How to Get a Passport Fast When You're Leaving Soon
What counts as an emergency and how fast you can actually get a passport
The State Department runs two expedited passport programs, and which one you use depends on when you're leaving. Expedited service takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs an extra $60 on top of the regular passport fee. Emergency service (called "execution on an emergency basis") is for people leaving within 72 hours and requires you to show up in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility with proof of your travel plans and the reason for the rush.
You don't have to prove the emergency is a death, illness, or disaster — the State Department accepts any travel that's genuinely happening within three days. That includes a job starting Monday, a wedding, a conference, or a flight you already booked. What matters is that you have a ticket or an itinerary showing the date, and you can get to an office that day or the next.
If you're leaving in 3 to 14 days, expedited service is your only option. If you're leaving in more than 14 days, expedited service is still faster than routine, but you're not in an emergency category anymore.
Key Takeaways
- Emergency service (72 hours or less) requires an in-person appointment at a passport agency and proof of imminent travel; expedited service (1 to 2 weeks) can be done by mail or in person.
- Both programs cost extra: expedited adds $60, and emergency adds $35 on top of the base passport fee, which varies by passport type.
- You need a valid government ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), and a new photo taken within the last six months.
- Passport agencies are in major cities only; if you're not near one, you may need to travel to the nearest agency or use expedited mail service instead.
- Weekend and holiday appointments are not available, and processing times can stretch if the agency is backlogged.
Emergency service: the 72-hour window
To use emergency service, you must have a passport appointment at a passport agency — not a post office or library. The State Department operates 26 passport agencies across the country, mostly in or near major cities. You can find the one nearest you and check availability on the State Department's website.
Call the agency directly to book an emergency appointment. You cannot book online. Tell them your departure date and time, and they will tell you whether they have same-day or next-day slots. Some agencies fill up days in advance during peak travel seasons, so call as soon as you know you need the passport.
Bring your documents in person: a valid government ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), proof of citizenship (original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), a new photo, and proof of your travel plans (airline ticket, hotel confirmation, or itinerary with dates). The agency will take your application, photo, and payment on the spot. You'll walk out with your passport the same day or pick it up the next morning, depending on what time you arrive.
Expedited service: 1 to 2 weeks
Expedited service is for travel between 3 and 14 days away. You can apply by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility (post offices, libraries, and some government offices accept applications). If you apply by mail, send your completed form, documents, photo, and payment to the address on the form — processing starts when they receive it, not when you mail it.
The State Department aims to process expedited applications within 1 to 2 weeks, but that's a target, not a may provide. During summer months or around holidays, processing can take longer. If you're cutting it close, applying in person at a passport agency (not a post office) can sometimes move you through faster, though you still won't get the passport that day.
Expedited costs $60 extra on top of the passport fee. A new adult passport book costs $130, so expedited brings it to $190. A passport card (for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean only) costs $35 base, or $95 expedited. If you need both a book and a card, the fees stack.
Documents you need for either service
Start with proof of citizenship. An original or certified birth certificate is the most common. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your naturalization certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you already have a passport, you can use that instead, though the whole point is usually that you don't have one yet or it's expired.
Bring a valid government ID: driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have one, the passport agency can accept other documents like a Social Security card plus a school or work ID, but call ahead to confirm what they'll take.
You need a new photo taken within the last six months. It must be 2x2 inches, in color, with a white or off-white background, and your face must take up 50 to 69 percent of the frame. Passport photo booths at pharmacies and post offices cost $10 to $20. Do not use a selfie or a photo from social media, even if it's recent — the State Department rejects them.
Fill out Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (if you're renewing an existing passport). You can print these from the State Department website. Do not sign the form before you arrive — you'll sign it in front of the agent.
What to expect at a passport agency
Arrive 15 minutes early with all your documents organized. The agency will check that everything is there, take your photo if you didn't bring one (though this costs extra and the photo quality is often poor), and have you sign your application. They'll collect payment by check, money order, or card — cash is not accepted everywhere, so call ahead to confirm.
For emergency service, you'll get your passport the same day if you arrive early enough, or the next morning if you arrive late. For expedited service at an agency, you'll still wait 1 to 2 weeks for mail processing, even though you applied in person. The only way to get a passport the same day is through emergency service at an agency.
Processing times posted on the State Department website are averages. If the agency is backed up, your passport may take longer. Check the website before you go — it lists current processing times by location.
Passport cards versus books: which one do you need
A passport book is valid for international air travel everywhere and for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It's the standard passport and the one most people get.
A passport card is smaller and cheaper, but it's only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for flying internationally. If you're flying anywhere outside North America or the Caribbean, you need a book. If you're driving to Canada or taking a cruise to Mexico, a card works.
You can get both at the same time. The fees are separate, but you only fill out one application. If you're in a rush and only need one, the card is faster and cheaper, but make sure your actual trip qualifies.
If you're not near a passport agency
Passport agencies are in major cities only. If you live far from one, you have two options: travel to the nearest agency for emergency service, or use expedited mail service if you have 1 to 2 weeks.
Some people drive or fly to a passport agency the day before their international flight. It's expensive and exhausting, but it works if you have no other choice. Check the agency's appointment availability before you book travel to get there.
If you can't reach an agency in time, expedited mail is your fallback. Mail your application to the address on the form, and it will be processed within 1 to 2 weeks. This only works if your trip is at least 3 to 5 days away — you need time for mail to arrive, be processed, and be mailed back to you.
Fees and payment
| Service Type | Passport Book | Passport Card |
|---|---|---|
| Routine (4 to 6 weeks) | $130 | $35 |
| Expedited (1 to 2 weeks) | $190 | $95 |
| Emergency (same day or next day) | $165 | $70 |
These are federal fees set by the State Department. Acceptance facilities (post offices and libraries) may charge an additional execution fee of $35 to $140 depending on the location, though this applies to routine and expedited applications, not emergency.
Payment at a passport agency must be by check, money order, or card. If you're mailing an application, you can pay by check or money order — do not send cash. Make checks payable to the U.S. Department of State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a passport on a weekend or holiday?
No. Passport agencies are closed on weekends and federal holidays. If your flight is Saturday morning, you need to get your passport by Friday. Emergency appointments are available Monday through Friday only, so plan accordingly.
What if I don't have my original birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. If you're in an emergency, call the vital records office and ask about expedited or same-day pickup options — many offer them for an extra fee. Some passport agencies may accept a temporary or certified copy if you explain the situation, but call ahead to confirm.
Can someone else pick up my passport for me?
For emergency service, no — you must be present to sign your application and receive your passport. For expedited or routine service by mail, your passport is mailed to the address you provide, so anyone at that address can receive it. You cannot have it mailed to someone else's address.
What if my passport photo is rejected?
The agency will tell you on the spot if your photo doesn't meet requirements. You can get a new one taken at the agency itself for a fee (usually $15 to $20), or you can leave, get a new photo elsewhere, and come back. For emergency service, this delays you, so bring a photo that meets the requirements the first time.
Do I need a visa after I get my passport?
That depends on where you're going. A passport is required for international travel, but many countries also require a visa, which is a separate document. Check the State Department's travel advisory page for your destination to see what documents you need. Some visas take weeks to process, so if you're leaving soon, you may not have time to get one even if you get your passport today.