):
- Completed DS-82 signed form
- Your most recent US passport
- Two identical 2x2 passport photos
- Payment for fees
Step 3: Get Passport Photos
Photos must be:
- 2x2 inches (51 x 51mm)
- White or off-white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No glasses (FDA ruled these out effective 2020)
Where to get them: Walgreens, CVS, UPS Store (typically $15–$20). Or DIY using apps like Passport Photo Online or AI Passport Photo ($4–$7 online with print instructions).
Step 4: Apply
First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility:
- US Post Offices with passport service
- County clerk offices
- Libraries with passport acceptance
- Find one at iafdb.travel.state.gov
Bring everything above, have the agent sign your form, and pay.
Renewers can mail DS-82 applications directly to a passport processing facility.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Passport book (new/renew) | $130 |
| Execution fee (new applicants) | $35 |
| Expedited processing add-on | +$60 |
| 1-2 day delivery add-on | +$21.36 |
| Passport card add-on (land/sea) | +$30 |
Pay the acceptance fee in a separate form from the government processing fee. Acceptance facilities typically take money orders, checks, or sometimes credit cards.
Expedited Passport: Best for Trips 2–8 Weeks Away
Expedited processing ($60 additional) moves your application to the front of the queue, cutting processing from 6–8 weeks to approximately 2–3 weeks.
Also add overnight delivery (both ways) if you want more control over timing. Include a prepaid overnight envelope for the return.
When mailing an expedited application, write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope.
Urgent/Emergency Passport: Trip Under 2 Weeks Away
If you’re traveling within 14 calendar days (or in 28 days and need a visa), you can request an urgent appointment at a Regional Passport Agency — not a regular post office.
There are 26 Regional Passport Agencies in the US (in major cities: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, etc.). These are separate, government-run facilities that handle urgent cases.
To schedule an urgent appointment:
- Call 1-877-487-2778 (available Mon–Fri)
- Or schedule at passportappointment.travel.state.gov
- Bring proof of urgent travel: flight itinerary, hotel bookings, or letter from employer
Best case: a Regional Passport Agency can issue your passport same day or within 2–3 business days.
Passport Expediting Services (Private Companies)
If you can’t get a government appointment in time, private passport expediting companies can sometimes obtain appointments and navigate the system faster — at a premium.
Reputable services:
- CIBT Visas — well-established, used by many corporations
- ItsEasy — good reviews for urgent situations
- Rush My Passport — transparent pricing, good tracking
Budget $300–$600 total for private expediting services on top of government fees.
Passport Renewal vs. New Application
You can renew by mail if your passport:
- Is damaged, lost, or stolen — NO (must go in person)
- Was issued when you were under 16 — NO (must go in person)
- Was issued more than 15 years ago — NO (must go in person)
- Is undamaged and issued within 15 years when you were 16+ — YES, mail renewal works
FAQ
Q: Can I travel with an expired passport?
A: No — you need a valid passport. Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates, so even a passport expiring in 3 months may cause issues.
Q: How long does a US passport last?
A: Adults (16+): 10 years. Children under 16: 5 years.
Q: Can I get a passport same-day?
A: Yes, at a Regional Passport Agency if you have a documented travel emergency within 14 days (or within 28 days and need a visa). Availability is limited — call early.
Q: Do I need a passport to travel within the US?
A: No — a REAL ID driver’s license is sufficient for domestic flights. But REAL ID compliance deadlines have shifted; check your state’s status.
Q: How much does passport expediting cost in total?
A: Government expedited service: ~$225 (book + execution + expedite) + shipping. Private services add $150–$400 on top of that.
