Expedite Passport Renewal - Forms, Fees & Processing Times

In a hurry to renew your passport? Whether it's an unexpected business trip or a spontaneous vacation, we understand the urgency. Don't worry; expedited renewal is simpler than you think! What's more, you have options depending on how fast you need your passport renewed.

Follow this step-by-step guide to renew your passport quickly and efficiently.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Assess If You Need an Expedited Passport Renewal
• Step 2: Choose Your Expedited Renewal Option
  • Option 1: Expedited Service via Mail
  • Option 2: Regional Passport Agency
  • Option 3: Registered Passport Expediter
• Step 3: Final Steps for All Expediting Options
• Frequently Asked Questions about Expedited Passport Renewal

Assess If You Need an Expedited Passport Renewal

Before diving in, determine how quickly you need your passport. This will influence which expedited option suits you best.

Routine processing by mail currently takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you can afford to wait that long, check out this complete guide to routine passport renewals for step-by-step instructions for getting your passport renewed.

If you need your passport faster than 4 to 6 weeks, this guide is for you.

Choose Your Ideal Expedited Renewal Option

There are multiple ways to expedite a passport. Each method has its own timeline and associated fees to consider.

Decide which of the expediting options below best matches your needs. Then, follow the steps provided, exactly.

Note: Your application will be delayed or rejected if there are mistakes on your application, problems with supporting documents, or you include a photo that does not meet the requirements.

Option 1: Expedited Service via Mail

How Long Does It Take

Expedited processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow the steps below to apply by mail:

1. Complete Form DS-82.
2. Double-check that it is signed.
3. Place the completed application, a current passport photo, and payment for fees in a protective envelope.
4. Address the envelope to the Department of State using the following address:

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

   The address above is the only one that accepts expedited renewals by mail.

5. Write the word "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
6. Mail the envelope and its contents to the address above. Opt for overnight express to get the fastest service.

Now, skip ahead to Step 3: Final Renewal Steps.

Option 2: Regional Passport Agency

How Long Does It Take

Best for travel within 2 weeks. With some luck, it is possible to get a same day passport renewal. But, it may take up to 8 business days depending upon the situation.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Schedule an Appointment: Choose between Life-or-Death Emergency Service (if traveling within 3 business days for urgent family emergencies) and Urgent Travel Service (for travel within 14 days).

   Schedule your appointment by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

   Note: While walk-in appointments are possible, they are risky and not guaranteed. We strongly recommend securing an appointment for a guaranteed slot.

   Alternatively, consider Option 3: Use a Registered Passport Expediter and skip the appointment process altogether.

2. Gather Required Documents: Prepare your renewal application (Form DS-82), a recent passport photo, renewal fees, and proof of imminent travel.

   For a detailed list of what documents are or are not acceptable, visit our required passport document checklist.

3. Visit the Agency: Arrive early with all necessary documents and follow the directions on-site for where to go. After your appointment, you'll typically receive your passport within 8 business days, sometimes even the same day.

   For more on what to expect at your Regional Agency appointment as well as tips for a successful visit, check out our guide How to Apply for Expedited Service at a Regional Passport Agency

Now, skip ahead to Step 3: Final Renewal Steps.

Option 3: Use a Registered Passport Expediter

How Long Does It Take

For urgent travel needs in 14 days or less. Most expeditors offer varying levels of service ranging from 24 hours up to 2 weeks depending on your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide

There are several steps to apply for a passport renewal through an expediting service:

1. Find a reputable passport expediting service

   There are plenty of passport expediters with years of experience and many satisfied customers. But let's be honest. There are also frauds.

   To be safe, you want to be sure to only work with trustworthy passport expediting services. Choose a company that has a good reputation and has been around for a while. These companies will not risk their reputation by mishandling your sensitive information.

   For more on this, check out our guide, 5 Criteria for Choosing the Best Passport Expediting Service.

   In a rush? One expediter we highly recommend is Rush My Passport. Their credentials include:

   • More than a decade of experience expediting passports
   • Multiple offices across the country
   • A shipping partnership with FedEx Office
   • Features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, MSNBC, and countless other news and travel outlets.
   • Hundreds of 5-star reviews on Yelp, TrustPilot and other third-party review sites.
2. Gather your materials

   One thing a passport expediting service cannot do for you is gather and complete your application materials. You need to complete all the same paperwork as if you were applying by mail or at a passport agency yourself.

   You will also need to complete a formal authorization letter that allows the expediter to legally represent you before the regional passport agency. The passport expediter should provide this to you.

3. Get your documents to the expediter

   Your documents need to be transferred to the expediter. This can happen either in person or through the mail. This cannot be done electronically.

   Remember: passport applications require original documents. Scanned or copied documents won't be accepted.

   If you are mailing your documents, choose the quickest shipping speed you can to be sure you can get your passport as soon as possible.

4. The expediter goes to work for you

   Once your expediter has your materials, they will usually review them for mistakes. This includes problems with your application as well as noting any missing items.

   A courier will then hand-deliver your application and documents to a regional passport agency.

   After the application has been processed, the courier picks up your new passport and supporting materials. All of them are then returned to you-usually via overnight shipping.

   Some expediting services offer extra delivery options for special circumstances. For example, an expediter may offer to personally deliver the new passport to you at a hotel or airport.

Want to know more? Visit our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters to learn about these courier services, what they can and cannot do, and out expert recommendations for choosing the best one for you.

Now, read on for the final steps of the expedited renewal process.

Final Steps for All Expediting Options

Once your application has been sent, you will be able to track your passport processing status.

• If you applied via mail or at a Regional Agency: Utilize the U.S. State Department's online passport status system to check your application's progress. You'll need your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• If you applied via a Private Expediter: These services often provide their own tracking systems. Stay updated through their website or customer service.

Plan to receive your passport based on your chosen method's timeline.

Be aware that your supporting documents will usually arrive 10 days or more after you receive your new passport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Expedited Passport Renewal

For over 20 years we have been helping our readers with advice about the best ways to get a passport fast. These are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about expediting passport renewals:

1. Should I choose routine or expedited renewal service?

   Currently, routine passport applications are taking 4 to 6 weeks to process.

   Currently, passport applications are taking 2 to 3 weeks to process.

   However, these times change based on a variety of factors. These times also do not include shipping. Delays in the mailing process can add even more wait time before you receive your passport.

   For more, check out our guide: How long it takes to get a passport renewed?

2. Can I renew my passport online?

   Currently, no. While there was a trial online renewal program provided by the U.S. Department of State, it is currently closed.

   There may be plans to potentially restore this program in the future. However, during the trial on the State Department website, there were limitations on who qualified for online renewal that went beyond the requirements for the mail-in method. Also, there was no increase in processing speed for those that applied online versus those that didn't.

3. How much does expedited passport renewal cost?

   An expedited passport renewal by mail includes the standard application fee plus an additional expediting fee. Refer to our Passport Fees page for current pricing.

   Passport expeditors charge additional fees for their services. These fees are in addition to the application and expediting fees charged by the U.S. Department of State. Typically, the faster you need your passport renewed, the more expensive it will be.

   That said, when you factor in all the costs of traveling to a Regional Agency on your own and waiting for your passport to be issued, passport expediters are often a more cost-effective option.

4. What should I do if my expedited passport doesn't arrive on time?

   If your passport doesn't arrive as expected, contact the National Passport Information Center or the expediter (if used) for assistance and guidance.

5. What should I do when I get my renewed passport?

   First, be sure to verify the information is correct. If it isn't you'll need to file for a correction.

   If everything is correct, you can sign it, complete your personal data page (in pencil), make copies, and ensure it is stored in a safe location.

   Finally, set reminders for your new passport expiration date so you can be sure to remember to renew it in time.

   For a full walkthrough of how to set up and care for your new passport, check out our guide, What to Do With Your New Passport When It Arrives.

Don't see the questions or answers you're looking for? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Renewal for more of our best advice based on over 20 years of helping readers like you with their travel document questions.

Click for expedited passport courier service in 24 to 48 hours!.

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