How to Get an Emergency Passport in the US: Agencies, Costs, and Same-Day Options

Standard US passport processing takes 8-13 weeks. If your trip is sooner than that, you need to know about the expedited options — from 4-6 week mail-in processing to same-day emergency service.

Here's every option, ranked from fastest to slowest.

Option 1: Life-or-Death Emergency (Same Day or Next Day)

Eligibility: You or an immediate family member is experiencing a life-threatening emergency abroad, or you must travel within 72 hours for a qualifying emergency.

How to apply:

• During business hours: Call 1-877-487-2778
• After hours/weekends: Call 202-647-4000 (State Department Operations Center)
• You may be directed to the nearest passport agency

Cost: $130 (book) + $60 (expedite) = $190, plus any shipping fees Timeline: Same day or next business day

Option 2: Urgent Travel Appointment (1-3 Business Days)

Eligibility: You have proof of international travel within 14 calendar days, or you need a foreign visa within 28 days.

How to apply:

1. Complete your passport application (DS-11 for new, DS-82 for renewal)
2. Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency
3. Appointments fill fast — call as early as possible (lines open at 8 AM ET)

What to bring to your appointment:

• Completed application form
• Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired passport)
• Government-issued photo ID
• One passport photo (2x2 inches)
• Proof of travel within 14 days (flight confirmation, itinerary)
• Payment: $190 total ($130 book + $60 expedite)

Cost: $190 Timeline: Typically 1-3 business days, sometimes same-day depending on the agency

Regional Passport Agency Locations

There are 26 regional passport agencies across the US:

Find the nearest one at travel.state.gov/passportlocations.

Option 3: Expedited by Mail (4-6 Weeks)

Eligibility: Anyone who needs a passport faster than standard processing but doesn't need it within 14 days.

How to apply:

1. Complete Form DS-82 (renewal) or DS-11 (new)
2. Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope
3. Include $60 expedite fee on top of the standard passport fee
4. Use overnight or priority shipping both ways

Cost: $130 (book) + $60 (expedite) + shipping = ~$220-$240 total Timeline: 4-6 weeks (vs. 8-13 weeks standard)

Option 4: Standard Processing (8-13 Weeks)

If you have time, standard processing is the cheapest:

• Cost: $130 for a passport book
• Timeline: 8-13 weeks
• How: Submit by mail or at an acceptance facility (post office, clerk's office)

Tips for Faster Processing

1. Apply early — don't wait until you have travel booked
2. Check processing times on travel.state.gov before applying
3. Use overnight shipping for expedited mail applications
4. Have all documents ready before your appointment — missing documents cause delays
5. Bring exact payment — passport agencies accept checks, money orders, and sometimes credit cards
6. Have backup ID — bring two forms of identification in case one isn't accepted

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

• Wrong photo size or format (must be 2x2 inches, taken within 6 months)
• Application form incomplete or unsigned
• Name on application doesn't match citizenship document
• Sending original documents via regular mail (use overnight with tracking)
• Not including the expedite fee

The Bottom Line

Emergency US passport service ranges from same-day (life-or-death situations) to 4-6 weeks (expedited by mail). For travel within 14 days, make an appointment at a regional passport agency — call 1-877-487-2778 as early as possible because appointments fill quickly. Budget $190 minimum for expedited service. Have all documents gathered and organized before your appointment to avoid delays.

Sources

• US State Department Passport Services: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
• Passport Agency Locations: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html
• Current Processing Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html

How fast can I get a US passport in an emergency?

For life-or-death emergencies, same-day or next-day issuance is available by calling the State Department at 1-877-487-2778 during business hours or 202-647-4000 after hours. For travel within 14 days, appointments at regional passport agencies typically result in 1 to 3 business day processing. Expedited mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Standard processing is 8 to 13 weeks.

How much does an expedited US passport cost?

An expedited passport costs $190 total for a passport book, which includes the $130 standard fee plus a $60 expedite fee. If applying by mail, add overnight shipping costs both ways, bringing the total to approximately $220 to $240. The same $190 applies whether you visit a passport agency or use expedited mail service.

Can I walk into a passport agency without an appointment?

No. Regional passport agencies require appointments, which you can make by calling 1-877-487-2778. Walk-in service is generally not available. Appointments fill quickly, especially during peak travel season from March through August. Call as early as possible when lines open at 8 AM Eastern Time. Have your completed application and all required documents ready before your appointment.