How long does it take to get a passport? With the State Department alone, routine processing takes 4 to 6 weeks and expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and mail time comes on top of both. If you have urgent international travel, you may also qualify for an in-person appointment at a passport agency. With our Emergency service, we can get your passport in as fast as 2 to 3 business days.
Need it fast? That’s what we do. We’re a registered courier service, and we hand-carry applications to a U.S. passport agency when your trip is close. You still pay the government fees, including the $60 to expedite, and our service fee is on top of that. We can only take on an application we submit ourselves from the start, so call us before you mail anything. See our pricing or call us to book.
Your options side by side
| Option | How long it takes | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Emergency service | As fast as 2 to 3 business days | The government fees, including the $60 to expedite, plus our service fee |
| Passport agency appointment | Set by the agency. Only for urgent international travel within 14 days, or a foreign visa needed within 28 days | The government fees, including the $60 to expedite |
| State Department expedited service | 2 to 3 weeks, plus mail time | The government fees, including the $60 to expedite |
| State Department routine service | 4 to 6 weeks, plus mail time | The government fees |
The State Department’s times and fees are set by the U.S. government and paid to it. Shipping options vary by office, and our pricing page shows what applies to yours. For the current government fees, see how much a U.S. passport costs.
You can also apply in person at a State Department passport agency. It’s a real option if you qualify, and you book the appointment through the State Department. If you don’t qualify, or you’d rather hand it off, call us.
Why people use us when time is short
The State Department posts its processing times, and mail time comes on top. If you mail your application, it can take up to 2 weeks to arrive. Routine processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, and your passport can take up to 2 more weeks to reach you. For routine service, that adds up to as many as 10 weeks.
If your trip is sooner than that, we can help. We hand-carry your application to a U.S. passport agency when your trip is close. We handle new passports and renewals, and our team can tell you what your timeline looks like before you commit.
How to get started with us
- Call us. We book appointments by phone, and we’ll tell you what to bring. Contact The Passport Office.
- Pick your service. Our pricing pages cover new passports and renewals.
- We take it from there. We hand-carry your application to a U.S. passport agency.
Already mailed your application yourself? We can’t take it over, because we can only take on applications we submit from the start. Our guide to checking your passport status shows how to see where it stands.
How the State Department’s time adds up
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Your application reaches the State Department | Up to 2 weeks |
| Processing, routine service | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Your passport reaches you | Up to 2 weeks |
| Routine total | Up to 10 weeks |
Expedited service shortens the middle step, from 4 to 6 weeks down to 2 to 3. The mailing steps stay. The State Department also says the busiest time runs from late winter through summer, and that October through December is the easiest time to apply.
For the government’s own posted times, see the State Department’s processing times page.
What can make it take longer
Seasonal demand, paperwork mistakes and holds on an application can all add time. A wrong photo, a missing signature or a missing document can pause an application. If yours has been in process longer than the times above, read what “stuck in processing” means. Each person’s passport can also arrive on a different date if you apply as a family.
When to apply
Apply as early as you can. We suggest at least three months before your trip, which covers routine processing and mail time with room to spare. Inside that window, call us. Also check that your passport will still be valid for your trip. Our guide to how long a passport lasts and the 6-month rule explains what some countries require. Renewing? Our guide to renewing a passport covers who can renew by mail or online.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an expedited passport take?
There are a few ways to expedite. The State Department’s expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks, plus mail time, and the government charges $60 for it on top of the application fee. If your travel is urgent, you may qualify for an appointment at a passport agency. With our Emergency service, we can get your passport in as fast as 2 to 3 business days. Call us and we’ll tell you what fits your trip.
How long does it take to get a new passport?
The State Department posts 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. A first-time applicant also applies in person, so allow time to get an appointment. If you need a new passport fast, we can help. See our new passport pricing.
How long does it take to get a passport renewed?
The State Department’s posted times are the same ones to plan on, plus mail time if you renew by mail. If your trip is close, we can expedite renewals too. See our renewal pricing.
How long does a passport card take?
Plan on the State Department’s posted processing times. A passport card ships by First Class Mail, and a passport book ships by a trackable delivery service, so mailing can differ.
Can I get a passport in less than 2 weeks?
Yes, in some cases. If your international travel is within 14 days, you can ask the State Department for a passport agency appointment. With our Emergency service, we can get your passport in as fast as 2 to 3 business days. The State Department’s regular expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks.
How do I know where my application is?
If you applied on your own, use the State Department’s online status checker. Our status guide shows how. If you applied through us, track your order on our track page with your order number.
Passport due soon? Call us today. We’ll walk you through your options and get you on the fastest timeline that fits your trip. Contact The Passport Office.