Ruth Haines
Getting a passport can be a lengthy process, with routine services taking up to 6 weeks, excluding mailing times. However, there are expedited services available for those who need their passports urgently or in an emergency. While it is not possible to get a passport at the airport, there are 26 Regional Passport Agencies located in major cities across the US, such as Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia, where you can obtain an emergency passport on the same day. To qualify for an emergency passport, you must provide proof of a life-or-death emergency, such as a serious illness or death in the family, along with the necessary documentation. Alternatively, third-party expediter services can assist in rushing your passport application for a fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you get a passport at the airport? | No, but you can get a passport from a passport agency or center, or an Embassy/Consulate. |
| How quickly can you get a passport? | Routine service takes 4-6 weeks, excluding mailing times. Expedited services take 2-3 weeks, also excluding mailing times. Emergency passports can be issued on the same day. |
| How do I get a passport quickly? | Make an appointment at a passport agency or center, or an Embassy/Consulate. You can also use a third-party expediter service. |
| What do I need for a passport application? | A completed passport application, proof of citizenship, a valid government-issued photo ID, a passport photo, and proof of immediate international travel plans. |
| What is considered a life-or-death emergency? | An immediate family member who has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury. |
| What if my passport hasn't arrived before my travel date? | You can use the Urgent Travel service if your international travel is scheduled within 5 calendar days. |
| What other forms of identification are accepted at airports? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), U.S. passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs. |
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What You'll Learn
Getting a passport at the airport in an emergency
In an emergency, it is possible to get a passport at the airport, but it is a complex and time-consuming process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Identify the Nearest Passport Agency or Center
Firstly, you need to locate the nearest passport agency or center, as these are the only places where you can get a same-day passport. There are 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the country, usually located in major cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
Make an Appointment
You must make an appointment at the passport agency or center. You can do this by calling the Department of State helpline at 1-877-487-2778. It is important to note that appointments are not always available, and walk-in appointments are limited.
Gather Required Documents
To apply for an emergency passport, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Completed passport application form (DS-11)
- Proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate or previous U.S. passport)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license)
- Passport photo
- Proof of immediate international travel plans
- Documentation of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, medical report, etc.)
Arrive at the Passport Agency or Center
On the day of your appointment, arrive at the passport agency or center with all the required documents. Be prepared to wait, as the process may take some time.
Pay the Fees
The fees for an emergency passport are typically the same as those for a regular passport. However, there may be additional charges for expedited service.
Receive Your Passport
If your application is approved, you will receive your emergency passport on the same day. Remember that emergency passports are usually limited in validity and cannot be extended.
It is important to note that emergency passports are only issued under very specific and limited circumstances, such as life-or-death emergencies involving immediate family members. The process can be challenging, and it is always better to apply for or renew your passport well in advance of your travel dates to avoid last-minute complications.
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Applying for a passport in advance
If you are in a hurry, there are faster options available. If you are within 14 calendar days of your international travel date, or 28 days if you need a foreign visa, you can make an appointment at a passport agency or center. You can also call 1-877-487-2778. There are two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. For the former, you will need to prove that you have an immediate family member who has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury. You will need to provide documentation, such as a death certificate or a letter from a hospital. Urgent Travel Service is for those who have already applied but have not received their passport, and whose international travel is scheduled within five calendar days.
You can also pay for an expedited service, which takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. This option is available at an acceptance facility or by mail. Third-party expediter services can also assist with rushing your passport application, although they charge an additional fee.
If you are outside of the United States, you can book an appointment at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. They can issue emergency passports, but only under very specific and limited circumstances.
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Passport application fees
The cost of a passport varies depending on the applicant's age, the type of passport requested, the processing speed, and the delivery method. An adult passport book costs $130, plus shipping, when renewed by mail, and $130 plus a $35 execution fee when applying for a first-time passport. Online renewals of eligible adult passports are $130, with no option for expedited processing or shipping. Minors under 16 cannot renew a passport and must apply for a passport in person. The cost of a minor passport without expedited services is $100 plus a $35 execution fee.
There are no fees for passport delivery when using the standard application service. After processing, your passport is delivered via USPS Priority Mail at no additional cost. However, there is an optional $21.36 fee for 1-2 day delivery of your passport book or card. When you mail your passport to an acceptance facility for renewal, you need to cover the shipping cost to the acceptance facility. The costs for online passport renewals are $130 for the passport book and $30 for the passport card, the same as mail-in renewals. Standard USPS priority mail is included in the price. Expedited processing and 1-2 day delivery are not available for online renewals, except in rare cases. Additional services, such as expedited processing and 1-2 day delivery of your passport book, incur extra fees.
If you require faster processing, expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. Mailing times may add an additional 2 weeks to the total time to get your passport. You can expedite at an acceptance facility or expedite a renewal by mail. The expedite fee is $60, and you should write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send. You may also choose to pay for faster Priority Mail Express shipping at the facility you are applying at, with the price varying depending on the area of the country. Returning your new passport via 1-2 day return delivery costs $22.05.
If you require a passport in less than 6 weeks, you can make an appointment at a passport agency or center. If you are within 14 calendar days of your international travel date, or 28 days if you need a foreign visa, you can make an appointment for the Urgent Travel Service. If you have already applied and your international travel is scheduled within 5 calendar days, your passport will generally be processed the same day. For this service, you will need to make an appointment with a passport agency by calling 1-877-487-2778.
In the case of a life-or-death emergency, you can obtain a passport in one day. To qualify, you'll need proof of a life-or-death emergency that requires you to travel internationally, such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a letter from a hospital. You'll then need to go to one of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies scattered throughout the country, which may not be convenient for most people. These agencies are located in major cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
Third-party expediter services, such as ItsEasy Passport & Visa Service or RushMyPassport, can also assist with rushing your passport application. They charge an additional fee on top of the standard passport application fee and expedited passport service fee. The fastest turnaround time RushMyPassport.com offers is one week for $799 or a two-week option for $599. ItsEasy Passport & Visa charges $45 for its four-week passport processing service and $895 for one-day service.
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Documents required for a passport
To apply for a new adult passport, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. This could be a library or post office. Some facilities require appointments or have limited hours. You cannot get a passport at the airport.
To apply, you must fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility. You must not sign the form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent. You will need to pay two fees: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application.
You must submit your passport application, documents, and fees at an authorized passport acceptance facility. You will need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, which must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office that issued it. You must provide one of the following documents:
- U.S. birth certificate: This must show the seal or stamp from the city, county, or state of birth that issued it, the applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad or any birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State.
You must also present a physical, valid photo identification (ID) at the time of your application. The most common photo ID accepted is a fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with a photo. If your ID is from a different state than the one you are applying in, bring a second photo ID.
If you are applying for a passport for a child under 16, both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of the passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents or guardians to accompany the child when applying. Children need evidence of citizenship, and parents or guardians need proof of the parental relationship. Children's passports are only valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed. When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them.
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Passport processing times
Routine passport processing in the US takes 4-6 weeks, excluding mailing times, which may add another 2 weeks. If you are eligible to renew your passport, you can do so online or by mail. If you are applying for the first time or for a child under 16, you can apply for routine service at an acceptance facility.
If you are travelling in less than 6 weeks from the date you submit your application, you can choose an expedited service, which takes 2-3 weeks, excluding mailing times. To expedite your application, you can pay an additional $60 fee and write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope. You can also choose to pay for faster Priority Mail Express shipping and 1-2 day return delivery for your new passport.
If you are travelling within 14 calendar days or within 28 days if you need a foreign visa, you can make an appointment at a passport agency or centre. There are two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. For the former, you must be travelling to a foreign country in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency, such as an immediate family member who has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury. You will need to provide proof in English. For the Urgent Travel Service, you can apply if you have already applied for a passport but it hasn't arrived and your international travel is scheduled within 5 calendar days, or if you don't have a passport and are travelling within 14 days.
Third-party expediter services can also assist with rushing your passport application, often in a matter of days, for an additional fee.
If you are outside the United States, you can book an appointment at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Emergency passports are usually limited in validity and cannot be extended. They are typically issued on the same day, but only under very specific and limited circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot get a passport at the airport. You can, however, get a Global Entry by enrolling upon arrival at a U.S. airport, although this service is not available at all airports.
Routine service takes 4-6 weeks, excluding mailing times, which can add another 2 weeks. If you need a passport faster than this, you can use an expedited service, which takes 2-3 weeks, or a third-party expediter service, which can get you a passport in as little as one week.
You can get a passport in one day by applying for an emergency passport. To qualify, you'll need to provide proof of a life-or-death emergency that requires you to travel internationally, such as a serious illness or death in the family. You'll also need to provide proof of citizenship, a valid government-issued photo ID, a passport photo, and proof of immediate international travel plans.
You can apply for an emergency passport at one of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies located in major cities throughout the U.S., such as Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia. You can also apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you are outside of the country.
For domestic travel within the U.S., you can use a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
