Getting an Emergency Passport When You Need to Travel Fast

How emergency passports work and who can get one

An emergency passport is a temporary travel document issued by the U.S. State Department that lets you leave the country when you don't have time for a regular passport. It's valid for one year and works for international travel, but you'll need to apply for a full passport afterward if you want something that lasts 10 years.

You can get an emergency passport the same day you apply, but only if you meet specific conditions: you must have a confirmed international flight or travel plans within 14 days, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility, and you must show proof of your travel. The State Department doesn't issue emergency passports by mail or online.

Not every passport office offers same-day service. The State Department operates a network of regional passport agencies in major cities, and only these agencies can issue emergency passports. Your local post office or courthouse can't do it, even if they normally accept passport applications.

Key Takeaways

• Emergency passports are issued the same day you apply, but only at State Department passport agencies in major cities, not at post offices or courthouses.
• You must have confirmed travel plans within 14 days and bring proof of your flight or travel itinerary when you apply.
• An emergency passport costs more than a regular passport and is valid for only one year, so you'll need to renew it with a full passport later.
• You must apply in person and bring your birth certificate, government-issued ID, and a passport photo, along with your travel proof.
• If you don't have a birth certificate or ID, the passport agency can sometimes verify your identity through other documents, but this takes longer and may not be same-day.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy. The State Department will not accept a photocopy, a hospital birth record, or a birth announcement. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. If you don't have either, bring a consular report of birth abroad or a U.S. passport card.

You also need a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or federal employee ID. If you don't have one of these, bring two other forms of ID with your name and signature, such as a credit card, Social Security card, or school ID. The passport agency will ask you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury if you can't produce a photo ID.

Bring a passport photo that meets State Department standards: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background, and showing your full face straight on. You can get a photo taken at most drugstores, post offices, or photography studios. Do not use a selfie or a photo from social media.

Bring proof of your travel: a printed airline ticket, a booking confirmation email, a cruise ship ticket, or a hotel reservation. The document must show your name, the destination country, and the travel date. A screenshot on your phone works if it's clear and shows all this information.

Finding the passport agency nearest you and getting there in time

The State Department operates passport agencies in 17 cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Denver, Seattle, Honolulu, Detroit, Atlanta, and a few others. You can find the full list and hours on the State Department website under "Passport Agencies."

You cannot make an appointment online for an emergency passport. You must go to the agency in person during business hours and wait. Most agencies open at 8 a.m. and close between 3 and 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Call the agency before you go to confirm it's open and ask how long the wait typically is that day.

Arrive early. Agencies often stop accepting new applicants an hour or two before closing, and if you arrive after that cutoff, you'll have to come back the next day. Bring all your documents in a folder so you don't lose anything while you wait.

If there is no passport agency in your state, you may be able to apply at a regional agency in a neighboring state, but call ahead to confirm they accept out-of-state applicants. Some agencies prioritize residents of their own state.

Cost and payment methods

An emergency passport costs $130 for an adult passport book, plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of $165. If you need it expedited (which is automatic for emergency passports), there is no additional fee beyond the standard emergency cost. You must pay in person at the passport agency.

The agency accepts cash, check, money order, or credit and debit cards. They do not accept payment plans or partial payments. If you don't have enough money when you arrive, you'll have to leave and come back with payment.

A regular passport book costs $130, and a passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version) costs $35. If you need both, the combined cost is $165. An emergency passport is a book only, not a card.

What happens after you get your emergency passport

Your emergency passport is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can use it to travel internationally during that year, but it will not be renewed automatically. When it expires, you'll need to apply for a full 10-year passport if you want to travel again.

Apply for your full passport as soon as you return from your trip. You can apply by mail or in person at any passport acceptance facility. Bring your emergency passport, your birth certificate, a new passport photo, and the application form. The full passport will replace the emergency one, so you won't have two valid passports at the same time.

If you lose your emergency passport while traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue you a replacement travel document to get home, but you'll still need to apply for a full passport when you return.

What to do if you don't have a birth certificate

If you don't have your birth certificate and can't get one before your trip, tell the passport agency when you arrive. They can sometimes verify your identity and citizenship through other documents, such as an old passport, a naturalization certificate, or military records. This process takes longer than a standard same-day emergency passport and may not be completed the same day you apply.

You can order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Most states mail birth certificates within one to two weeks, which is too slow if you're leaving in a few days. Some states offer rush service for an extra fee, but even rush service may take several days.

If you were born abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country to ask about getting a Certificate of Birth Abroad or other proof of citizenship. This also takes time and may not work if your trip is very soon.

Alternatives if you can't get to a passport agency in time

If you live far from a passport agency and can't travel there before your flight, you have limited options. The State Department does not issue emergency passports by mail, phone, or online. You must apply in person at a passport agency.

If your travel is more than 14 days away, you can apply for an expedited passport by mail or at a passport acceptance facility. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs an extra $60 on top of the regular passport fee. This is faster than standard processing (which takes four to six weeks) but slower than an emergency passport.

If you have a passport card from a previous application, you can use it to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air. A passport card is not valid for air travel to other countries.

If you absolutely cannot get a passport in time, contact your airline and ask about rebooking your flight to a later date. Most airlines allow one free change if you explain the situation, though you may have to pay the difference in fare if the new flight costs more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an emergency passport if I've never had a passport before?

Yes. You need to bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship (such as a naturalization certificate if you were not born in the U.S.), along with your ID and travel proof. First-time applicants follow the same emergency process as people renewing a passport.

What if my flight is tomorrow and I don't have time to go to a passport agency?

You cannot get an emergency passport if your travel is within 24 hours. The State Department requires you to have at least one day to apply in person. If your flight is tomorrow, you'll have to cancel or reschedule it. Contact your airline immediately to ask about rebooking.

Do I need a visa for my destination, or does an emergency passport cover that?

An emergency passport is a travel document only. It does not include a visa. If your destination requires a visa, you must apply for one separately, and that process can take weeks or months. Check the State Department website to see if your destination requires a visa before you book your trip.

Can someone else pick up my emergency passport for me, or do I have to be there?

You must apply in person. You cannot send someone else to apply on your behalf. Once your passport is issued, you can ask the agency if someone else can pick it up for you, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to ask.

What if I lost my passport and need to travel?

If your passport was lost or stolen, report it to the State Department and then apply for an emergency replacement. Bring a police report of the loss if you have one, along with your birth certificate, ID, and travel proof. The process is the same as applying for an emergency passport for the first time.