How to Get a U.S. Passport in 2 Weeks or Less [2025 Update]

What happens when you don’t qualify for emergency travel, but don’t have weeks to wait?

Here’s the fastest option to get a U.S. passport in 2 weeks or less:

Individuals traveling in less than 14 days need to make an appointment at one of 26 official passport agencies and visit in person.

For individuals that have not yet applied for a passport or a renewal, use the online portal system to make an appointment. In the case that your application is already in process, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Find your nearest passport agency.
2. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or use the online portal system to schedule an in-person appointment.
3. Fill out the required passport form online to print or print a PDF to fill out by hand ahead of time. Keep in mind there are different forms for a new passport versus a renewal.
4. Make copies of the front and back of your citizenship evidence, like your birth certificate, and government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, on separate 8.5×11 pieces of paper. (A current, undamaged passport will work for both.) You must bring both the originals and the copies to your appointment.
5. Print out your travel documents (your e-ticket confirmation) that prove you’re leaving in less than two weeks.
6. Bring a photo of yourself. You can get passport photos at your local pharmacy, or you can take one at home. But no selfies!
7. Head to your appointment! Don’t forget your completed application, your citizenship doc, photo ID and photocopies, travel docs, passport photo, and a check or a money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Passport agencies accept credit cards, checks or money orders, and exact cash.
8. Get your passport and have an incredible adventure!

If you don’t live near a passport agency, try calling the National Passport Information Center for more information.

Some people try hiring a third-party expeditor. They’re the ones that come up when you google something like “how to get a passport quickly.”

These third-party expedited services do not have access to any quicker service than available to individuals. They all follow the same process of making an appointment at a passport agency and personally bring your documents there for you. You are paying for convenience, NOT SPEED.

Do I need a new passport?

When traveling abroad, you need to have a valid U.S. passport and it needs to pass the 3-month and 6-month validity rule and have the required blank visa pages for your destination.

Use our infographic below to help determine when you need to get a new passport.

Find out where you can travel without a passport.

When you need to renew your passport:

You can renew an expired or expiring passport by mail and pay an extra $60 fee to expedite the processing time to two to three weeks. This expedited fee is added to the renewal fee cost ($130 for a passport book). For renewals, there is an optional $21.36 fee for one to two day shipping.

In order to renew by mail you need to be able to say “Yes” to the following questions:

• Do you have your passport in hand to submit with your application?
• Is your passport undamaged other than normal wear and tear?
• Was it issued when you were age 16 or older?
• Was it issued within the last 15 years?
• Was it issued in your current name or you can document your name change?

To renew by mail, gather these documents:

• Filled-out Form DS-82
• Your most recent U.S. Passport
• Name change documents (if applicable)
• New passport photo (photo requirements)
• A check for the appropriate passport fee
  • Passport book: $130
  • Passport book and Passport card: $160
  • Expedited service: Additional $60
  • 1 – 2 Day Shipping (Optional): $21.36

Mail these materials to:

You can see all the steps with links to form DS-82 at the US State Department.

Can I Renew My Passport Online?

Yes, you can renew your passport online, but expedited, rush, or same-day services are not available online. The expected processing time for online renewals is four to six weeks, plus standard shipping, which averages a five to seven day delivery.

If you need a passport in less than eight weeks, you must either:

• Renew by mail, or
• Schedule an appointment at a passport application center.

Learn more about renewing a U.S. Passport online in 2025.

If this will be your FIRST passport:

You’ll need to drop your application off at a passport acceptance facility for routine or expedited services or at a passport agency for urgent or emergency services.

To get a new passport or renew one issued before you were 16, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

• Fill out Form DS-11
• Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship – bring an original and a photocopy of this document
  • One of the following:
    • U.S birth certificate
    • A full validity U.S. Passport (5 years is fully valid for an under-16 passport)
    • Certificate of naturalization or citizenship
• Present ID – bring an original and a photocopy of this document (if you are under 18 it should be your parent/guardian’s ID, if you are over 18 it should be your ID):
  • Valid or expired U.S. passport
  • In-state, valid driver’s license
  • Valid foreign passport
  • In-state valid non-driver ID with photo
• When you’re 16-17 years old, you need to bring a parent along with you
• New passport photo (photo requirements and guide)
• A check for the appropriate passport fee
  • Passport book: $130 over 16 years; $100 under 16 years
  • Passport book and Passport card: $160 ($115 under 16 years)
  • Expedited service: Additional $60
  • When you are not renewing, but applying for a first passport there is an additional and separate $35 acceptance fee.
• Submit all these documents at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency (for travel in under three weeks)

Get step-by-step instructions in our guide on the U.S. passport application process.

» MORE:

Essential Steps for U.S. Passport Application
Passport-Free Travel Locations
Where Americans Can’t Go
Emergency Passport Application
Expedited Passport Application

If you’re between the ages of 12-22 and want to put that passport to good use, see our current teen travel programs or contact us anytime for help.