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Expedited Passport Services: Fast-Tracking Your Travel Documents
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Expedited Passport Services: Fast-Tracking Your Travel Documents

Author:
Quintin Willekens
Published:
April 29, 2024
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Expedited passport services reduce the waiting time for receiving a passport. While standard passport processing takes 6–8 weeks, expedited services take 2–3 weeks.

Table of Contents

  1. How Can I Apply for an Expedited Passport?
  2. What Is the Processing Time for an Expedited Passport?
  3. Evaluating Delivery Options for Expedited Passports

How Can I Apply for an Expedited Passport?

To apply for an expedited passport, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Form: Depending on your situation, fill out Form DS-11 for first-time applicants or children under 16, or Form DS-82 for renewals. For a detailed walkthrough on how to fill out these forms, refer to U.S. Passport Application Process: Easy Step-by-Step Guide.
  2. Submit the Application: You can submit your expedited application at a passport acceptance facility if you are applying for the first time or at a passport agency if you are close to your travel date.
  3. Pay the Expedite Fee: An additional fee of $60 is required for expedited processing. This is in addition to the standard application fees and should be included in the same check or money order. Payment of this fee ensures your application is processed faster than the normal timeframe.

What Is the Processing Time for an Expedited Passport?

The processing time for expedited passport is 2–3 weeks. This time does NOT include delivery after the passport is completed or when mailing to the passport center if renewing by mail.

This process is for travelers who need their passports sooner than the standard processing period of 6–8 weeks, but do not qualify for emergency or urgent passport services. If you have already applied for a passport and want to change your application from standard to expedited, call the helpline directly: 1-877-487-2778.

Evaluating Delivery Options for Expedited Passports

Processing times for expedited passports are 2-3 weeks, but delivery times are extra.

  • Standard Delivery: Uses USPS Priority Mail, included with your application fee.
    • The US Department of State states it can take up to 2 weeks to arrive.
  • 1-2 Day Delivery: Available for an additional fee of $19.53, this 1-2 Day Delivery option ensures that once processed, your passport will arrive in 1-2 days.

If you are traveling in less than 2 weeks, go to our guide on How to Get a U.S. Passport in Two Weeks or Less.

Infographic titled 'Passport Processing Quick Guide' outlining the steps involved in passport processing from start to finish. The sequence includes Document Preparation, Turning in Application, Processing, Shipping, and Finish, each represented by an icon. Document preparation is shown as a document with a check mark. Application submission options are mail, which varies by location, and in-person. Processing times are Routine (6-8 weeks) and Expedited (2-3 weeks, costs $60). Shipping is also categorized into Routine and Expedited (1-2 days, costs $19.53). The final icon is a passport, symbolizing the completion of the process. Updated as of April 2024.

It is possible to receive your expedited passport in under 3 weeks.

To keep informed about the status of your passport application, you can enroll in email updates. Here’s how you can check your status:

  • Access the Online Passport Status System: Visit this link and enter your last name (including suffixes and hyphens as applicable), date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

What Does My Passport Application Status Mean?

Application Status Description
Not Available Your application is in transit to a passport agency or experiencing a delay.
**If your status remains “Not Available” for more than two weeks, check again later or try re-entering your details.
In Process Your application is under review at a passport agency. The duration depends on the selected service.
Approved Your application has been approved, and your passport is being printed.
Passport Mailed Your passport has been mailed to you with a tracking number provided for a passport book.
Supporting Documents Mailed Your supporting documents, such as birth certificates, have been sent back to you via First Class Mail.

» MORE:

U.S. Territories You Can Visit Without A Passport
Current Travel Restrictions For Americans
Guide to U.S. Passport Renewal Process
Breakdown of Passport Costs
Guide to Passport Facilities
Get Your Emergency Passport

About the Author

Quintin Willekens

Associate

Quintin Willekens is from Arizona and has a degree in Business Sustainability from Arizona State University and an interest in cross-cultural connections. His passion for global cultures was ignited early, leading him to explore over 20 countries by the time he graduated. Quintin continued his cultural immersion by teaching English in South Korea for 3 years. After getting married in South Korea, you will find him wandering the streets of Seoul with his partner and dog. At Rustic Pathways he brings a wealth of international insight and a dedication to education, travel, and sustainable development.