subject: Fast Passport Options [print this page] Fast Passport Options Fast Passport Options
If you don't have at least 6 weeks to wait to get your new passport in the mail, there's no need to panic. You do have a few different fast passport processing options that can help you get your documents back more quickly. Which is right for you? It depends on how much spare time and money you have to put toward getting a passport, and how long you have before you travel. Here's a rundown of your choices to help you make a decision.
Order Expedited Processing
If you have at least three weeks before your trip, you can simply request expedited processing when you submit your application. You will need to pay an additional $60 fee for the expedited service, plus fees for overnight shipping to and from the passport printing facility. Doing this ensures that, assuming all goes well, you will get your passport within approximately 3 weeks of the date you submit your application.
Go to a Regional Passport Agency Office
If you are leaving the country within the next 14 days and you don't have a valid passport, you can get fast passport processing by making an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency office. Assuming you have all of the appropriate documents, the passport agency can generally issue you a passport within 24 hours. US citizens traveling to a country that requires a preapproved travel visa can also use these offices.
Unfortunately, there are only 21 of these offices to serve the entire United States, so getting to a passport agency office may require a journey in and of itself. To locate the office nearest you and make an appointment, call 1-877-487-2778.
Use an Expediter
If you need fast passport processing, but can't make it to a passport agency office or simply want to avoid the hassle, you can hire a private passport expediting company to submit your application. Basically, the company will take your application and submit it directly to the Department of State on your behalf, so you get fast passport processing without having to wait in line or travel to a passport office.
