Can I expedite a child's first passport?

Yes, but children under 16 cannot renew by mail and must apply in person with both parents. The expedite fee and timeline are the same, but you'll use form DS-11 instead of DS-82.

What counts as proof of urgent travel?

Airline tickets, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, or letter from employer showing travel within 14 days. Screenshots of bookings are acceptable if they show dates and names.

Can I expedite if traveling in 4 weeks?

Yes, expedited service takes 2-3 weeks, so you have time. Regional passport agencies are only for travel within 14 days, but you can use expedited mail service or visit a passport acceptance facility.

What if some family members need renewals and others need new applications?

Submit them separately. Renewals can be mailed using DS-82, but new applications require in-person visits with DS-11. Both can be expedited, but the process differs.

Is there anything faster than 2-3 weeks?

Regional passport agencies can issue same-day passports for life-or-death emergencies or travel within 72 hours, but require appointments and documentation of the emergency. This service costs an additional $19.

How to expedite passport renewals for families

Expedited passport renewals take 2-3 weeks versus 6-8 weeks for standard processing. Apply at a passport acceptance facility or regional agency, pay the $60 expedite fee per passport, and use overnight shipping both ways. For urgent travel within 14 days, visit a regional passport agency with proof of travel.

Check eligibility for renewal. Ensure all family members' passports were issued when they were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, are undamaged, and you have them in your possession. Children's passports cannot be renewed if they were under 16 when issued.
Gather required documents. For each family member: current passport, one passport photo (2x2 inches), DS-82 renewal form, and payment. For children who need new applications: DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, ID, and both parents present or notarized consent.
Choose your submission method. For travel within 14 days: make an appointment at a regional passport agency. For travel within 2-3 weeks: mail to expedited processing center or visit a passport acceptance facility with expedite request.
Pay expedite fees. Standard renewal fee ($130) plus expedite fee ($60) per passport. Add $18.32 for overnight return shipping. Total per adult renewal: $208.32. Children requiring new applications cost $165 plus expedite and shipping fees.
Submit applications. If mailing, write 'EXPEDITE' clearly on the envelope and include overnight return shipping label. If visiting in person, bring all documents and be prepared to wait. Regional agencies require appointments and proof of urgent travel.
Track processing. Use the State Department's online tracking system with your last name and either date of birth or last four digits of SSN. Applications submitted together will have different tracking numbers.

Can I expedite a child's first passport?: Yes, but children under 16 cannot renew by mail and must apply in person with both parents. The expedite fee and timeline are the same, but you'll use form DS-11 instead of DS-82.
What counts as proof of urgent travel?: Airline tickets, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, or letter from employer showing travel within 14 days. Screenshots of bookings are acceptable if they show dates and names.
Can I expedite if traveling in 4 weeks?: Yes, expedited service takes 2-3 weeks, so you have time. Regional passport agencies are only for travel within 14 days, but you can use expedited mail service or visit a passport acceptance facility.
What if some family members need renewals and others need new applications?: Submit them separately. Renewals can be mailed using DS-82, but new applications require in-person visits with DS-11. Both can be expedited, but the process differs.
Is there anything faster than 2-3 weeks?: Regional passport agencies can issue same-day passports for life-or-death emergencies or travel within 72 hours, but require appointments and documentation of the emergency. This service costs an additional $19.