Sunny Florida is a paradise in and of itself, but it’s also located temptingly close to other, more exotic tropical retreats. To the south, the Caribbean beckons, while Mexico is just a short plane ride away.
Without a valid passport, these destinations could remain just out of reach, though there are some exceptions, like closed-loop cruises, for which passports are not required. To determine whether or not you need a passport, see Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Caribbean? and Do You Need a Passport to Go to Mexico?
Getting a Passport in Florida
If you are applying for a passport for the first time or you need a replace an existing passport that has been lost, stolen or damaged, you are required to apply in person at one of the 262 passport acceptance facilities located in the state. These offices are usually located in post offices, libraries and other government buildings. The easiest way to find the one closest to you is to use the Department of State website.
When you apply, you’ll need to bring a new passport photo, proof of identity and proof of citizenship. Depending on your situation, other documents may be required. See the following for details:
Passport Replacement Services (For lost, stolen or damaged passports)
How to Get a Child Passport (For children aged 16 and younger)
Passport Renewals in Florida
In most cases, if you are simply renewing an old passport, you may do so by mail. To see if you’re eligible and for a list of the required documents, see How to Apply for a Passport Renewal.
Processing Time and Expedited Passports
When you apply for a passport, expect to wait at least six weeks for your new travel document to arrive in the mail, unless you paid the additional $60 for expedited processing. Even then, though, you’ll find yourself waiting about 3 weeks for your new passport to arrive. For faster service, you can make an appointment at the Miami Regional Passport Agency, located on Biscayne Boulevard.
This is the only passport office of its kind in Florida; it is able to issue emergency passports to US citizens traveling out of the country within the next 14 days. However, you’ll need to make an appointment and it’s only open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
An easier option is to use a private passport expediter like RushMyPassport. We hand-deliver your application to the Department of State, for processing in as little as 24 hours. Plus, our West Palm Beach office welcomes walk-in customers from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, no appointment needed.
Need to get a passport quickly? Contact us today!
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