How to Get Your US Passport Fast
Are you in a rush to get your US passport in time for your summer vacation? With the US Department of State currently receiving a record-busting 500,000 applications per week, obtaining a passport quickly has become a pressing concern. Unfortunately, the agency has announced that passport processing times may not return to pre-pandemic levels until the end of the year. This news is likely to frustrate travelers who have had their summer travel plans disrupted, as they now face the prospect of waiting months to obtain a new passport before going abroad. However, there are steps you can take to expedite the process and secure your passport faster.
Here's what you can do based on your specific situation:
Already Applied and Need Your Passport Urgently:
Traveling in 5 days or less: Call 1-877-487-2778. You must have an appointment to visit a passport agency or center in person. However, appointments are limited, and availability cannot be guaranteed. You may have to travel to a different city to get an available appointment.
Traveling in 6-14 days: Call 1-877-487-2778. The passport agency processing your application will be notified of your travel date, and they will prioritize processing your passport accordingly.
Traveling in more than 14 days: Do not call unless you've applied in person or renewed by mail and need to change your mailing address, upgrade to expedited service, or request 1-2 day delivery of your passport. The passport agency is working tirelessly to issue passports, so continue checking your application status online for updates.
Haven't Applied for your passport yet:
Traveling in 14 days or less: Call 1-877-487-2778. Similar to the previous case, you'll need to make an appointment at a passport agency or center in person. Remember, appointments are limited, so it's best to call as soon as possible.
Traveling in more than 14 days: If you don't need a foreign visa within the next 28 days, there's no need to call. Simply follow the regular passport application process.
When contacting the National Passport Information Center, keep the following reminders in mind:
Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. They are closed on federal holidays.
The primary number to call is 1-877-487-2778, and they offer assistance in Spanish as well.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use TDD/TTY teletype services by calling 1-888-874-7793.
If you are applying from outside the United States, contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
Email should only be used to cancel an appointment at a passport agency or center. For status updates or travel emergencies, do not email. The email address is NPIC@state.gov.
If you are planning travel for later this year or 2024, don’t delay putting in your passport application! If you apply now, the standard turnaround time is at least 10-13 weeks for standard processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing based on the agency’s estimated processing times. These estimates don’t include mailing time, which can add up to four weeks to the process. Don’t be surprised if your passport takes much longer than expected. I’ve recently heard from friends and clients who have been waiting over five months to receive their passports, so the posted processing times may not be a good indication of the actual waiting time.
Additionally, there are courier companies that offer expedited passport services for a (sometimes hefty) fee, but according to the State Department, you wouldn't receive your passport any faster than if you went to a passport agency to apply in person.
Finally, be mindful of your passport expiration date. If your passport expires later this year, it's wise to renew early. Many countries require that an American visitor's passport be valid for at least six months after the date of travel to that country. In other words, even if your passport expires in six months' time, another country might deem it invalid and not let you in.
If you have more questions or need further assistance with your US passport or any other immigration-related concerns, I invite you to join me on Facebook for a live Q&A session. I'll be available to address your queries, provide guidance, and offer additional insights to make your passport application process smoother. Together, we can navigate the complexities of travel and immigration requirements. Don't miss this opportunity to get the answers you need! Follow me on Facebook and stay tuned for the upcoming live session. Safe travels!