Expedited Passport Application (USA)

Sometimes, you need to get your passport quicker than the usual processing time allows, but you don’t have an emergency that would justify the processing office to process it quickly for free. If that’s your case, then the expedited application is for you.

Table of contents

• How to speed up U.S. passport processing? Expedited services explained
• Difference between standard and expedited passport processing
• Expedited passport processing time in the U.S.
• Expedited passport application: how-to
• Documents required for expedited passport application
• USA passport photo tool
• Expedited passport fee
• How to find a passport acceptance facility with expedited service near me?

How to speed up U.S. passport processing? Expedited services explained

As we have explained above, expedited services allow you to have your passport application processed more quickly for an additional fee. Note that this does not apply to emergencies.

This option fits you if your international travel date is within 3 to 5 weeks.

You can expedite your first-time application by applying to expedite at an Acceptance Facility with a cost of $60.

If you need to expedite a renewal, you can apply in person at an Acceptance Facility or by mail. In both cases, a $60 expedited fee applies.

Difference between standard and expedited passport processing

The main distinction between standard and expedited processing is time. Standard U.S. passport issuing usually takes 6 to 9 weeks. In expedited processing, this period is shorter: 3 to 5 weeks.

Of course, this quicker service also comes at a price: the expedited fee is $60.

Expedited passport processing time in the U.S.

According to the US Department of State, the processing time for expedited applications is 3 to 5 weeks.

Expedited passport application: how-to

There are two ways you can submit and expedite your passport application: through an Acceptance Facility or by mail.

Acceptance facility

You can submit both first-time applications as well as renewals in such facilities. To apply with expedited service:

1. Fill out your passport application form and collect your documents;
2. Include the additional $60 expedited fee on top of the regular application fee;
3. Find the acceptance facility nearest you and submit your application and fees. Check whether an appointment is needed and apply accordingly;
4. Purchase USPS' Priority Mail Express so that your application is shipped quicker.

By mail

Mail-in applications are only available for renewals. Here’s how to renew with expedited service by mail:

1. Fill out your DS-82 renewal application and collect the required documents;
2. Include the additional $60 expedited fee on top of the standard cost;
3. Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope;
4. Purchase USPS' Priority Mail Express so that your application is shipped quicker.

Documents required for expedited passport application

The documents needed for expedited passport application are the same as in standard processing:

• Passport application form (DS-11 for first time and DS-82 for renewals);
• Proof of citizenship for first time applications;
• Most recent US passport, for renewals;
• Name change documents, if applicable;
• Valid passport photo;
• Application fee;
• Expedite fee.

As you can see, the only difference is the expedited fee.

USA passport photo tool

As we have explained above, US travel documents' photos must follow specific requirements to be accepted. To avoid wasting time and resources, we recommend you trust the editing of your photo to a professional tool that guarantees that your photo will fully satisfy the parameters up to the subtlest details and be accepted by the embassy or consulate.

Visafoto has been processing US visas and passport pictures since 2013 with an acceptance guarantee. Just upload a portrait (or even a selfie) of you taken in decent lighting, with a proper dress code, and adequately posed: look straight to the camera and keep a neutral expression. Visafoto will take care of the rest.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Use a selfie taken under daylight, like this one:

You will get two files from Visafoto: a digital photo for electronic applications and a template ready for printing at the nearest pharmacy, so you can easily use the results for your application.

Expedited passport fee

The expedited fee for US passport applications is $60 whether you apply by mail or in person.

How to find a passport acceptance facility with expedited service near me?

To find where you can submit your passport application and expedite it, visit the Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page and look up based on your zip code.