Traveling within 14 days? Standard and even "expedited" government processing may be too slow. Skip to the courier option below — it is the only reliable way to get a passport in under 2 weeks.
Your 3 options, ranked by speed
1. Registered passport courier — 24 to 72 hours
Private courier companies are registered with the U.S. Department of State to hand-carry applications to passport agencies. They reserve their own agency appointment slots, review your documents for errors before submission, and can return a passport in as little as 24-72 hours.
- Cost: $99-$399 service fee + $130 government fee + $60 expedite fee
- Best for: travel within 14 days, lost passports, business travelers
- Success rate: near-100% when documents are correct — the pre-check catches errors that cause rejections
RushMyPassport — 24-72h turnaround
The most established U.S. passport expediter, registered with the State Department. Document pre-review, real-time tracking, and dedicated case agents. Services from renewal to first-time and child passports.
2. Regional passport agency appointment — same day to 2 weeks
The State Department runs 26 regional agencies that issue passports in person — but only for travelers departing within 14 calendar days (or 28 days if you need a foreign visa). You must book an appointment online, bring proof of travel, and visit in person.
- Cost: $130 application + $60 expedite fee (no service fee)
- Best for: you live near an agency and have confirmed travel within 14 days
- Catch: appointments are scarce in peak season; one document error means starting over
3. Expedited by mail — 2 to 3 weeks
Pay the $60 expedite fee when mailing your application or renewal. Official estimate is 2-3 weeks door-to-door, but in peak season (March-August) it regularly stretches to 4-5 weeks.
- Cost: $130 + $60 expedite + ~$20 express mail
- Best for: travel 4+ weeks out, renewals only (first-time must apply in person anyway)
2026 fee breakdown
| Option | Speed | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Courier (e.g. RushMyPassport) | 24-72 hrs | $290-$590 |
| Regional agency | Same day-14d | $190 |
| Expedited by mail | 2-5 weeks | ~$210 |
| Routine | 6-8 weeks | $130 |
Documents you need for any expedited request
- Completed form (DS-11 first-time / DS-82 renewal / DS-64 lost)
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or old passport)
- Government photo ID + photocopy
- One compliant passport photo (2×2 in, white background)
- Proof of travel (flight itinerary) for agency/courier requests
- Payment: check or money order to "U.S. Department of State"
Check your deadline with RushMyPassport
Enter your travel date and they will tell you instantly which service level you need — including whether the free government option can still make it.
Common mistakes that kill expedited applications
- Photo rejected — shadows, glasses, wrong size. Use a compliant photo tool or a pharmacy service.
- Unsigned form — DS-11 must be signed in front of an acceptance agent, not before.
- Wrong fee amount — expedite fee is a separate line item; missing it = routine processing.
- Damaged old passport — a water-damaged passport disqualifies mail renewal entirely.