How to Get Quick Passports

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By blonde-doc
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Get Quick Passports

If you’re planning a trip out of the country and just realized your passport isn’t current (or nonexistent), have no fear! You can easily get quick passports for yourself and family members through the US government’s expedited passport service. You may have to pay a bit more, but you can get your passport in significantly less time. To learn how to get a passport in a hurry, read on!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

DETERMINE HOW FAST YOU NEED A PASSPORT
The procedure you use to get a quick passport will vary depending on how soon you are traveling. If you have at least 3 weeks before your international trip, you can use the State Department’s standard expedited passport service. There will be an additional fee of $60, plus overnight delivery costs. If you only have 1-2 weeks, this service might or might not be available. In this case, it’s best to talk to a passport agency representative before applying (see Step 5). If you’re traveling in less than 1 week, and the trip is not due to a life or death emergency, your best bet is to use an independent passport service (see Step 6). These agencies can get you a valid US passport in about 24 hours; however, you’ll pay a couple of hundred dollars or so for this service.
Step 2

ASSEMBLE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Regardless of the method you use, you’ll need to assemble the following documentation:
- Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport if this is your first passport or Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail if you are renewing an expired passport. See the links in the Resource section below to download these from the State Department’s website
- Evidence of U.S. Citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate
- Two passport photos - Most drugstores and post offices will take these for you for a small fee
- Either your expired passport (for a renewal) or proof of identification (for an initial passport). Your identification is generally a valid US drivers license or a military ID.
Step 3

SUBMIT YOUR EXPEDITED PASSPORT REQUEST BY MAIL - RENEWAL
For a passport renewal using the standard expedited request, mail the documentation from Step 2 to:

National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Include a personal check or money order made out to Department of State $135 plus the cost of overnight delivery. (Check with the post office or FedEx prior to mailing.) Write your full name and date of birth on the check and write the word EXPEDITED in bold letters on the front of the envelope.
Step 4

SUBMIT YOUR EXPEDITED PASSPORT REQUEST IN PERSON – FIRST PASSPORT
If this is your first passport, you’ll need to submit your paperwork in person at either a Passport Agency or an Acceptance Facility. Most local libraries, post offices, and courthouses serve as Acceptance Facilities. Call first to check if an appointment is required (see link in Resource section). In addition to the $135 expedited fee, you’ll have to pay an additional $25 facility fee plus the cost of overnight delivery.
Step 5

FOLLOW UP WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
After submitting your request for a quick passport, follow up by telephone when you are about 7 days out from your trip. Have a copy of your application on hand. The number for the National Passport Information Center is 1-877-4-USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778). Customer services representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM (EST).
Step 6

FIND AN INDEPENDENT PASSPORT SERVICE
There are many non-government businesses who can secure you a passport in less than 1 week, and even with 24 hours in some cases. Most of these organizations will charge a few in addition to any standard passport fees, but it can be well worth it for last minute travel. To find a passport service, ask for recommendations from co-workers for friends, or use Google to search.