You can get an emergency passport renewal if you’re a U.S. citizen and need to travel internationally urgently. The U.S. State Department provides expedited services to those who meet certain criteria. Let’s explore who may qualify.
Urgent Travel
If your international travel plans are within the next 14 days and your passport has expired, you may qualify for an emergency passport renewal. You can book an appointment at the State Department to renew it, but remember that you’ll need to show proof of travel and can’t schedule an appointment more than two weeks before your travel date.
What is Considered Urgent Travel?
Realizing Too Late
Remember to check your passport’s expiration date before your trip because some countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
Business Trips
Last-minute business trips abroad often require emergency passport renewal. Companies may need employees to travel on short notice, and having an up-to-date passport is essential.
Important Events
Special occasions such as weddings, graduations, or other significant life events abroad may also qualify as urgent travel if they happen soon and require your immediate presence.
Family Emergencies
When a family member abroad faces a serious illness or has passed away, you may qualify for emergency passport renewal.
What Qualifies as a Family Emergency?
Critical Illness
If a close family member, such as a parent, child, or sibling, is gravely ill, and you need to be by their side, the State Department will typically consider this an urgent matter.
Funerals
Attending the funeral of a loved one abroad also qualifies as a family emergency. Making quick arrangements can slow the normal passport processing time, requiring expedited services.
Medical Emergencies
Other emergencies, such as needing to support a family member undergoing major surgery or dealing with a sudden medical crisis, can also make you eligible for emergency renewal.
Lost or Stolen Passport
You can seek emergency renewal if your passport is lost or stolen close to your travel date.
If your passport has been lost or stolen, get a new passport immediately because:
- Travel Plans at Risk: A lost or stolen passport can jeopardize imminent travel plans, leaving you stranded if you can’t replace it quickly.
- Security Concerns: If your passport is stolen, it could be used fraudulently. Report it and get a replacement.
- Last-Minute Realization: Often, travelers may not realize their passport is missing until just before departure, making emergency renewal necessary to avoid canceling or delaying travel.
In all these cases, you must provide proof of your urgent need, such as travel itineraries, medical documentation, or a police report for a stolen passport, to qualify for emergency passport renewal.
How to Apply for an Emergency Passport
Make an Appointment
The first step is to schedule an appointment at one of the U.S. Department of State’s passport agencies or centers. In Florida, the State Department building in Miami handles emergency renewals.
- Documentation: Bring your current passport (if available), proof of immediate travel (such as airline tickets), proof of identity, and a passport photo. If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll also need to submit a DS-64 form.
- Fees: Expedited services incur additional fees, including an expedited processing fee and, if applicable, an overnight delivery fee.
Emergency Passport Renewal Appointment in Florida
Getting an emergency passport renewal appointment in Florida can be difficult due to high demand and limited availability. You can’t book appointments online or walk in—you must make the appointment by calling the State Department directly.
In Florida, the only passport agency handling emergency renewals is Miami, so many residents may need to travel a long distance to get there. Appointment slots are limited and often fill quickly, especially during peak travel times, so securing a spot can be challenging.
Are There any Alternatives besides the State Department?
If you can’t get an appointment with the State Department or can’t travel to the Miami Passport Agency, you can still get an expedited passport through The Passport Office. We offer services to get a passport in as little as 3-5 days!
For your convenience, The Passport Office has offices in Miami, Orlando, Hollywood, Tampa, and Atlanta. To make an appointment, you can either call or book online. We also accept walk-in clients.
