How much does it cost to get an expedited passport? If you’re in need of a passport for an upcoming trip, you may be wondering how much it costs to expedite the process. While standard processing time for a U.S. passport can take up to 11 weeks, expedited service can significantly shorten the wait time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the total cost of expediting based on how quickly you need a passport and how you’ll be applying.
Expedited Passport Service Fees
The cost of expediting a passport can vary depending on the urgency of your travel plans. Your timeline for obtaining a passport will ultimately determine which application method is most appropriate.
If you need a passport within the next month, you may want to utilize a private expediting company, but there are other options if you need a passport faster than what routine service can provide. Below is a breakdown of the most common methods for expediting a U.S. passport.
It’s important to note that application fees required by the United States Department of State are not included in these instances, and the expedited fees are separate from the application fees. Click here for passport application fees.
Expediting Your Passport at the Post Office or a Passport Acceptance Agency
The standard routine processing time for a passport is currently estimated to be 11 weeks, but this avenue for expedited service can bring the wait time down to 7 weeks.
The current cost for expedited service through the U.S. Department of State is $60. This fee is in addition to the regular application fees and shipping costs.
You can apply in-person for this service at a local Post Office or Passport Acceptance Facility. You can find a Passport Acceptance Facility here.
Expediting Your Passport at a Regional Passport Agency
If you have urgent travel within 14 days you may be able to schedule an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency for passport processing within 3 business days.
The cost for expedited service through a Regional passport agency is $60, plus the additional fees for your passport application and shipping costs.
This may seem like the best option to expedite a U.S. passport, there is a catch. Walk-in visits are not permitted and only 26 Regional Passport Agencies throughout the entire country offer this expediting service, with strict eligibility requirements for scheduling an appointment.
According to the U.S. Department of State, to be eligible for an emergency passport appointment, you must either:
- Have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days or need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days
- Life-or-Death emergencies if you need to travel internationally in 3 business days because your immediate family member outside of the United States
To schedule an in-person appointment, you must call 1-877-487-2778.
Expediting Your Passport with a Private Expediting Company
If applying for a passport through the Post Office for routine service doesn’t meet your timeline or you’re unable to secure an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency, a private expediting company may be necessary to speed up the process of obtaining your passport.
The fees for expedited service vary based on the speed of the service offered.
A registered passport expediting company can take your application to the Department of State, where it may be processed in as little as 7 business days. Once processed, the company will ship your new passport back to you, usually via overnight delivery.
Utilizing an expediting company not only reduces the time required to obtain a United States passport, but also minimizes the risk of errors that could potentially delay your application.
In the event of any setbacks at the passport office, the expediting company can promptly inform you so that corrections can be made, ensuring that your passport arrives in time for your trip.
Expediting Your Passport with RushMyPassport
RushMyPassport is the quick and easy solution to obtain a passport when you’re short on time! If you need a passport quickly, RushMyPassport can help.
With services ranging from new passports, passport renewals, child passports, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, RushMyPassport is the most convenient way to get a passport in a hurry! Begin the process online, or visit a FedEx Office location near you!