How to Get a New Passport Quickly

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Expedited passports are available for new applications or renewals. The U.S. State Department will process a regular passport request in approximately four to six weeks. An expedited request, with overnight delivery both ways, takes two to three weeks and requires an extra fee and some preparation. If you need an emergency passport for international travel within two weeks or to obtain a foreign visa within four weeks, make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

2 paid overnight mailers 2 passport photos Passport fee and expedite fee Passport application Required proof of citizenship Required proof of identification Photocopy of I.D. document
2 paid overnight mailers
2 passport photos
Passport fee and expedite fee
Passport application
Required proof of citizenship
Required proof of identification
Photocopy of I.D. document

Step 1

Go to an Acceptance Facility, like a designated U.S. Post Office, or a Passport Agency in person for a first passport, a replacement for a lost or stolen passport or to renew a passport that was issued more than 15 years ago. Bring your application, unsigned, and the required additional documents. These documents include evidence of U.S. citizenship, primary identification, photocopy of the primary identification, passport fee and two identical passport photos.

Step 2

Check to see that you have the following valid documents to meet requirements for a new passport. For evidence of U.S. citizenship, you will need either an undamaged U.S. passport certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship. For primary identification, you will need either an undamaged U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, valid driver's license, current government I.D. or a current military I.D. for military personnel or their dependents.

Step 3

Bring a paid overnight mailer to send your application documents and enclose another paid overnight mailer to receive them back. Mark "EXPEDITE" clearly on the outside of the mailer.

Step 4

Submit your documents, signing the application in front of the clerk when directed to do so, and request expedited service. Pay the additional $60 fee for expedited processing. Your passport will arrive in two to three weeks.

Step 5

For travel emergencies, make an appointment through the National Passport Information Center (NPIC). Call 877-487-2778 to be seen at a Regional Passport Agency. Emergency appointments apply if the passport is needed for international travel to begin within two weeks, or for obtaining a foreign visa within four weeks. For an emergency, speak with a representative at the NPIC Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

Tips & Warnings

Use sturdy, secure mailers to protect your documents when applying for and receiving a new passport and always use a tracking service.

Resources

Regional Passport Agencies

Article Written By Benna Crawford

Benna Crawford has been a journalist and New York-based freelance writer since 1997. Her work has appeared in "The New York Times," "The Washington Post," "The Miami Herald," on CBS, CNN, ABC and in professional journals, trade publications and blogs. Crawford is a certified Prana Yoga instructor, currently studying green nutrition.

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