Fast Passport Applications

Whether due to unexpected circumstances or an oversight in planning, sometimes you might need a new passport as quickly as possible. Regardless of whether you are a first-time applicant, renewing your passport, or replacing a lost or stolen one, the fastest method is to submit your materials in person at the most convenient passport agency office, then request expedited service and overnight delivery.

Step 1
Set an appointment with the most convenient passport agency office. Appearing in person is required for all first-time applicants, as well as those replacing a lost or stolen passport. It is also the only way for those seeking a renewal to get a passport in 2 weeks time.

Step 2
Download and complete form DS-11 from travel.state.gov/passport if you are a first-time applicant. Use form DS-82 if you are renewing your passport, or a combination of forms DS-11 and DS-64 if you are replacing a lost or stolen passport.

Step 3
Collect all the relevant documents. First-time applicants and those replacing a lost or stolen passport need to present a valid photo ID (driver's license or state identity card as well as military or government identity cards) and proof of U.S. citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate/certificate of citzenship). Those seeking a fast renewal need only present their old passport. If a name change is involved in the passport application, you must also submit the relevant marriage certificate or court order.

Step 4
Photocopy the front and back of the valid photo ID format you chose to submit with your passport application (usually a driver's license) on clean, standard 8 1/2-by-11 sheets of white paper, with no other markings anywhere on the paper. You may enlarge the ID images, but do not decrease them.

Step 5
Print two passport photos. You can make these photos yourself, but given that several standards must be met for your photos to be acceptable, it is strongly recommended you go to a photography shop or drugstore such as CVS, Rite-Aid or Walgreens that takes passport photos.

Step 6
Appear in person on the appointed date and submit all relevant documents, plus the fees. For the fastest passport service, you will need to submit the standard fees for first-time application or renewal, plus the additional fees for expedited service and overnight delivery. Payment can be made by credit card, check (including a personal check) or money order, but not in cash. Write out checks and money orders to the Department of State.

AdviceAppearing in person is explicitly recommended for those who are traveling internationally within two weeks or who need the passport for a visa application within four weeks.

If you need a passport renewal quickly, but not urgently enough to justify appearing in person, you may mail your materials instead. Collect the same materials for your renewal application as described above, but submit only your old passport and not your photo ID or any photocopy of it. Pay the fees for renewal, expedited service and overnight return delivery by check or money order. Mark the front of the envelope with "EXPEDITE" in clear lettering, and mail it using a traceable, express delivery service.

Sources: travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html; travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html; http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html#ReplaceLostStln; travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html