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U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or online, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

Get a passport for a minor under 18

Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

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What if I need to travel overseas while my passport is being renewed?

by Gary (Atlanta, GA)

Question: My passport expires in September, and I need to travel in October. However, I may also need to travel to Switzerland in August. Is there some document that I can print out to show that I have a valid passport, but it is currently being renewed? Answer: A passport book is the only acceptable document for air travel to another country. In fact, you need to renew your passport before you travel to Switzerland. Although you are not required to obtain a visa, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay in order to enter Switzerland. Expediting a passport renewal by mail takes 2-3 weeks. The only way to get your passport renewed in less time is to submit the application at a regional passport agency where it can be done in one day. There is an agency in Atlanta. It is located in the following address: Atlanta Passport Agency 230 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1000 Atlanta, GA 30303 If you are unable to visit the regional agency, you can submit the application through a professional expediting service. To begin the process of getting your passport renewed quickly, click the link below. Expedited Passport Renewal

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Top 5 questions about expedited passport couriers.

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

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Need a New U.S. Passport Fast? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process

From emergency travel to suddenly realizing your passport has expired right before a big international trip, here’s how to get a passport in as few as two days (for a price)..

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Sometimes we need a new passport sooner than expected.

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Whether last-minute travel plans have suddenly sprung up or a big international trip is here before you’ve had time to double-check the expiration date on your passport, it’s not uncommon for travelers to have to expedite their U.S. passport applications.

Several other situations might require a new or renewed passport in a hurry as well. For example, some countries don’t permit entry if your passport has less than six months of validity. Some, like South Africa, require that you have at least two consecutive blank pages in your passport book. If you have any concerns about whether your existing passport will be accepted for your flight, check the U.S. State Department’s website for each country’s visa and passport requirements or contact your airline or travel agency.

How to get a new U.S. passport fast

Expedited: If you’re traveling in less than seven weeks, you can apply normally and choose expedited service, whether this is your first passport or to renew your current passport. While you may be able to renew your passport online , there is no expedited option.

Urgent travel: If you have a life-or-death emergency or urgent international travel coming up within 14 days, you can make an in-person appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies throughout the United States. You must have an appointment to visit an agency. Make an appointment online or by calling 1-877-487-2778.

How long does it take to get an expedited passport?

Even in March of 2023, the regular processing time for a passport was as high as 13 weeks , but luckily things have calmed down and passport processing times are now back to normal. This means that if you apply for an expedited passport directly through the U.S. State Department, it will take two to three weeks. But it’s very important to note that this does not include mail delivery times. The State Department says, “It may take two weeks for your application to get to us, and two weeks for you to get your passport after we mail it,” although this depends on the area of the USA in which you live.

For a faster turnaround, use an expeditor like RushMyPassport.com , who offers expedited passport services ranging from two to four business days to eight weeks from the time documents are received by the State Dept. These will cost you: $599 for the two-to-four-day turnaround or $364.65 for a seven- to nine-business-day turnaround.

How to apply for an expedited passport

To apply for an expedited passport, begin at the State Department’s website , where a handy checklist will keep you from making a mistake that could slow down the process. These are the costs for an expedited passport:

• A $60 expediting fee. This is nonrefundable, so make sure you’ve dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s when applying.
• The standard $130 application fee.
• First-time applicants are charged an additional $35 execution fee.
• $21.36 for one- to two-day return delivery, to help speed things along somewhat.

If you want the expedited service, you need to send your application using USPS Priority Mail Express. The State Department recommends that applicants send their application via trackable mail so that applicants can know exactly when it arrives and enters the system.

If you want to apply in person for an expedited (or regular) passport, find a passport acceptance facility and make an appointment . These are post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. You can make an appointment at any post office at USPS.com . If this is for your first passport or for a child under age 16, you need form DS-11; if this is a renewal for a passport of someone age 17 or over, you need form DS-82 (you can download these forms here ).

There are three things to do when filling out a passport application:

• Make sure submitted forms are single-sided and printed clearly.
• Complete the application online before printing it out or by hand in black or blue ink; remember to write “expedited” on the envelope and include two recent photos that meet the passport photo specifications.
• If applying by mail, you must include a check; if applying in person, find out what methods of payment are allowed at your specific acceptance facility.

You can renew your passport by mail and begin the process online as long as you have your expired or expiring passport; your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older; it was issued within the past 15 years; and it was issued to your current name or you have documentation to support a name change. Children under 16, all first-time applicants, and applicants who have lost their passport or had it stolen must apply in person.

If you cannot make an appointment online, call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

How an expeditor can (and can’t) help

Expediting agencies are companies that assist with rushed passport applications. They charge an additional fee (on top of the standard passport application fee and expedited passport service fee) but can often help navigate the ins and outs of the expediting process.

Services like RushMyPassport.com double-check your application before it gets submitted and catch any errors or snags that might slow it down. Expeditors also rely on a subset of appointments being available, so although RushMyPassport’s fastest service is listed as two to four business days, even this can be limited in availability.

David Alwadish, CEO and founder of ItsEasy Passport & Visa , notes that the expediting slots get snatched up quickly. ItsEasy Passport & Visa currently charges $299 for its 10-day passport processing service and $940 for one-day service. “One- to three-day passport service requires urgent travel. Please contact us for details,” the agency advises. Do-it-yourselfers can also use the ItsEasy Passport App to submit applications for standard passport processing.

If you need it within 24 to 72 hours, try going to an agency in person

If there is a life-or-death emergency , such as an illness, injury, or death in your immediate family, getting an emergency appointment at an agency in person is the only option. You cannot walk in; you must make an appointment ahead of time online or by calling 1-877-487-2778. You can save valuable time by going in person—even if you have to fly to a passport agency in the departure city of your international flight. In these circumstances, it can take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours depending on where you apply and if you can provide accepted documentation, such as a death certificate or signed documentation from medical personnel.

One final tip...

The best thing you can do to avoid paying extra to expedite your passport is to set a calendar reminder for nine months before the expiration date of your current valid passport, for those who have one. At that point, you can look ahead at your travels and figure out the best 10–12-week period to apply—one where, ideally, you know you won’t be heading abroad. If you travel frequently enough that such a period is hard to identify, you may want to look into the option of applying for a second passport .

This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on July 11, 2024, with current information.

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Here's How Long It Takes to Renew a Passport

Why you should check your passport's expiration date right now.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Before booking that ticket, there's one thing you need to do right now: Double-check the expiration date on your passport. Since U.S. passports are valid for up to 10 years, it's understandably easy to forget when exactly it needs to be renewed (especially if you don't use it all that often). This seemingly small detail could result in a travel disaster.

How long does it take to renew a passport?

Passport processing times vary depending on demand. During the spring and summer months, you can expect to wait 10 to 13 weeks for routine processing and seven to nine weeks if you go the expedited route for an extra fee. According to the  State Department website , the period between October to December is typically less busy, resulting in faster turnaround. Bear in mind, however, that the processing times do not include the shipping time. If you want to receive your passport faster after processing, you can pay extra for a one- to two-day delivery service.

If your passport's time is almost up, don't wait — start the renewal process now. You can’t travel while your renewal application is being processed, and it's wise to ensure your travel documents are valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips.

Can your passport be renewed?

Before you begin the renewal process, make sure your most recent passport meets the following criteria:

• It has never been reported as lost or stolen.
• It was issued within the last 15 years.
• It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• It’s not damaged (beyond light wear and tear).
• It was issued in your current name, or you can provide documentation of your name change.
• It can be submitted with your application.

Passports that have been lost or stolen cannot be renewed, and neither can those issued to children under 16. If your passport is not eligible for a renewal, you'll have to apply for a new passport in person. Processing times for new passports are about the same as for renewals.

How do you renew your passport by mail?

If you’re an adult renewing a 10-year passport and meet all the requirements, you can do so by mail.

To renew by mail, you’ll have to fill out a DS-82 form and mail it along with your most recent passport, name change documentation (if applicable), a recent photo, and any fees in the form of a personal check or money order to a passport processing center with USPS. For faster shipping, you can purchase Priority Mail Express.

Once you’ve submitted it, you can track your application status online . For approximate processing times, see above.

How do you renew your passport in person?

If you don’t meet all of the requirements to renew by mail, you can apply in person at an acceptance facility (usually a local post office, public library, or government office). You’ll need to bring a filled-out DS-11 form , evidence and a photocopy of U.S. citizenship (like a previous passport or your birth certificate), an ID and a photocopy of that ID, and a valid photo (some acceptance facilities provide photo services for an additional fee).  

For an urgent situation (like a  life-or-death emergency ) that requires an immediate renewal for international travel within 72 hours, you can make an in-person appointment at a passport agency or center. There’s also an option for urgent international travel plans within 14 calendar days that don’t involve a life-or-death emergency and foreign visas within 28 calendar days. For this, you’ll have to call to make an appointment at a passport agency and provide proof of your upcoming travel. 

There are passport agencies and centers in most major U.S. cities. You can use the State Department’s list of locations to find the one nearest you. Be aware that you will have to call ahead — they do not take walk-ins and you cannot make an appointment online. 

If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad, head over to your nearest embassy or consulate and check what their process is to renew your passport. Each embassy has different procedures but you will most likely have to apply in person.    

How much does it cost to renew a passport?

There are different fees associated with applying for a passport book or card. (Note that both the book and card serve as proof of your American citizenship, however, the passport card  cannot be used for international air travel, only re-entry into the U.S. by land or sea.) 

If you’re an adult (age 16 or above), you will have to pay $130 for a passport book and $30 for a card whether you're applying for the first time or renewing. Expedited service costs an extra $60. For kids, passport books cost $35, plus a $100 application fee, while cards cost $35 each, plus a $15 application fee.

If you want to speed up the shipping time, one to two-day delivery will cost you $19.53. Whether you’re paying by mail or in person, it’s best to submit a check   (personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's) or money order   payable to the "U.S. Department of State.” Checks and money orders are widely accepted, though some places may have options to pay by card or cash.  

When should you renew your passport?

Sooner is always better when it comes to travel plans, particularly if you’re going overseas. While it’s best to think about renewing a year out from the expiration date, at the very least you need to begin about four months before you plan to travel.

Remember that passport processing begins when a passport agency receives your application, not the day you apply. It may take two weeks from the day you mail your application until it’s “In Process.” So plan for a 15-week interval until you receive your new passport. 

While the U.S. allows travelers to use a passport until the exact date listed on the front page, that's not the case for many other countries. For example, if you want to check out the natural beauty of New Zealand, your passport needs to be valid for another three months past your trip. Want to spend a week on the beach in Thailand? Six months. Even though some countries have more lenient requirements, it's better to play it safe. You can search for the specific requirements of different countries on the  State Department's website .

Also, keep in mind that most countries require you to have a specific number of blank visa pages to enter the country. If you’re running out of blank pages, you will have to apply for a new passport — it's no longer possible to add pages to a passport book. Most passport books include 17 blank pages for visa stamps (there is an option for a larger book with 43 blank pages). The standard requirement is one or two blank pages but you can check for your destination on this handy chart to make sure.

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Itching for an international trip? Be prepared to wait up to 18 weeks for a passport

If you want to travel internationally in the next six months and you don't have a passport or yours is set to expire in that time frame, act now to apply for one or renew yours.

Due to increased demand, a shortage of appointments and delays with the U.S. Post Service, the State Department now says that those applying for a new or renewed passport should expect to wait up to 18 weeks for their document. That wait time drops to 12 weeks if you pay $60 extra for expedited processing.

The delays have taken prospective travelers by surprise and many have turned to their elected representatives for help.

Summer air travel: Expect competitive airfares, non-stop flights and more

Travelers caught off guard by passport application delays

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) said his office is getting a tremendous number of requests for help with expedited passports.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Typically, Stanton’s staff processes 10-12 emergency passport requests from Phoenix residents in a month. The office received 20 last week alone.

“We want to make sure that people are aware of the new State Department recommendation to apply for the passport six months before planned travel,” Stanton said.

That means if you hope to travel late this fall or early next spring, the time to apply is now.

“We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to go on their long-planned vacations or see loved ones. If your passport did expire during the pandemic, it’s going to take a while to get that new one so we’re asking people to plan ahead,” Stanton said.

Flight delays: American, Southwest airlines surge in flight delays could hint at hard summer for travelers

Passport appointments are hard to get

There are several reasons for the delays. State Department offices were closed for several months last year during the worst of the pandemic, and some people decided to hold off renewing their passports since most travel was on lockdown.

Combine those factors with the resurgence of confidence in travel and you get a big demand for passports. 

Most passport acceptance facilities — like post offices, clerks of court and public libraries — are back open and accepting applications but may have limited appointment availability. 

“Passport demand is considerable at the moment as customers in Phoenix and across the country look forward to expanded travel opportunities. We’re working to increase passport application availability, but USPS isn't the only passport agent of the State Department,” Rod Spurgeon, spokesperson for the USPS in Phoenix, said.

He urged first-time applicants to check for appointments at county clerks, libraries or State Department passport offices. If you just need to renew your passport, the State Department urges you to do that by mail.  

Passports: What country holds the most powerful passport? The US didn't make the top five.

Long waits for postal returns

Typically, the State Department estimates that those applying for routine services can get their passport through the mail within 12 weeks. That timeline is six weeks if you pay the $60 fee to expedite it.

However, the processing time begins the day your application is received, not the day you mail it, and that's where passport seekers also are seeing delays.  

“Some of our service providers have been experiencing operational issues which result in delays in applications getting to our passport agencies and centers. These service providers include the U.S. Postal Service and the intake facility that processes payments and enters applications into our systems,” a State Department official said via email.

The department said that due to those delays “routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day a customer submits their application to the day they receive a new passport," which includes six weeks' mailing time. 

If you choose expedited service, you should expect to wait up to 12 weeks for your new passport to arrive. 

Passport update: The State Department is adding another gender option on passports. Here's what you need to know.

What to do if you have an emergency

With those delays in mind, Stanton's office is urging people who think they may travel in the next six months to start the application process now.

If you have more pressing plans or an emergency, you have a couple of options if you need a new passport.

You can go to one of the State Department's  passport agencies and get same-day service. But, that comes with a couple of caveats. 

First, you'll need an appointment, which are mostly reserved for cases involving life and death emergencies. Appointments can be made online at  passportappointment.travel.state.gov/ .

In an emergency, you also can reach out to your congressional representative's or senator's office for help. They have staff who help constituents navigate issues with government agencies, including the Department of State. 

"If you're in an emergency, contact our office. But if you're not in an emergency and just thinking about it, plan ahead and get that passport process going right away," Stanton said. 

You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager through email at [email protected] . You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram . 

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You can get your passport renewed online again. Here's how it works

Jonathan Franklin

The cover of a U.S. Passport is displayed in Tigard, Ore., Dec. 11, 2021. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption

Paging all U.S. travelers (and introverts) — you may not need to make that trip in person to renew your passport after all.

The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday it is bringing back a trial service to renew your passport online, saying it will open the system for all online renewals soon.

As of now, the rollout for online passport renewals is restricted to certain times. Beginning during midday Eastern time, the State Department will accept a limited number of applications. Once the portal has reached its daily limit, it will close until the next day, according to the agency.

Canceled trips and no refunds: Passport delays are derailing travelers

In order to qualify for an online passport renewal, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens and residents ages 25 and older who have already had an existing passport for 10 years; the passport must still be in the applicant’s possession (and not previously reported lost or stolen. It can, however, be expired.)
• Not be changing their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth for the new passport.
• Live in a U.S. state or territory.
• Be applying for a regular tourist passport.
• Be able to upload a recent digital photo.
• Be able to pay the renewal fee online with either a debit or credit card.

Delays in passport renewals are putting a damper in Americans' summer travel plans

The State Department says those who are not eligible to submit their application online — or who choose not to do so — can always submit their renewal application by mail or in person at a passport agency or center.

State Department officials added that the processing times for an online passport renewal are the same as for those who choose to renew their passport through the mail.

The U.S. State Department first rolled out its online renewal system back in 2021 through an executive order from President Biden. But after several pauses, the program was paused indefinitely in March 2023.

Last year, the State Department faced a backlog of passport renewals and many Americans experienced delays. The agency described it as an “unprecedented demand for passports.”

In 2023, the U.S. issued more than 24 million passports , a record jump from the 22 million it issued the year before.

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Passport wait times are up. Here’s what you need to get one.

Get your documents in order.

by Allie Volpe

After years of pandemic-curtailed travel, US vacationers are again packing their bags en masse. Over half of Americans are planning to travel for leisure during the first six months of 2023, according to an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of the US Travel Association. Per American Express’ 2023 Global Travel Trends Report , 85 percent of respondents reported their intentions to take two or more leisure trips this year.

For those eyeing an international escape, there’s one travel essential necessitating extra planning: your passport. Required for traveling between countries, a passport is a formal document identifying the passenger and their country of citizenship. Due to high demand , processing times for new US passports and renewals are 10 to 13 weeks for routine applications and seven to nine weeks for expedited applications. As recently as this February , processing times were six to nine weeks for routine applications and three to five weeks for expedited applications — so the situation can change quickly. The “ unprecedented demand ” for passports and subsequent delays has complicated upcoming summer travel plans for many, with some lawmakers hamstrung in their ability to help their constituents secure their documents.

If you have an overseas trip on the books, this is one to-do list item on which you shouldn’t procrastinate. The best time to start the application process for a passport or passport renewal is before you schedule a vacation. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need to renew the document, here’s what you need to get a US passport.

Who can get a passport?

United States citizens (both by birth and naturalization) as well as US nationals — those born in American Samoa, Swains Island, or the US Minor Outlying Islands — are eligible for an American passport . Passports for applicants 16 years of age and older are valid for 10 years. Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years.

If you have plans to travel internationally during the year your passport expires, make sure you’re not cutting it too close. Some countries require your passport to still be valid six months after your trip; for example, if your passport expires in June, you won’t be able to travel to Turkey in March. Look up your destination country to see its passport validity requirements.

The documents you need to get a passport

If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, you need to fill out an application , submit evidence of citizenship (a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship) — both the original and a photocopy — show a current form of ID (driver’s license, government employee ID, US permanent resident card, or non-driver ID), a photocopy of the ID, and a photo.

If you’re applying on behalf of your child, you need documentation that lists the parents or legal guardian of the child, like a birth certificate, adoption decree, or custody decree. Both parents must consent to the child receiving a passport, unless only one parent has sole custody. The Department of State suggests both parents apply in person for the child’s passport together, but if one parent can’t make it, they can submit a statement of consent (which must be signed in the presence of a notary). If you can’t locate the other parent, you’ll need to complete another form instead .

You can print the application and fill it in by hand (using black ink only) or you can fill out the form online and print it . Take extra care to ensure you’re spelling your name correctly or aren’t mistaking your Social Security number. “One of the biggest, yet most overlooked, passport application mistakes is putting incorrect or incomplete information on your application,” says travel blogger Marissa Strang . “It can take three weeks for passport services to send you the letter requesting a correction, delaying the process even further.”

Passport photos must meet specific requirements . The image must be in color and have been taken within the last six months — no selfies allowed. Your face must be in the center of the frame and you must have a neutral expression. The background of the photo must be white or off-white and without shadows. If you wear glasses, take them off. A family member or friend can take your photo, but you’ll have to print it out for the application. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS also offer passport photo services — just double-check that your local store provides the service. Or you can have your picture taken at the passport acceptance facility; this is the place where first-time passport applicants will need to apply in person. Passport acceptance facilities are usually post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices. You can search by zip code to find the nearest passport acceptance facility.

If you’re renewing your passport, you can apply by mail but only if you meet all of the following criteria: You have your current passport to mail with the application, the passport is undamaged, it was issued to you when you were 16 or older, it was issued within the last 15 years, and it was issued to your current name or you can document your name change. To document a name change, you need to submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change document. Maybe your current passport was issued when you were in high school or you lost it: You’ll need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. Find one near you by searching by zip code.

Those renewing passports have a different application to fill out. Other than the application, all you need to renew is your current passport, photo, and, if applicable, name change documents. Then, mail your application . (The process for renewing your passport online has been paused .)

Applying for a passport or renewing your passport costs a fee. For adults the cost is $130 (both for first-time applicants and renewals), and for children the cost is $100. You can pay an extra $60 to have the process expedited. You’ll need to pay by check or money order, made out to the US Department of State. First-time applicants will have to pay an additional $35 execution fee to the facility where you’re applying for your passport.

Where to apply for a passport

First-time applicants or folks who need to renew in person must find a location to apply and submit their application. Search to find the nearest passport acceptance facility . You may need to make an appointment in advance.

Under very limited circumstances, you can apply for a passport at one of the passport agencies nationwide . You must have an appointment and only two appointment types are available: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . If you need to travel internationally within the next three days due to the death of an immediate family member, or an immediate family member is dying or has a life-threatening injury or illness, you can qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment. For urgent travel appointments, you must be traveling internationally within two weeks. You must call to make an appointment. “If you need to call to make a same-day appointment, don’t do so on a Monday,” says Hans Mast, a travel adviser for Golden Rule Travel . “Try to call at the least convenient times to maximize your chances of getting through and minimize your competition.”

While there are many third-party services available to help applicants with the process for a fee, Phil Dengler, co-owner of the travel resource website The Vacationer , advises against utilizing these businesses. “None of these services can get you your passport quicker, and they are really just middlemen,” Dengler says. “These private companies simply submit your passport application or renewal by doing the same process that is available to you.”

When to expect your passport

In addition to the 10 to 13 weeks for standard processing, it may take up to two weeks for your information to arrive at the passport office and another two weeks for your passport to be mailed to you. (For first-time applicants, your citizenship documents will be mailed back to you separately from your passport.) At a maximum, expect upward of four months to get your passport. You can check the status of your passport online to get a clearer picture of its arrival time.

Another option for expediting the process is to ask your senator or representative for assistance, says Ashley Paddock, the owner of the travel blog Wanna Get Away On Points . “We did this in 2021 when we had an international trip planned and our newborn’s passport was taking longer than expected,” Paddock says. “After working with our representative’s office, we had the passport in hand the next week.” Call your representative’s office and explain you have upcoming international travel plans and your passport still hasn’t arrived. Provide the staffer the name on the passport application, when and where you’re traveling, when you submitted the application, and the application status as it appears online .

The representative’s office will request additional information and a casework authorization form from you: a written statement allowing their office to look into this for you, Paddock says. You’ll then get a notice from the US Department of State when the passport has been mailed.

“Your reps can bypass a lot of the bureaucracy and go straight to the executive offices of the relevant federal government agencies on a whole range of issues, passports included,” Mast says. “Often, reps will have dedicated staffers to help their constituents with these kinds of issues.”

While this is a useful tip, it should only be used when all other avenues have been exhausted, Mast says. Considering current delays in processing, your representatives may only be able to help in limited circumstances , like emergencies and family deaths.

The reward for such an extensive process is a document you won’t need to replace for another decade. (As soon as you get your passport, set a reminder in your phone for nine years from then to start the renewal process so you won’t forget.) Make sure you store your passport in a secure place — and don’t forget to bring it with you. Enjoy your travels!

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How Long it Takes to Renew Your Passport And What to Do If You're Traveling Soon

Don't miss out on the cost of your entire trip because you forgot how long it takes to renew your passport.

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When you’re planning a trip abroad, there are so many elements to consider — Where is the dollar strong ? How will you get around once you’re there? Is travel insurance worth it ? Do you need to know any basic phrases in another language to get by? — that sometimes, it’s easy to forget you need to consider one key point: how long it takes to renew your passport. 

The Department of State said in a press release in December that processing times are back to pre-pandemic levels. Keep in mind, though, that it's still a handful of weeks to get a renewed passport, as we'll get into the details below. This is a big change from last year, when the Department of State warned there were higher than average wait times to renew your passport.

Additionally, as of June, you can renew your passport online, which can eliminate a good amount of hassle. 

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"Our dedicated staff have worked countless hours to reduce passport processing times," the State Department said in October. "We are investing in supporting and modernizing our technology, increased staffing levels by ten percent, and have hundreds of additional staff in the hiring pipeline. We remain focused on lowering processing times, and this reduction is an important first step."

You don’t want to waste dollars and miss out on the cost of your entire trip just because you were unable to get your passport back in time, so here’s what you need to consider when renewing a passport for your trip.

When you need to renew your passport

Passports expire after 10 years, so it’s not a process you’ll need to do particularly often. You should keep in mind, however, that there are some countries that will not let you enter them if your passport is expiring within six months of your travel dates — so it’s good practice to renew beforehand. This is a requirement for many countries in Asia or South America, for example. 

If you are traveling with someone who got their passport before they turned 16, keep in mind their passport will only last five years before it expires.

How long it will take to renew your passport

Typical passport applications are processing in six to eight weeks for routine services per the State Department. If you opt to spend the money to expedite your passport (an additional $60 on top of the usual application costs), you will get it earlier, but it’s still a wait: two to three weeks.

Keep in mind, the State Department does not include mailing times in that estimate. It can take up to two weeks for it to receive an application in the mail, as well as up to two weeks for you to receive your finalized passport back in the mail.

The State Department also noted in its December statement that they are seeing "unprecedented demand" for passports, but they are taking efforts to tackle that demand.

If you want to avoid the stress of waiting or the extra fees associated with expediting your passport, we recommend applying for your passport as early as you can if it’s near expiration date, or if it has been lost or damaged.

Can you renew your passport online?

In June, the State Department announced it was allowing "eligible" Americans to renew their passports online, eschewing the time and effort of mailing in your documents. 

To be eligible for an online renewal, you must be 25 years or older and have a passport that was valid for 10 years and was issued generally between 2009 and 2015. You also must be able to pay with a credit or debit card and upload a digital passport photo. There are other requirements for eligibility, which you can see here . Eligibility also requires that you are not traveling internationally for at least eight weeks. 

This is a "beta release" of online renewals, which means the State Department is testing out this method. Along with that, they are limiting the number of people who can apply for renewal online each day. The State Department notes: "You may not be able to start your application on the day of your choice. The system will open for a limited midday eastern time window each day, and will close once we reach our limit for the day."

Additionally, this may not save a whole lot of time quite yet. The State Department says "the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail," so keep that in mind. 

What to do if you need a new passport and you’re traveling soon

Sometimes, life just happens and you’re unable to get a passport in time for your trip. Don’t worry — you do have options.

If you don’t have a viable passport and you’re traveling abroad within two weeks, you can try to make an emergency appointment at a passport center. You’ll have to call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule this appointment and bring proof of your imminent travel with you. Then, you’ll be able to get a passport in time for your trip. 

You can also use this service if a life-or-death emergency comes up and you need to travel internationally within 72 hours.

Passport processing times can be daunting, so your best move to avoid anxiety or extra costs is to handle any passport needs while planning your travel. Still, it is possible to get a last-minute emergency passport, so don’t worry too much if that ends up being your situation — you’ll be relaxing on your vacation abroad soon enough!

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Becca van Sambeck is a writer and editor with experience in many fields, including travel, entertainment, business, education, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in outlets like NBC, Oxygen, Bravo, the University of Southern California, Elite Daily, CafeMom, Travel For Teens, and more. She currently resides in New York City.

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How to get a U.S. passport fast: here’s how to expedite the process

For any international traveler, a passport is a necessity. So what happens when you discover your passport is expired right before a trip abroad? Don’t panic! You have options. Here’s how you can get a passport fast in the U.S., from standard expedited processing to emergency services.

In this post

How long is the current wait for a US passport?

How long does it take to get an expedited passport, how to get a passport fast in case of emergency, can you get a passport in one day, how to make an appointment to get a passport fast, our tips to be sure you’ll get your passport on time, should you use a passport courier expeditor company, where to travel while you wait for your new passport.

There are four ways to get a new passport , and each has a different processing time. Anyone can apply for a new passport or renew their existing passport via routine and expedited services, but you will need to meet special qualifications to apply or renew via urgent or emergency services.

• Routine : 8–11 weeks
• Expedited : 5–7 weeks
• Urgent : Same day to 14 days
• Emergency : Same day to 3 business days

Expert tip : These processing times do not include mailing times. To speed up delivery to the processing center if you’re renewing by mail, you’ll have to pay for Priority Mail Express (rates and shipping times vary by location, so inquire at your local United States Post Office branch). To speed up delivery to your home, you can pay $19.53 to the U.S. Department of State for 1- to 2-day shipping.

Expedited passports take 5 to 7 weeks to process , and that doesn’t include shipping times. Shipping can add up to 4 weeks to the processing timeline.

How to apply for a new passport with expedited services

You will need to apply in-person at an official passport acceptance facility, if you are applying for:

• your first U.S. passport,
• your child who is younger than 16,
• renewing a passport that was issued when you were younger than 16,
• renewing a passport issued more than 15 years ago,
• applying for a new passport after your previous one was lost, stolen or damaged.

In these situations, you will need to fill out Form DS-11 and provide the following:

• provide evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy,
• present a valid form of identification and a photocopy,
• provide a passport photo ,
• pay a $130 application fee for adults or a $100 application fee for children, a $35 acceptance fee, and a $60 fee for expediting.

Expert tip : Some passport acceptance facilities require appointments, so be sure to check in advance.

How to renew your passport with expedited services

If you are renewing an eligible passport (one issued to you within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older), you can renew by mail . You will need to fill out Form DS-82 and:

• submit your most recent U.S. passport,
• provide a passport photo,
• pay a $130 application fee and a $60 fee for expediting,
• and mail everything via the United States Postal Service.

The U.S. Department of State offers life-or-death emergency appointments for those needing to travel internationally within 72 hours if an immediate family member has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening condition. In this instance, immediate family means parents, legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings, or grandparents. You will need to provide documentation of the emergency, as well as proof of your international travels. For your appointment, you will need to complete the correct form, provide a passport photo, and present a valid form of ID.

Yes , the fastest passport renewal time is a same-day turnaround, but this service is only offered to individuals who meet certain criteria. You must be traveling internationally within 14 days, and you must be available to attend an in-person appointment at one of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the country . Appointments are extremely limited, and you may need to travel across the country for one.

To make a life-or-death emergency appointment , call 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, or 202-647-4000 outside those hours. To make an urgent appointment for international travel within 14 days, you must call 1-877-487-2778 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET.

• Check your passport’s expiration date before you book international travel .
• If renewing by mail, pay for faster delivery . This can reduce the overall timeline of your passport processing and shipping by up to four weeks.
• Be ready to book a last-minute flight for an in-person appointment . If you’re in a pinch, you won’t have the luxury of convenience. Appointments are very limited, and you may need to travel across the country for one.

There are private companies that offer to handle your passport application or renewal for you, including expedited services. While many (but not all) of the companies are legit, they usually charge hundreds of dollars in additional fees for services that are free via the U.S. Department of State.

Expert tip : If you want to use a courier or expeditor, do your due diligence to ensure it’s a legitimate company. You are, after all, handing over very sensitive personal documents.

If you don’t have a passport in your possession, you’re in luck. The U.S. has plenty of incredible destinations for your next vacation, no passport necessary .

• For culture: New Orleans, Louisiana, or Flushing, New York
• For nature: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, or Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
• For European flair: Solvang, California; Leavenworth, Washington; or Frankenmuth, Michigan
• For wine: Napa, California; Sonoma, California; or Walla Walla, Washington

Bottom line

It’s possible to get your passport fast, but you’re best off applying or renewing well in advance of your international trip!

How KAYAK knows what to put in this guide

As a travel writer, I always have my passport nearby. For my last renewal, I opted for expedited service, so I’m familiar with the process. In addition to that, I’ve only used reliable sources of information to compile this guide, and I recommend checking these sources (see below) when planning your next international trip.

The foregoing article was last updated on the 25th of October 2023. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information. Sources: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/courier-and-expeditor-companies.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html

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Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency

Life-or-Death Emergencies

Courier and Expeditor Companies

• Life-or-Death Emergency  (appointment required)
• Urgent Travel  (appointment required)
• Routine      
• Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times + mailing times (up to 2 weeks) = total time to get a passport

Expand the options below to learn more about the four types of service we offer.

You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel to a foreign country in the next 14 days because your immediate family member outside of the united states: has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury see our  life-or-death emergencies  page for more information on how to make an appointment. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks.  if you have not applied, make an appointment online . your appointment at a  passport agency or center  must within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  if you have already applied, call us at 1-877-487-2778 .  we cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 8 weeks from the date you submit your application.  expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can  expedite at an acceptance facility  or  expedite a renewal by mail .    , choose this service if you are traveling over 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. routine service takes 6-8 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can apply for routine service at an  acceptance facility  or  renew by mail .    , contacting us if you have urgent travel.

Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I have not applied yet, reminders for contacting us.

• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Traveling in Less Than 2-3 Weeks

Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

We have two types of appointments:  Life-or-Death Emergency Service  and  Urgent Travel Service .

• You cannot walk in without an appointment. 
• We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service is for customers who are traveling in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency. Learn more on our  Life-or-Death Emergency page .

Urgent Travel Service : If you have not yet applied , make an appointment online . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  

If you have already applied , call 1-877-487-2778 . 

We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. 

Traveling in Less Than 8 Weeks

Expedite a first-time application or a child's application.

Use our Form Filler to fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Follow the steps on how to apply in person
• Include your $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Find an  acceptance facility  near you to submit your application

Expedite a Renewal or Name Change by Mail

Use our Form Filler  to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.

• Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. Follow the steps on how to mail your application
• Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. Follow the steps on how to change your name.
• Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pay for faster delivery and return shipping.

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. These companies submit applications and pick up passports for customers. 

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in extra fees. They may also charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form. 

To learn more about these companies, visit our  Passport Expeditor and Courier page .

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

Requesting a Refund for Expedited Service

Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

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So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Renew Your Passport

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Table of Contents

How long does it take to renew your passport?

Reasons to renew your passport ahead of expiration, passport renewal fees, how to renew your passport by mail, in person or online, how often do you have to renew your passport, what to do if you have a lost or stolen passport.

Even if an international trip isn't on your calendar anytime soon, grab your passport and check when it expires. If your passport expires within the next year, don’t wait to renew. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires within six months. And it costs extra money to get a turnaround on your renewal quickly.

According to the U.S. Department of State, current passport processing timelines are as follows:

Routine processing: Six to eight weeks.

Expedited processing: Two to three weeks.

What's more, making an emergency visit to a passport agency if it doesn’t come in time is stressful, and not a great way to start your vacation. Here's how to renew your passport.

Though the State Department gives estimations for returning passports to applicants, you run the risk of being that one-off case that took longer than normal.

In addition, the State Department’s projected processing times do not include mailing times, and the department also warns that it can take up to two weeks for your application to actually be acknowledged as “in process.”

Add that all up, and it’s reasonable to start applying for your passport renewal now — even if it doesn’t expire this year.

It may not be valid for some travel — even if its still valid

Some countries require that passports be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip.

That means even if your passport doesn’t expire until the end of 2024, you might not be able to travel internationally during the summer of 2024 if it expires within six months. In fact, some airlines won’t allow you to board with a passport that is near expiry (and hey, you probably don’t want to fly 20 hours to Dubai only to find the United Arab Emirates won’t let you into the country).

The State Department’s Country Information page provides details on which countries have such requirements.

Expedited processing fees will eat into your vacation budget

If you procrastinate, then not all is lost — except some of your vacation fund. You can pay extra to receive a passport more quickly, but you’ll have to pay an additional $60 for expedited service.

And even still, the process isn't exactly speedy. Double or triple that cost if you have family members who need that service as well.

You could use a passport to fly domestically too (unless you have Real ID)

Even if you don’t plan to travel internationally anytime in the next few years, a passport could be necessary for domestic travel.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you’ll need Real ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card with a star. To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.

To obtain Real ID-compliant identification, you’ll typically have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency.

However, you can avoid a trip to the DMV for a new license by showing other acceptable identification at the airport, such as a passport or passport card. Depending on what your local DMV lines are like, it might be easier to just have a valid passport and use it for all domestic and international travel.

How much does it cost to renew your passport? For first-time passport applicants, the cost is $165, including $130 for the application fee and $35 for the execution (or acceptance) fee.

Those who plan to renew their passport do not need to pay the acceptance fee again. You'll be charged $30 for a passport card, $130 for a passport or $160 for both, per person. Expedited services is an additional $60 per person, and if you need it even faster, you can also pay for expedited delivery (one to two days) for an additional $19.53.

Renew by mail

In general, the easiest way to renew your passport is by mail. You can do this if all of the following apply:

You have your passport in your possession (and can submit it with your application).

It is undamaged (aside from normal wear and tear).

You received it when you were at least 16 years old.

It was issued within the past 15 years.

It was either issued to your current name or you can submit documentation of your name change.

To apply by mail, you’ll need the following:

A filled-out DS-82 form .

Your most recent passport.

Name change documents (such as a marriage certificate), if applicable.

A passport photo taken in the past six months.

Payment via personal check or money order to the U.S. Department of State of $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Mail your application and documents to the National Passport Processing Center ( addresses and renewal details can be found here ).

Renew passport in person

If one of the above five scenarios doesn't apply to you, then you’ll need to apply in person. To apply in person, you’ll need the following:

A filled-out DS-82 form.

How to renew your passport online

In the spring of 2023, the U.S. Department of State offered a limited release of online renewal services. This application pathway has since been pause and is no longer available.

A nationwide release is pending improvements to the system.

While you cannot submit an application online now, you can still renew by mail if you are eligible.

Passports expire every 10 years if it was issued after you turned 16 years old. If your current passport was issued while you were 15 and younger, it is valid for 5 years.

Maybe you moved recently and your passport got lost in the shuffle. Or you tossed it in a box after a year of uncertainty of when you’d ever use it again — and now you can’t fathom finding it.

You’ll need to report your lost or stolen passport to the State Department. From there, you must apply for a replacement passport , and standard fees apply.

You can renew an expired passport if the passport was issued within the past 15 years only. If the passport was issued earlier than that, go through the same steps of applying for a new passport.

The cost to renew a passport book is $130. It’s $30 to renew a passport card, or $160 for both. Expedited service costs an additional $60.

Yes, your passport photo must have been taken in the past six months from the time you submit the new passport application.

Yes, your old passport book or passport card will be returned (you need to mail in your most recent passport if you are renewing by mail). It usually will be sent separately from the new passport.

If you were at least 16 years old when the passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. Otherwise, it’s valid for five years.

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Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

U.S. passport processing times return to pre-pandemic levels

Processing times for U.S. passport applications have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the State Department announced Monday .

Routine passport applications are currently processed within six to eight weeks, while expedited service, which costs an additional $60, takes two to three weeks, the department said.

"With this update, we have fulfilled our commitment to return to benchmarks from March 2020," the department said in a statement. "This reflects the work of dedicated employees working for the American people."

Lingering pandemic-related factors and a surge in overseas travel had disrupted processing times earlier this year, scuppering plans for thousands. As recently as July , routine processing times had slowed to between 10 and 13 weeks, and seven to nine weeks for expedited processing. The department said that, during some weeks this summer, it saw nearly 400,000 applications submitted.

A department spokesperson said staffing levels had increased by 12% since December 2022, with hundreds of additional staffers in the hiring pipeline. Department staffers have also worked tens of thousands of hours of overtime. From January 2023 through October 2023, the department authorized 30,000 to 40,000 overtime hours each month. It also tapped volunteers from across the department working on surge teams, including retirees and new hires adjudicating passports before reporting to other assignments.

Nearly half of all Americans, around 48%, now possess a current U.S. passport, compared with just 5% in 1990. There are now over 160 million valid U.S. passports in circulation, nearly double the amount from 2007.

While Transportation Security Administration screenings at U.S. airports continue to set records some days , there are signs that the post-pandemic "revenge travel" trend is slowing down , as flyers trim budgets amid a slowing economy.

Rob Wile is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist covering breaking business stories for NBCNews.com.

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Good News for Weary Travelers: Online Passport Renewal Is Coming Your Way

The shift will eliminate the need for piles of paperwork and hours waiting in lines. But it will still take some time to actually get your hands on your passport.

By Debra Kamin

Following the success of a limited pilot program for online passport renewal this summer, the U.S. State Department says it plans to fully launch an online passport renewal option for the general public in early 2023.

The shift, which for many will eliminate the need for piles of paperwork and hours spent waiting in line at passport offices, is meant to offer relief after the pandemic created two years of extensive delays and backlogs for passport seekers.

The online renewal option was created following a December 2021 executive order from President Joe Biden, who demanded the federal government “design and deliver services in a manner that people of all abilities can navigate.”

An initial pilot program was launched in February for federal government employees and contractors. After that closed, a second program opened Aug. 2 for 25,000 members of the public; it closed to applicants on Aug. 12. State Department officials say they plan to initiate a third pilot program for a limited number of applicants later in September, and while they don’t yet have a specific date for launching the system for all Americans, they say they intend to do so by early 2023.

The majority of U.S. passports can currently be renewed by mail, but the process requires applicants to print and manually fill out multiple documents, and then send them in along with printed photographs (which must meet sizing and resolution standards ) and a check or money order to cover fees.

For some people — applicants under the age of 16, for example, or those applying for a first-time passport — neither the mail nor online is an option. The same goes for those renewing a document that was lost or stolen, or updating an expired passport that was issued more than 15 years ago. In those cases, applicants must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility like a U.S. Post Office.

For time-crunched applicants who need their documents in six weeks or less, the options are even more limited. Last-minute passports can only be obtained after an appointment at one of the State Department’s 26 official passport centers and passport agencies , where passports can be renewed in person and obtained the same day for a $60 expediting fee.

How bad are current wait times?

Since 2020, shuttered passport offices and personnel cuts at the State Department have bogged down the system, with wait times for passport renewals stretching as long as 18 weeks. A slashed number of in-person appointments makes options for emergency or last-minute travel documents elusive . Some travelers have flown across the country in order to have their passports renewed in person ; Americans abroad have reported paying shady brokers in order to get an in-person slot at a consulate to update their passports or register the birth of a child.

Wait times for those needing updated documents have improved since early in the pandemic, but continue to lag: Routine passport service, which once took as little as six weeks, is currently estimated to take between seven and 10 weeks. Expedited service, which costs an additional $60, and, before the pandemic, would have taken up to three weeks, is now estimated to take between four and six weeks.

Will I get my passport quicker by using the online option?

Currently, processing times for online renewal remain the same as those sent via snail mail. But while there’s no guarantee that online renewal will shorten wait times, it will cut down on paperwork and streamline the process, both for applicants and State Department officials, who continue to work their way through a backlog of nearly two million passport applicants that started piling up in early 2020.

On its website, the State Department urges applicants not to renew online if they are traveling internationally in six weeks or less, as their current passport will become invalid as soon as they submit their renewal application.

How does the online process work?

To join the pilot program for online passport renewal, applicants must create an account at MyTravelGov , a process that requires a valid email address. Once logged in, the page will eventually contain a link to the online passport renewal system, which will require entering your passport number and uploading a digital photo. Currently, with the pilot program closed, there is no such link, and a link that read “how to renew your passport” takes you to a form with information for renewing by mail.

And the technology of the system itself, some travel advisers say, leaves room for improvement.

“The system is designed to take the nightmare part of passport renewal out of it and have people be able to do it from the comfort of their homes. It will be the future. But as it’s designed right now, it’s a little bit clunky,” said Anthony Berklich, a travel adviser and founder of the travel platform Inspired Citizen .

There are multiple steps, and applicants must create a password, then enter a separate passcode sent via email, which can be confusing. And after going through all the steps, some applicants, Mr. Berklich added, received error messages telling them they were ineligible for online renewal despite meeting all the requirements.

How do I know if I can renew online?

To qualify for online renewal, you must currently have a passport that is or was valid for 10 years, and it’s OK if your passport has expired. But you can’t renew documents online that are too new or too old, so if you have more than one year left on your passport (meaning it was issued after 2013), you can’t renew online. Same goes for expired passports that were issued more than 15 years ago, in 2007 or earlier.

You must also be at least 25 years old, and must not be changing your name or gender on the document. And you must be able to upload a digital photo and pay fees using a credit or debit card or ACH payment, and live in the United States. Lost or damaged passports also cannot be renewed online.

How much does it cost to renew online?

Passport renewal fees are the same whether you renew online or via traditional methods: $130 for an adult and $135 for a minor. An additional $60 fee for expedited service also remains the same.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

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Spain:  By welcoming visitors with glorious scents and a natural beauty that rivals Provence in France, the annual lavender harvest has revitalized the medieval town of Brihuega .

Santa Fe:  Every spring, hundreds of bicyclists gather in the New Mexico city to ride through a high-desert landscape  rich in art, history and Indigenous culture.

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Renewing Your US Passport Online Is Even Easier Now

The State Department's online renewal system for passports is now open longer each day.

If you want to renew your US passport online, plan to log in to the MyTravelGov website soon after 1 p.m. ET.

One of the more annoying bureaucratic processes has just gotten a whole lot easier. After first testing it in the fall of 2022, the US State Department has relaunched an online passport renewal program in beta release for a limited number of users each day.

The program for renewing US passports online opens each day on the MyTravelGov website at 1 p.m. ET and closes when it reaches an unspecified number of applicants. That open window lasted mere minutes for the week after the program restarted on June 12, but recent CNET testing shows you now have much more time each day to apply.

On both July 9 and July 10, the online passport renewal system was open for more than two hours until after 3 p.m. ET. That means you've probably got at least a two-hour window each day to begin the online passport renewal process.

Learn everything you need to know about the new online US passport renewals, including who is eligible and how you can apply. For more travel tips, check out  how to plan your travel with AI ,  how to perfectly pack your carry-on luggage and how to avoid airline baggage fees .

A limited number of people can apply for US passport renewals each day.

How does the new US online passport renewal system work?

Most US citizens currently renew their passports  by printing and filling out form DS-82 , then mailing that form with a new passport photo and a renewal fee in the form of a check or money order. The online passport renewal system instead uses a website form and a payment system that allows credit cards, debit cards or online ACH transfers.

Renewing your passport online doesn't mean that you'll receive it any sooner than usual, though. The State Department is sticking to its " routine service " for passport renewals, whether they're online or by mail. That means you'll receive your new passport in six to eight weeks, no matter how you apply. If you need your passport sooner than that, you'll need to apply by mail and pay $60 more for expedited service .

Who is eligible to renew their US passport online?

The most important qualifying factors for renewing your passport online are:

• You are at least 25 years old.
• You live in the US (state or territory).
• Your current passport is or was valid for 10 years.
• Your current passport must be at least 9 years old and have been issued within the last 15 years (2009-2015).
• You still have your existing passport, and it's not mutilated or damaged.

Along with the main eligibility requirements, the State Department provides a list of further restrictions for online renewal:

• You can only renew regular passports online, not "special issuance" passports (like diplomatic, official or service passports).
• You cannot change your name, gender, place of birth or date of birth from your previous passport.
• You must be able to pay for online renewal using a credit card, a debit card or ACH transfer.
• You must be able to upload a new passport photo.
• You cannot travel internationally for eight weeks after submitting your online renewal application.

That last restriction is important because your existing passport, if still valid, will be immediately canceled as soon as your online renewal application is accepted.

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for renewing your passport online, you'll need to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency .

If I'm eligible, how do I renew my US passport online?

Right now, MyTravelGov is accepting a certain number of online passport renewals each day (including weekends) around midday ET. Several news publications, however, including the Thrifty Traveler , are reporting the window will open each day right at 1 p.m. ET.

Before you can apply for an online passport renewal, you'll need to create a MyTravelGov account, if you don't already have one. Visit the MyTravelGov website , click on the blue Sign In  button in the top-right corner, then click Create an account . This will begin the process of creating an account with login.gov , the US federal government's authentication system.

You'll then need to enter an email address and your choice of language: login.gov is available in English, Spanish and French. After submitting your email address, you'll need to verify it by clicking on a link in an email message from login.gov, after which you'll choose a password and preferred form of multifactor authentication.

You'll then need to provide personal information for the account, at minimum your first and last name. Once you're finished, you should be able to access the online passport renewal page . Hit the blue Start button at the bottom of the page to begin the application. The State Department estimates that the online application process will take about 40 minutes.

If the online passport renewal application window is not open, you'll receive a message that you'll need to return and try again tomorrow. If you're lucky enough to begin the application, you'll need the following items:

• Your existing US passport.
• A digital passport photo.
• Credit card, debit card or your bank's routing and account numbers for ACH transfer.

In the first part of the application, you'll enter information about your current passport, your legal name and whether you want a passport book, passport card or both. Next you'll update your digital passport photo , and then finally your payment information.

MyTravelGov will send you two email verifications after you submit your renewal application: The first will confirm your pending payment, and the second will confirm that the payment has been received. One week after you apply, you can sign up for email updates about your passport using the State Department's online passport status system . You should expect to receive your new passport in the mail within six to eight weeks.

You can renew whichever US passport format you hold.

What about renewing US passport cards online?

Passport cards are objects that look much like US driver's licenses and can be kept in your wallet. They allow for travel from the US by land or sea to Canada, Mexico or Caribbean countries. They are not valid for any international travel by air.

You can renew both passport books and cards online. Basically, you can renew whichever US passport document that you currently hold. If you have an old passport book and passport card, you can renew both at the same time. If you have one or the other, you can only renew that specific document.

The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make With Their Kids' Passports

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

International travel already requires more planning than domestic trips, but things get more complicated when you add children and their passports into the mix.

“Applying for a child’s passport should be basically easy,” said David Alwadish, the founder and CEO of the passport and visa concierge service ItsEasy.com . In reality, however, the process can feel a bit overwhelming.

“It requires an original birth certificate, the child, and the parents who are listed on the birth certificate to all appear in person before an authorized acceptance agent for the gathering of the documents and witnessing of the parents’ oaths,” Alwadish explained.

But there are many things that can go potentially go wrong, leaving parents scrambling to get their child’s passport in time for an important family visit or big vacation. We asked experts to share the most common mistakes parents make with their children’s passports.

Ignoring the photo guidelines

“Parents often ignore the guidelines for photos in favor of capturing the cutest, most aesthetic passport photo,” said Lousson Smith, a product operations specialist for the flight alert service Going .

If you do periodic family photo shoots or an annual holiday card session, consider asking your photographer to snap a couple of passport photo options. Just remember the photo must show the child against a white background, and they must be the right distance from the camera and in clear focus.

“The No. 1 reason for rejected or delayed applications is poor quality photos,” Alwadish said. “The baby can have a natural smile, but not a giddy smile that distorts the natural flow and contour of face and eyes. The parent can’t be in the photo.”

He noted that your child can’t be wearing a bow, hat or anything on their head. Religious head coverings are acceptable if the parent provides a statement attesting to their religious purpose. Otherwise, the important thing is to ensure the child’s head is up, their eyes are open and they’re facing straight ahead with a non-exaggerated expression.

“Lay the child down safely on your carpet or bed atop a white sheet, so they never can fall, and wait for the perfect moment to take multiple photos until you get the right one,” Alwadish advised.

Submitting incorrect information

“Your mileage may vary but some custom agents will be very particular over information that doesn’t exactly match,” Smith said. “Ensure your child’s name, DOB, and passport information is 100% correct. Also, make sure the parental information is correct and that your own passport doesn’t expire soon.”

She recommended checking that your passport has at least six months of validity until the expiration date.

“ Another common error that parents make is they get a blank passport form and fill it out by hand,” Alwadish said. “This practice not only slows the passport agents down from processing the application, having to retype the entries, but also increases the risk of any unforced typographical errors in the finished passport.”

He recommended filling out passport forms online.

Not having both parents appear in person

To prevent international abductions and other issues, the State Department requires both parents or guardians to go with their child to apply for a passport in person. Extra paperwork is necessary when this is not possible.

“Problems start when both parents cannot appear in person and only one does, without the proper consent form, documentation or death certificate,” Alwadish said.

He noted that work conflicts, divorce, custody agreement issues, incarceration or guardianship arrangements might get in the way of both parents appearing in person to apply for the passport.

“If both parents can’t appear, in most cases there is a special form that the remaining parent who will not appear can sign and have notarized,” Alwadish said. “This form, known as a DS 3053 , commonly used when the parent that is unable to attend, will give permission to the remaining parent to appear with the child. The same form can be used by both parents to enable a guardian to represent and appear with the child.”

Thinking you can renew it

Don’t confuse the passport rules for children with those for adults. While adult passports are good for 10 years, kids’ passports are only good for five — so just because your passport is good to go for a vacation, your child’s might not be. Make a note in your calendar and remember you’ll need to use the same procedure you did for their first passport to reapply after the five years is up.

“Every passport issued to a child under 16 years of age is simply not renewable, so it’s a mistake to explore a renewal,” Alwadish said. “Any passport issued after a child’s 16th birthday, if it’s not lost and they hold it to full-term, is renewable, however.”

“When traveling, hold on to your kid’s passport to mitigate the chance they might lose it abroad and keep it with yours,” Smith advised. “Travel with photocopies and pictures of the passport just in case. If you lose it abroad, go to the nearest embassy to get an expedited replacement.”

In addition to safely keeping your children’s passports with yours, Alwadish also recommended getting a passport ID card for your child to carry in case you are separated. It’s more like a regular ID card than a passport, but it’s cheaper, smaller and allows holders to cross some land borders.

“Tape your cell number to the card and make sure it never leaves their person,” he said. “Will that card be the ‘end all’ for security? Probably not, but it is only $15! ”

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Money Talks News

3 Ways to Renew Your Passport in a Hurry — and Everything Else to Know

Posted: February 6, 2024 | Last updated: May 9, 2024

Excited to have a vacation on the horizon, I bought airline tickets for a trip out of the country recently. To my shock, the airline alerted me that my passport would expire before my trip. Suddenly, I needed to move fast to get the passport renewed.

There’s been a big demand for passports in recent years, with the growth of overseas travel. “In 1990, only 5 percent of Americans had a passport. Today, that number is 48 percent,” the State Department says . For a time the agency fell behind its goal of processing applications within six to eight weeks for routine applications, although it says that it has caught up now.

Besides the routine approach for renewing a passport, there are three other, faster ways to renew: expedited, urgent and emergency. Each has rules, fees and processing times.

Read on to learn about your options to renew a passport, including official routes (click the timelines for details) and how to speed up a renewal application that’s already in the system. We also look briefly at private companies — couriers and expediters not affiliated with the government — that claim to process passport renewals quickly.

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Routine passport renewal timeline

• Time left before travel: Eight weeks or more
• Fees : Passport book, $130; passport card (not good for international air travel), $30. Postage not included. Optional one- to two-day delivery service, $19.53, is available for passport books only.

Submit a routine renewal application if you’re not in a rush. Routine processing time is six to eight weeks, not including mailing.

According to a hotline agent I spoke with, you can either renew by mail or make an appointment with a passport agency near you. (For now, a trial online system has been paused .) Download and complete Form DS-82 , or use the online Form Filler Tool and print the completed form at home.

As you’d expect, government forms and rules can be fussy. This link explains how to apply, including how to take a good photo. Children under age 16 aren’t eligible to renew using Form DS-82. Instead, use Form DS-11 and apply in person. You can get help — no charge — filling out forms, answering questions and assembling your application at one of many official passport acceptance facilities (including post offices, libraries and some local government offices).

1. Expedited passport renewal

• Time left before travel: Less than eight weeks

Fees: $60 expediting fee on top of application fee

Submit your expedited renewal application by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility . Processing time (not including mailing) is two to three weeks.

Here’s how I made my expedited renewal application:

• On advice from the National Passport Information Center hotline (1-877-487-2778), I took my completed application, regulation passport photos , old passport and a check for the application and processing fees to a U.S. Post Office. The passport hotline is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• I put everything in a USPS’ Priority Mail Express envelope, since I was in a hurry to receive my renewed passport. I called the passport hotline, and they advised using the one- to two-day delivery service for an additional fee.
• My new passport arrived in two weeks, quicker than I’d dared hope. My old passport was returned separately.

Using USPS Priority Mail Express was a great tip from the hotline. Otherwise, an application can spend up to two weeks in the mail to the passport agency; and your new passport could spend another two weeks in the return mail.

2. Urgent passport renewal

• Time left before travel: Two to three weeks

For urgent travel (if you’re traveling within 14 days or if you need a foreign visa within four weeks), you can skip the mail and make an appointment (no charge) online to visit a passport agency or center . It’s OK to make your appointment as many as 14 days in advance, but the appointment itself must fall within five calendar days of your departure. No specific processing time is given for urgent applications.

Related: Half of All Retirees Say They Fear This

One hitch: “Appointments are limited and we cannot guarantee one will be available,” the State Department says . Walk-ins are not accepted.

3. Emergency passport renewal

Time left before travel: Three business days (72 hours)

This category of renewals is reserved for a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel. You’ll need an appointment. It’s OK to book the appointment as far as two weeks in advance but the appointment itself must be within three business days of your international travel.

Before making the appointment you’ll need to document the emergency. Here’s how to apply for an emergency passport renewal . Bring proof of travel to your appointment.

The emergency provision is for a documented “life-or-death” emergency involving an immediate family member (not aunt, uncle, cousin, or other relative) outside of the United States who:

• Is dying (in hospice care)
• Has a life-threatening injury or illness

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Upgrading a passport application already in the system

If you’ve already submitted a passport renewal application but need to travel sooner than you’d thought, you can apply to upgrade your application.

The State Department explains how to proceed if you’ve already got an application in the system and have urgent travel. Call the passport hotline for instructions.

Are couriers and expediters worth it?

Some people, hoping to move quickly and willing to spend more money, use private courier and expediter companies . Such companies are not affiliated with the government, despite what some may say or imply.

A service may promise fast service for an additional fee. But with an outside service, “you will not receive your passport faster than applying at one of our passport agencies ,” the State Department says.

Some services may offer to wait in line for you, mail your documents or make an appointment on your behalf. But the State Department doesn’t charge for appointments and says, “If you are asked to pay for an appointment, you should consider the request to be fraudulent.”

The State Department doesn’t back promises from private companies or guarantee documents’ safety in the hands of couriers and expediters.

Also, scammers sometimes pose as passport expediters and courier companies. Experian, the credit agency, tells how to protect yourself from passport scams . The State Department also maintains a list of registered couriers .

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Passports can now be renewed online under pilot program aiming to speed up the process

Last month, the federal agency launched an online pilot system allowing passport holders to apply for a renewal online. Typically, the application is filled out on paper and mailed in along with the expired passport. 

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The beta program is the first step in an effort to address long processing times amid a backlog of requests spurred by the end of pandemic-era travel restrictions. 

In 2023, the State Department received half a million applications a week and issued a record 24 million passports. However, the increase in requests left eligible U.S. citizens waiting 10-13 weeks for a new passport, or 7-9 weeks if they paid for the expedited service. 

In an effort to address the long wait times, Congresswoman Grace Meng , who represents much of Queens, brought up the issue with as a priority with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. During a Congressional hearing on his department’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year last May, she asked him what action was being taken to make the process faster and easier for those looking to travel. 

Since then, the backlog has eased, and the processing times listed on the State Department website show 6-8 weeks for standard renewal, and 2-3 weeks for the expedited option. 

“Getting a passport renewed should not be a headache for U.S. travelers, including those in Queens and across New York,” said Congresswoman Meng. “After months of backlogs and delays following the COVID-19 pandemic, I am pleased to see the State Department taking steps to simplify and modernize the renewal process.”

But with the Online Passport Renewal service still in the public beta period, only a limited number of individuals will be able to renew their passports online each day. The site will open for applicants at noon eastern time daily, and close when the undisclosed application limit is reached.  

The cap on applicants is designed to allow the State Department to monitor and test the program without getting overwhelmed with applications. They will also be able to address issues and make improvements when needed. 

“This online platform will reduce delays caused by the often-drawn-out bureaucratic processes and facilitate travel, which will make it easier for my constituents to see their loved ones, travel, and conduct business around the world,” added Rep. Meng.

About the Author

Iryna Shkurhan

Iryna is a staff reporter primarily covering eastern Queens.

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