Can I expedite if my passport is already expired?

Yes, but you may need to apply for a new passport (Form DS-11) instead of renewal. This requires an in-person appointment and takes longer even with expediting.

What counts as proof of urgent travel?

Flight itinerary, hotel booking, cruise tickets, or official letter from employer. The travel must be within 14 days for agency appointments or within 6 weeks for expedited mail.

Can I get expedited service on weekends?

Regional passport agencies operate Monday-Friday only. Some private expediting services work weekends but charge $300-500 on top of government fees.

What if I can't get a passport agency appointment?

Try calling multiple times daily, especially after midnight when new appointments open. Consider visiting an agency as a walk-in early in the morning, though wait times can be 4-6 hours.

How to expedite passport renewal for urgent travel

You can expedite passport renewal through the State Department's expedited service (2-3 weeks) for $60 extra, or get same-day service at passport agencies for travel within 14 days. Regional passport agencies require appointments and proof of urgent travel.

Determine your timeline. If you travel in 14 days or less, you need a passport agency appointment. If you travel in 2-8 weeks, expedited mail service works. Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks.
Gather required documents. You need your current passport, Form DS-82 (renewal application), one passport photo, payment, and proof of urgent travel (flight itinerary, hotel booking, or travel letter from employer).
Choose expedited mail service (2-3 weeks). Mail your application with expedited service fee ($60) plus overnight shipping both ways ($37.85). Write 'EXPEDITE' on the envelope. Include proof of urgent travel.
OR book passport agency appointment (same day). Call 1-877-487-2778 or go online to schedule at one of 26 regional agencies. Appointments open at midnight ET, 14 days before travel. Have your travel date ready when booking.
Arrive prepared for agency visit. Bring all documents, $130 renewal fee, $60 expedite fee, and arrive 15 minutes early. Processing takes 2-4 hours. Some locations offer same-day service if you arrive by 10 AM.
Track your application. Use the tracking number from your receipt at travel.state.gov. Expedited mail applications show status updates. Agency renewals are typically ready same day or next business day.

Can I expedite if my passport is already expired?: Yes, but you may need to apply for a new passport (Form DS-11) instead of renewal. This requires an in-person appointment and takes longer even with expediting.
What counts as proof of urgent travel?: Flight itinerary, hotel booking, cruise tickets, or official letter from employer. The travel must be within 14 days for agency appointments or within 6 weeks for expedited mail.
Can I get expedited service on weekends?: Regional passport agencies operate Monday-Friday only. Some private expediting services work weekends but charge $300-500 on top of government fees.
What if I can't get a passport agency appointment?: Try calling multiple times daily, especially after midnight when new appointments open. Consider visiting an agency as a walk-in early in the morning, though wait times can be 4-6 hours.