What is the Fastest Way to Get a Passport?

When international travel is approaching, having a valid U.S. passport is essential. Without one, you won’t be able to board your flight or enter your destination country. If your passport has expired, is damaged, or you need a new one in a hurry, you may be wondering: What’s the fastest way to get a U.S. passport?

The fastest options are emergency appointments at a Regional Passport Agency or using a registered expedited passport service, which can help you get your passport in as little as 2-4 business days.

Current Passport Processing Times (2025)

According to the U.S. Department of State:

Routine processing: 4–6 weeks plus shipping time
Expedited processing: 2–3 weeks plus shipping time (for an additional fee)

If your trip is sooner than these timeframes, you’ll need to explore faster options.

How to Get a Passport Quickly: Your Options

Option 1: Regional Passport Agency (Emergency Appointments)

If you’re traveling in the next 14 days (or have a qualifying life-or-death emergency), you may be able to schedule an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency.

What to know:

Processing time: Up to 3 business days or more for eligible emergencies.
Eligibility: Reserved for urgent travel or emergencies (e.g., serious illness or death of an immediate family member abroad).
Limited locations: Fewer than 30 Regional Passport Agencies nationwide, and walk-ins aren’t allowed.

📌 Tip: Appointments are limited and fill quickly. Learn more from the State Department.

Option 2: Private Expedited Passport Services

If you don’t qualify for an agency appointment—or simply want a simpler process—a private passport expediting company is your best option.

Registered with the State Department’s Hand-Carry Program
Expediting as fast as 2-4 business days (after submitting documents)
Error prevention: Document review helps avoid costly mistakes or delays

Just like the traditional methods of applying, this time frame begins once your application and required documents have been received by the company expediting your passport.

Using a private company to expedite your U.S. passport can save time and help avoid delays and mistakes, resulting in a faster approval than standard or routine processing.

Expedited Passport Services with RushMyPassport

If you need a passport quickly, but don’t have the time or patience to go to a passport agency, RushMyPassport can help.

As a trusted FedEx partner, RushMyPassport has helped over 500,000 travelers secure passports quickly and safely.

They offer expedited services for:

You can start online or visit one of 2,000+ FedEx Office locations nationwide to securely submit your documents.

Need your passport fast? Start your application now or visit a FedEx Office near you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get a passport in 24 hours?

In rare cases, yes—but only if you qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment at a Regional Passport Agency.

2. What is the fastest non-emergency passport option?

Using a registered expedited passport service can get you a passport in as little as 2-4 business days, without meeting emergency criteria.

3. Do I need proof of travel to expedite my passport?

Yes, both Regional Passport Agencies and private expeditors typically require proof of upcoming international travel.

4. Is expedited passport service worth it?

If you’re traveling soon or want peace of mind, expedited services help avoid delays and ensure your passport arrives on time.

6 Responses

February, 24th 2012Keith
I am not sure if I have ever had a passport. I took a trip to mexico when i was 14yrs old. How do I find out? Also I am deployed in Afghanistan and the post office on post provides a passport service. Is it possible to speed there process up for my R&R?
- February, 24th 2012Alison Kroulek
  Hi Keith, You can request records of previous passport applications through this process: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/npic/npic_872.html If you're only trying to find out whether or not you had one, you might try calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They may be able to help. As far as expediting the passport process in Afghanistan, I'm afraid we aren't able to help expedite passports outside of the US. I would ask at the post office on post or contact the US Embassy in Kabul. Thank you for your service, and take care!
September, 1st 2010Sarah
I wanted to know if you could help to expedite a newborn passport if the baby was born in another country. We live in the Marshall Islands, and with a December 5th due date, we would like too ensure we have the paperwork to travel before Christmas. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.
- September, 20th 2010admin
  Hi Sarah, Congratulations on the new baby! Unfortunately we can't expedite the little one's passport since you don't live in the US. You'll need to go the US Embassy in Majuro: http://majuro.usembassy.gov/
July, 26th 2010kip
I have question to ask and to see if can be done. I am currently stationed in Iraq serving a 12 month tour. There is three of us that have plans to go on R&R, outside the states. We was not sure if we would be able to until getting into Iraq. We don't have passport and would be first time appliers. we do have the information and the DS11 filled out already. We been told for the last two month that we would have to go to Baghdad to get them done. That will take almost a full month just to get there and back to my location. Then we have been told that our Military Legal can verify all the documents and then we could send them to the states to get the passports, just as long as you have proof of citizenship, Form of picture ID, 2 photo of, and a $100.00 money order or check. Now they are telling us that they are not sure if that can be done. Would it be possible to obtain a passport thru you so we can go on R&R. My R&R will begin in Oct. The other will start in December? If it can be done by you what do you need from us to start the process. Thank you for your help in this matter, Kip
- July, 30th 2010admin
  Hi Kip, I wish I had better news for you, but unfortunately your documents do have to be witnessed and sealed by a licensed passport acceptance agent located within the US for us to be able to submit them on your behalf. I wish we could do more! Best of luck to you, and I hope you enjoy your R&R.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get A Passport?