Replacing a lost, stolen or expired passport usually takes at least 6 weeks. But what if you can't wait that long? If you need your passport urgently, there are a number of expedited passport replacement options available. Which is right for you? That depends on how urgently you need your passport and how much you can afford to spend. Here are your choices:
Apply for an Expedited Passport Through the Department of State
The cheapest option is to apply for an expedited passport from the Department of State. You will need to pay an additional $60 if you select this option, plus an additional fee of $14.96 for overnight delivery. The Department of State also "strongly suggests" that you send your application to the passport processing center overnight with a tracking number, so you'll need to pay for that, too.
This option is also the slowest way to expedite your passport. You'll get it in 2-3 weeks, about half the time you would if you requested regular processing.
If you need it sooner, you should consider one of the next two options:
Make an Appointment at a Regional Passport Agency Office
Regional Passport Agency Offices can issue same-day passports and are scattered throughout the country. Visit the Department of State's website to find the one nearest you, then make an appointment online or by calling 1-877-487-2778. You'll have to pay the $60 expedite fee mentioned above, but there are no additional costs beyond that.
Use a Private Passport Expediting Service
A private passport expediting service will make an appointment with the Department of State on your behalf, deliver your application for you and then send it back, usually via overnight delivery. In addition to paying the $60 expedite fee to the Department of State, you will also have to pay the expediting service.
Expediting companies seem ridiculously expensive at first glance. However, there are only 18 of these offices available to serve the entire country, and the hours they are open each day are limited. Factor in travel costs and the money you lose from taking off work, and paying a private company to get your expedited passport for you could turn out to be a bargain. It all depends on your situation.
