If you need a passport quickly in San Diego, California—for a last-minute trip, a family emergency, or a sudden opportunity—you have three ways to fast-track it:
- Apply at a San Diego-area acceptance facility (appointment recommended)
- Book an appointment at the San Diego Passport Agency
- Hire a registered courier to hand-carry your application for the fastest turnaround
Don’t need expedited service? See our California Passport Acceptance Facility List.
✈️ Need Your Passport Fast?
Traveling soon? Our trusted expedited service offers same day passport expediting at 15% off or choose Priority Service, their most popular option, for delivery in just 7–9 business days .
Key Takeaways
- The San Diego Passport Agency serves urgent travel (typically within 14 days) and visa needs (within 28 days) by appointment.
- You can renew by mail, book an agency appointment, or use a private passport courier.
- With the right criteria, couriers can often get results in 24–48 hours after submission.
On This Page
- Expedited Processing by Mail or Facility
- San Diego Passport Agency
- Registered Passport Couriers Serving San Diego
- Questions and Answers
- Expert Tips to Accelerate the Passport Process
- More Passport Expediting Information
Expedited Processing by Mail or Facility
- Renew by Mail: For eligible renewals, apply with Form DS-82. Expedited mail service usually takes 2 to 3 weeks (plus mailing). Routine is currently 4 to 6 weeks.
- Regional Passport Agency (in person): If you need a passport urgently (within about two weeks), book the San Diego Passport Agency (schedule online).
If you can’t secure an appointment, a registered courier may hand-carry your application.
San Diego Passport Agency
Located downtown, the San Diego Passport Agency offers in-person expedited service by appointment for urgent travel and visa situations. Bring proof of travel if you’re seeking urgent slots.
Registered Passport Couriers Serving San Diego
If you can’t get to the agency or need expert help, you can authorize a private courier to submit on your behalf.
✈️ Need Your Passport Fast?
Traveling soon? Our trusted expedited service offers same day passport expediting at 15% off or choose Priority Service, their most popular option, for delivery in just 7–9 business days .
Below is a list of passport expediters that serve the San Diego, CA area.
| Courier | Address | City | State | Zip | Phone | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush My Passport | 532 C St Near: Downtown / Civic Center |
San Diego | CA | 92101 | (800) 220-1899 | In-Person Drop-off |
| Travel Visa Pro | 350 10th Avenue, 10th Floor Near: East Village / Gaslamp Quarter |
San Diego | CA | 92101 | (619) 354-3758 | In-Person Drop-off |
| Aerial Credentials | 4653 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 308 #120 Near: Carmel Valley |
San Diego | CA | 92130 | (415) 432-0743 | In-Person Drop-off |
| Express Travel Services, Inc. | 5755 Oberlin Dr, #301 Near: Sorrento Valley |
San Diego | CA | 92121 | (858) 243-3531 | In-Person Drop-off |
| A Official Passport Photo (Passport & Visa Services) | 2353 Midway Dr Near: Point Loma Heights |
San Diego | CA | 92110 | (619) 223-1661 | In-Person Drop-off |
| Travelwise International | 3545 Midway Dr Near: Point Loma Heights |
San Diego | CA | 92110 | (619) 225-9744 | In-Person Drop-off |
Please note: Many FedEx Office locations throughout the San Diego metro area offer passport courier services through Rush My Passport. As part of the RushMyPassport online application process, you will be provided with convenient drop-off location options near you.
✈️ Need Your Passport Fast?
Traveling soon? Our trusted expedited service offers same day passport expediting at 15% off or choose Priority Service, their most popular option, for delivery in just 7–9 business days .
Questions and Answers
New passport (Form DS-11, in person):
- Completed, unsigned DS-11
- Proof of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy
- Valid government-issued photo ID and a photocopy
- One compliant passport photo
- Payment for all fees (including expedited fee)
- Proof of travel for urgent/emergency appointments
Passport renewal (Form DS-82, by mail or via courier):
- Completed DS-82
- Most recent, undamaged U.S. passport
- One compliant passport photo
- Payment for all fees (plus expedited and shipping, if applicable)
- Certified name-change document (if applicable)
Yes. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to request an upgrade. An additional expediting fee applies.
Look for U.S. Department of State-registered expediters, clear pricing, and reviews. Avoid services that guarantee a passport without proper paperwork.
Mistakes in forms, fees, or photos can cause delays. Carefully review requirements or use a courier’s document-check service.
Use the State Department’s status checker. Couriers also provide updates.
With an agency appointment, same-day or next-day turnaround is sometimes possible depending on eligibility and availability. Couriers can often secure 24–48 hour processing when criteria are met.
Yes. Agency service is by appointment only—book ahead. Walk-ins aren’t accepted.
Yes. Couriers can hand-carry applications to the agency and return your passport when complete. See our Guide to Passport Expediters.
Expert Tips to Accelerate the Passport Process
- Check emergency eligibility. Life-or-death and urgent travel appointments require proof of need.
- Book your appointment early. Agency appointments fill quickly, especially pre-holiday.
- Consider a private expeditor. They handle paperwork and can often secure same-day pickup (additional fees apply).
- Know walk-in spots. Some post offices and libraries accept walk-ins-call first to confirm hours and availability.
- Double-check every detail. A wrong check amount or an outdated form can delay you for weeks. Avoid common mistakes.
Local Resources
More Passport Expediting Information
- Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
- 10 Benefits of Expedited Passport Service
- Avoid Expediting Problems
- Passport Expediting Secrets
- Expedited Passport FAQ
- Expedited Passport Renewal FAQ
- Can You Get a Passport in 24 Hours?
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
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?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
