Getting a passport can be a time-consuming process, which is why
travel experts recommend applying for one as far in advance as possible.
Normally, it takes about 6 weeks to get your new passport back in the
mail after you apply, and in periods of high demand, processing time can
be even longer. Additionally, the Department of State is understandably
somewhat picky about the application process, and a single misstep can
dramatically extend the time you have to wait.
However, there's no need to panic if you need your passport in less
than six weeks. Depending on your situation, there are three different
methods you can use to speed the process up significantly.
Expedited Passport Processing
The most straightforward method of getting an expedited passport is
to apply for expedited passport processing from the Department of State.
If you're applying for a passport in person, simply tell the agent that
you need expedited processing and pay the extra $60 fee for the
service. If you're eligible to renew your passport by mail, write
"expedite" on the envelope and include the $60 in your total payment
amount.
You may also wish to request that the Department of State overnight
the new passport to you once it has been issued. There is an additional
fee of $12.72 to request this service. Overnight service to the passport
office is recommended, as well - if you're applying by mail, make sure
to send it to the overnight address provided on the application form.
Taking these steps will cut the time needed to receive your passport
from about 6 weeks to about 3 weeks total. If that's still cutting it
too close for your travel plans, follow one of the other two procedures
outlined below.
Applying at a Passport Agency
If you need your passport to travel within 14 days, or four weeks if
you also need to obtain an entry visa before you leave, you are eligible
to make at appointment at the nearest regional passport agency
location. To find the nearest passport agency office and make an
appointment, call the National Passport Information Center at
1-877-487-2778.
Bring all of the documents required to get your new passport to the
appointment as well as a copy of your travel itinerary. In addition to
the standard passport fees, you'll need to pay the $60 fee for each
expedited passport application you submit at the agency office. As long
as your paperwork is in order, you should be able to get your new
passport within 24 hours.
Applying via an Expediting Company
If you need a passport in less than three weeks and you don't have
time to make an appointment at a passport agency, an expediting company
may be a better bet. With an expediting company, you apply for your
passport as normal except that you send your application to the
expediting company instead of the Department of State. When you apply in
person, the agent will "seal" the documents so that the Department of
State will accept them.
The expediting company then hand-delivers your application to the
Department of State and sends your passport back to you as soon as it is
issued, usually through an express carrier like FedEx. In essence, you
pay a fee to the expediting company and as a result your expedited passport
application gets placed on the "top of the stack" at the passport
office, so you can get your new passport in as little as 24 hours
without having to make an appointment at a passport office.
