If your passport is expired—or about to expire—and you have international travel on the horizon, you’re probably wondering how to expedite a U.S. passport renewal. While the standard renewal process can take several weeks, there are faster options available depending on your situation and travel timeline.
Here’s what you need to know about expediting your passport renewal, including who qualifies, what the process involves, and how to get started.
When Should You Expedite a Passport Renewal?
You should consider using expedited service if:
- Your international trip is within the next 4–6 weeks
- Your passport is expired or will expire soon
- You’re traveling to a country that requires at least six months of passport validity
- You need extra visa pages or are low on blank pages
- You also need a visa — expedited service ensures you get your passport back in time to apply for one
- You want expert guidance and peace of mind throughout the process
Planning ahead gives you enough time for both passport and visa processing, helping you avoid unnecessary travel delays.
To be eligible for mail-in passport renewal, you must:
- Have your most recent U.S. passport in hand
- Have been 16 or older when it was issued
- Have a passport issued within the last 15 years
- Be applying from within the U.S.
- Not be making any name or personal info changes
* Outside the U.S.? Trusted third-party services can assist U.S. citizens in countries such as Canada or Mexico, helping you renew your passport and get it back in time for your travel plans.
If any of the statements above don’t apply to you, you need to apply in person, just like the first time. See How to Apply for a New Passport for details.
Renewal Options & Timelines
- Routine Renewal by Mail: ~6–8 weeks plus shipping time
- Expedited by Mail: ~2–3 weeks plus shipping time (add $60 expedite fee and mark envelope “EXPEDITE”)
- Registered Courier Service: As fast as 2–3 business days*
*Exact speed depends on agency availability and your travel timeline.
What You’ll Need
- Form DS-82 (if eligible to renew by mail)
- Your most recent passport
- A government-compliant passport photo
- Any required supporting documents
- Proof of imminent travel (sometimes required for fastest service)
Why Use an Expedited Passport Service?
Private passport expediting companies like RushMyPassport simplify the process and reduce your risk of delays:
- Faster service—renewals in as little as 24 hours
- Professional review to prevent common errors
- End-to-end tracking and live support
- Smart checklists and guided application tools
How It Works in 4 Steps
- Choose Your Service Speed: Select from 24-hour, 2–3 day, or 1-week turnaround
- Complete the Online Smart Wizard: Automatically fills out your paperwork with built-in checks
- Take or Upload a Passport Photo: Use at-home options or visit a local provider
- Ship Your Documents Securely: Use the trackable label provided; RushMyPassport hand-delivers them to the U.S. Department of State
Ready to Renew?
Don’t let a passport delay ruin your travel plans. RushMyPassport is a registered courier authorized to expedite passport applications with the U.S. Department of State.