Getting an Expedited Passport: What You Need To Know

A valid passport is needed for worldwide travel abroad these days. For U.S. citizens, it is now a requirement for all international travel, including Canada and Mexico. While the laws do vary from country to country, a passport must generally be valid for at least six months after you enter a foreign nation. Some will allow entry for passports with closer expiration dates, but it is important to look up the specific requirements for each intended country of travel. So what happens then if the trip is all booked but you suddenly find that need a new passport? In many cases it is actually possible to get an expedited passport, though the exact amount of time it will take depends on the situation. Read on to find out what you need to know about acquiring an expedited passport.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 8 )   Add a Question

  1. How long does it normally take to get a passport?
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    In most cases, U.S. passports require about two to three weeks to obtain all of the necessary information, get the acceptable photos taken and fill out the application, then another four to six weeks for the passport to be processed and sent to the citizen. It's therefore a good idea to start the passport process months before a trip is taken. 

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  2. What's the fastest possible amount of time it can take to get a passport?
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    U.S. citizens can get a passport within 72 hours, but only in the event of a life or death emergency that also requires the person to travel internationally within that same time period (72 hours). In order to do so, those in such a situation must call the U.S. State Department to make an appointment for an expedited passport, notifying them that it is an emergency. Citizens in this predicament who are outside of the United States must contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. 

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  3. How will the U.S. State Department know it is a life or death emergency?
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    While "life or death emergencies" are not strictly defined due to the fact that they can vary greatly in detail, the State Department does require that proof of the emergency be presented along with the passport application. Proof can include a death certificate (translated if necessary), a statement from a morgue or mortuary or a signed letter explaining a medical emergency from a hospital or medical professional.

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  4. Is there a way to get an expedited passport in a situation that isn't life or death?
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    The short answer is "yes", but it will still take longer than 72 hours. However, a passport can only be expedited (two to three weeks instead of the standard four to six) in these lesser emergency situations when the applicant has urgent travel plans that fall within a few weeks. People in this situation must apply at an agency and bring proof of their travel plans. 

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  5. Are there any other options for getting an expedited passport?
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    Those who do not have urgent travel plans or an emergency situation may also expedite their passport without giving any reason. A regular expedited passport in this case will arrive in less than four to six weeks and can be applied for either at a passport agency or acceptance facility or for those with existing passports, having their passport renewed by mail and fill out the expedited option.

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  6. Are there fees for expediting?
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    A fee of $60 applies to all expedited passports unless otherwise waived by the government. Additionally, an optional one to two day delivery fee of $15.89 may also be paid for those who want the passport extra fast. All fees are paid directly to the U.S. State Department, and they will be in addition to the standard $110 passport fee. 

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  7. Can I get an expedited passport if I have never had a passport before?
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    Yes, those who need a passport fast but have never had one issued before may do so, but they will have to make an appointment in person instead of trying to expedite by mail (this option applies only for those getting renewal). 

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  8. Should I consider a passport expediting service?
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    This depends on the service advertised. Many are indeed legitimate services that are private contractors who work closely with the U.S. State Department to get passports processed even faster (for a fee of course), but others should be treated with skepticism. It is important to read reviews carefully, and when in doubt, contact the State Department or the Better Business Bureau about their legitimacy. 

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