Premise

For those who have had passport issues, or nightmare stories of lost or misplaced passports, you need to know the details and procedures to get them fixed. Since it’s impossible to fly or travel abroad without a passport (except for the cases of refugees fleeing persecution or travelers losing theirs while abroad), I wanted to have an easy to use resource for readers to reference.

 

When do you need your passport? (United States)

The below information is from a variety of sources, primarily the State Department’s government website.

Immediately!

Urgency is key

Urgency is key

This is for life & death emergencies, and travel within 72 hours. State recommends calling a passport agency, at the below contact information, for expedited service and passport delivery. Making an appointment is key.

From the United States:

From outside the United States:
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

 

Alternatively, you could use the services of different private companies, who specialize in quick passport turnaround. However, they come with hefty fees in the hundreds of dollars, which also do not include the $170 government fee for the actual passport. Some include RushMyPassport & apviexpress, with example pricing for new passports below.

 

Less than 2-3 weekspassport-881305_960_720

If you are travelling within 2 weeks or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks, State recommends you expedite at a Passport Agency or Center, with the same information as above. This information is from the State Department website.

Make an appointment to apply at a passport agency or center by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY).

Fill out your application and collect your documents, including proof of international travel. More more information, see How to Apply.

 

Less than 6-8 weeks

Normal expedited service takes about 2-3 weeks from application date, which includes mailing time. You can expedite at an acceptance facility or by mail, using the steps below from the State Department.

Expedite at an Acceptance Facility

You must use Form DS-11 when applying at an acceptance facility. You cannot apply with Form DS-82 (Renew a Passport by Mail) at an acceptance facility.

  • Fill out your application and collect your documents. See How to Apply to find the right form for you.
  • Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee. See Passport Fees for more information.
  • Find the acceptance facility nearest you to turn in your application and fees. Contact the facility before arriving to determine if an appointment is required.
  • For optional faster shipping of your application, see Overnight Delivery Service shipping below.

Expedite a Renewal by Mail

Form DS-82 must be mailed in. You cannot apply with Form DS-82 (Renew a Passport by Mail) at an acceptance facility. To find out if you are eligible to use Form DS-82, see Renew a Passport.

  • Fill out your application and collect your documents.
  • Be sure to include the $60 expedite fee in addition to the normal application fee. See Passport Fees for more information.
  • Clearly mark “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope.
  • For optional faster shipping of your application, see Overnight Delivery Service below.

 

More than 6-8 weeks

Normal service takes 6-8 weeks – so simply apply at an acceptance facility or by mail, with routine service. For all applications, ensure you have the correct documents and papers, and correct payment. You don’t want any holdups in your processing!

 

Be Ready!

Be Ready!

Conclusion

Hopefully, you will never have to use one of the third-party passport services – those cost a hefty fee on top of the government’s charges. The best advice is to be prepared and pack in advance of your trip, not the night before or the morning of – I have been guilty of this, and it doesn’t end well, with one odd item or another missing. For some of my nightmare lost passport stories, stay tuned for another post!

 

Featured Image is a passport and packing list, from Unsplash. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which, should you click through and/or make a purchase, grant me a commission. Also, I only post in the best interest of my readers. Lastly, thank you for supporting my blog and my travels. 

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