How to Get an Emergency Passport

To get an emergency or urgent passport, you must meet specific limited circumstances, such as international travel within 14 days, needing a foreign visa in the next 28 days or traveling abroad within 3 days for a life-or-death emergency. These situations require immediate action and adherence to clear instructions provided by the Department of State.

Understanding the distinctions between routine service, urgent, and emergency passport processing is crucial for ensuring timely access to essential travel documents.

Types of Passport Services

How to Get an Urgent Passport (Traveling in Less Than 2–3 Weeks)

What Qualifies as an Urgent Passport Need?

Urgent passport services are intended for travelers who have confirmed international travel plans within 14 days or who must obtain a foreign visa within the next 28 days. To apply for an urgent passport you need to make an appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies or centers in person only.

These appointments can be very competitive, so even if you meet the criteria to apply, there is no guarantee that you will be able to get an appointment. Learn more about visiting one of the 26 existing passport agencies.

Application Process for an Urgent Passport

1. Make an appointment at a passport agency or center. Use their online portal or call 1-877-487-2778 if you already have applied for a passport.
2. Submit required proof, such as an airline ticket, itinerary, or a letter from a foreign embassy confirming a visa appointment.
3. Pay the additional $60 expedite fee on top of the standard passport fees.
4. Attend an appointment at one of the 26 passport agency offices.
5. Pick up or receive your passport depending on specific situation needs.

**If using a registered courier company, it is possible for them to deliver the documents on your behalf. However, if you are applying for a first time passport or a minor under 16 using form DS-11, you will still need to visit a passport acceptance facility in person before your documents can be sent to a passport agency.

Learn more about How to Get a U.S. Passport in Two Weeks or Less

How Much Does an Urgent Passport Cost?

The cost for an urgent passport includes the regular application fee of $130 plus extra fees. Additional fees include a $60 expedite fee and $19.53 fee for expedited return shipping as needed. The maximum cost is $209.53, exactly the same as applying for an expedited passport by mail or at a passport acceptance facility.

How to Get an Emergency Passport (Traveling in Less Than 3 Days)

Who Qualifies for an Emergency Passport?

Emergency passports are issued in situations where an individual must travel internationally within 3 business days due to a life-or-death emergency involving an immediate family member (parent, child, spouse, sibling, or grandparent).

How to Obtain an Emergency Passport

1. Collect documentation related to the emergency, such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a medical statement from a hospital detailing the condition of a family member.
2. Provide proof of imminent travel like an itinerary of an airline ticket.
3. Complete a passport application and have a passport photo ready along with valid government-issued photo ID.
4. Schedule an appointment at an official passport agency using the online portal if possible, or call the designated numbers during or after hours if you face difficulties.

Learn more about How To Apply For a Passport: How to Apply for a Passport?

How Fast Can I Get an Emergency Passport?

The fastest you can reliably get an emergency passport is two to three days. In rare cases, the same-day return of your passport is possible, but not to be relied on.

Emergency Passports for Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad

If your passport is lost or stolen while traveling, you must:

1. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately to report it lost or stolen. This cancels the passport immediately.
2. Apply in person for a new passport, which may be a limited-validity emergency passport if you are due to travel soon.
3. Bring a passport photo, identification, proof of citizenship, travel itinerary, and a completed DS-11 and DS-64 forms.

A police report is helpful and recommended, but not absolutely required. Additionally, if you are unable to provide all of the required documents, the embassy or consulate will do their best to help your specific situation.

What Countries do NOT Accept Limited-Validity Emergency Passports?

Many countries, including France, Belgium, Netherlands, and the UAE do not accept emergency passports. These passports are typically valid for only one year and are intended to be replaced with a full-validity passport upon return to the U.S.

The passport’s limited validity can also cause issues when applying for visas and the expiration period can quickly go below the common 6 months needed by many countries. It is essential to check with the specific country if you are attempting to continue your travels after receiving a limited-validity passport. See also: What Countries Americans Can’t Travel to Right Now

Can I Get a Passport in One Day?

While it is technically possible to receive a passport within one day under certain emergency conditions, such as life-or-death situations or immediate travel after reporting a lost or stolen passport abroad, it is generally unlikely. Appointments and documentation must align perfectly, and the capability to issue a passport on the same day can depend heavily on the specific passport agency’s policies and workload.

You might get unlucky and be unable to renew or get a passport before your scheduled departure. Thankfully, not all hope is lost as there are locations that do not require a U.S. passport to visit

» MORE:

Renew Your U.S. Passport Easily Before Your Trip
Understanding U.S. Passport Fees
How To Get A Passport In 14 Days Or Less
How Long to Get a Passport