If you are in a rush and need your passport quickly, you can renew your passport or get a new passport in as little as one business day in one of two ways. You can use an expediting service for an extra fee OR go to a regional Passport Agency
For most Americans, getting a passport isn’t that complicated. You fill out a form, take a picture, provide proof of your citizenship, and pay a fee. That’s basically all there is to it.
Things get a little more complicated if you have special circumstances, like needing to leave the country within a matter of weeks or days. Read on to determine the best way for you to get a new passport based on when you travel, where you live, and your budget!
Routine processing service times via the US Department of State (U.S. Passport Agency) is approximately 6-8 weeks from the time of application, including mailing time. If you need your passport sooner, there are three ways to expedite your passport application:
Option 1: Use an Expedited Passport Service
Processing Time: You will have complete control over how fast your passport is processed. Swift Passport Services has expedited passport services ranging from a one-day service to an 11-12 day service, with lots of options in between.
Passport Book Fees: $170 for adults, $140 for kids (age 0-15) plus return shipping. First time applicants, applicants ages 0-15, applicants replacing a lost passport, and applicants applying for their first adult passport will also need to pay a $25 execution fee to a passport acceptance agent when they get their application executed. In addition to the government fee, there is a service fee. Our service fee ranges from $75-$275 depending on how quickly you need your passport.
Benefits: Leverage our expertise to your advantage by gaining access to our passport and visa experts who can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and review your paperwork. Can’t show up in person at a Regional Passport Agency or can’t get an appointment? Another great benefit to using Swift! Have complete control over the number of days your passport takes to process.
In the event there is a problem, Swift will clearly define it for you and help you fix the problem ASAP. A real person will physically take your paperwork to the Passport Agency and check on it daily until it is issued. Once it is issued, we will pick it up from the Passport Agency and ship it back to you via FedEx. Swift will keep you abreast of everything going on with your service to ensure you have real-time updates. Have an unusual case that might cause problems? Swift is a great option for you, we will speak with an agent on your behalf to iron out all problems in the fastest
Risks: Not many! If you follow our online instructions, your passport will be issued on time as long as you do not have a warrant out for your arrest, have probation that will prevent you from leaving the country, or are in arrears of child support payments.
Option 2: Normal Passport Processing by Mail
Processing Time: Approximately 4-8 weeks – get the most current estimate on US Passport processing times.
Passport Book Fees: $110 for adults, $80 for kids (age 0-15) plus return shipping. First time applicants, applicants ages 0-15, applicants replacing a lost passport, and applicants applying for their first adult passport will also need to pay a $25 execution fee to a passport acceptance agent when they get their application executed.
Benefits: This is the most cost-effective method to apply for a passport, assuming you are in no hurry to travel and do not have any abnormalities on your application. This is the ultimate “do it yourself” route if you do not wish for assistance or don’t have questions about the process.
Risks: Keep in mind that if you make a mistake on your application, you will be mailed a letter detailing the problem, and will have to reply to that letter via mail to correct any problems, which will likely delay your processing time. It is not always easy to discuss problems and solutions to the problem with a real person. You will be required to use the U.S. Postal Service to ship the documents to the Passport Agency, and to have the documents returned to you.
Option 3: Expedited Passport Processing by Mail
Processing Time: Approximately 2-3 weeks – get the most current estimate on processing times.
Passport Book Fees: $170 for adults, $140 for kids (age 0-15) plus return shipping. First time applicants, applicants ages 0-15, applicants replacing a lost passport, and applicants applying for their first adult passport will also need to pay a $25 execution fee to a passport acceptance agent when they get their application executed.
Benefits: Good route to take if you do not wish for assistance or don’t have questions about the process. If you leave in 4-5 weeks, this is a good option, because even if the service is delayed, you have a few weeks to spare and time to deal with any issues. If you leave in 2-3 weeks, this is a good option as long as there are no problems, delays, or issues with the mail, and you don’t mind gambling on everything lining up perfectly in your favor. Sometimes it will, and sometimes it won’t, so be careful if you use this service, and really do intend to leave in 2-3 weeks.
Risks: Keep in mind that if you make a mistake on your application, you will be mailed a letter detailing the problem, and will have to reply to that letter via mail to correct any problems which will likely delay your processing time. It is not always easy to discuss problems and solutions to the problem with a real person. You will be required to use the U.S. Postal Service to ship the documents to the Passport Agency, and to have the documents returned to you.
Option 4: Apply in Person at a Regional Passport Agency
Processing Time: 1 to 8 business days, but the exact turnaround time will depend upon which Regional Passport Agency you go to. In order to get your passport expedited at a Regional Passport Agency, you may also need to make an appointment and/or show that you are traveling out of the country in two weeks or less. Here is a list of Regional Passport Agencies for reference.
Passport Book Fees: $170 for adults, $140 for kids (age 0-15) plus return shipping. First time applicants, applicants ages 0-15, applicants replacing a lost passport, and applicants applying for their first adult passport will also need to pay a $25 execution fee to a passport acceptance agent at the Regional Passport Agency when they get their application executed.
Benefits: If you live near a Regional Passport Agency, are able to secure an appointment at least a few days before you travel, and have confirmation from the Passport Agency that they will issue your passport in time for your trip, then this is a great option for you. Make sure you arrive prepared and budget at least several hours, as the Passport Agency is generally very crowded.
Risks: Not many! Just make sure to show up prepared, and make sure you schedule an appointment. If you cannot secure an appointment until right before your departure date, get verbal confirmation that they will issue your passport in time for your trip.
No matter your time frame or budget, there are options for you to get a passport before your vacation or business trip. If you have any questions about your passport or processing times, contact the team of experts at Swift Passport – we’re here to help!
Disclaimer:
Swift Passport is a non-government, third-party service that acts as a professional emissary between the user, the U.S. State Department and various foreign consulates to secure U.S. Passports and travel visas in as little as 1 business day. If you do not wish to use a third-party service to obtain your passport or visa, please consult the U.S. State Department website for further instruction, or read our informative blog article to learn more about your passport processing options.
2 thoughts on “How Long Does it Take to Get an Expedited Passport?”
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My husband an just renewed our passports. We filled out the application on line and printed them
at home. We mailed the applications along with our expired passports on April 10th and received our new ones on April 20th. We paid extra to expedite them and to have them mailed back by 2 day priority mail.