Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?

No, you cannot travel internationally while your passport is being processed. The State Department holds your old passport during renewal, and you won't have travel documents until you receive your new one.

What counts as a life-or-death emergency for same-day service?

Life-or-death emergencies include serious illness, injury, or death of a family member abroad. You'll need documentation like hospital records or death certificates. Travel within 14 days for any reason also qualifies for emergency appointments.

Can I expedite a renewal that's already in process?

Yes, but only if your application hasn't entered the printing phase. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 and pay the additional $60 expedite fee. This isn't guaranteed to work if processing has already begun.

Will I get my old passport back?

Yes, your old passport will be returned to you separately from your new one, but with the corners cut off to show it's no longer valid. Keep it for records and any valid visas it contains.

How to Renew a US Passport Quickly

Renew your US passport in 2-3 weeks by applying for expedited service at a passport acceptance facility or by mail, paying the $60 expedite fee plus regular renewal costs. For same-day service, book an appointment at a regional passport agency for life-or-death emergencies or travel within 14 days.

Check if you're eligible to renew by mail. You can renew by mail if your most recent passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, and in your current name. If not, you'll need to apply in person at an acceptance facility.
Fill out Form DS-82 completely. Download and complete Form DS-82 from the State Department website. Print it but don't sign it yet—you'll sign it at the acceptance facility or in front of a notary if mailing.
Get a new passport photo. Take a new 2x2 inch color photo within the last 6 months. CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx locations typically offer this service for $15-20. Don't use the photo from your old passport.
Choose your speed and pay fees. Standard renewal costs $130 and takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited service costs $190 total ($130 + $60 expedite fee) and takes 2-3 weeks. Add $20.89 for expedited shipping if applying by mail.
Submit your application. For expedited by-mail renewal: Mail your application, photo, old passport, and payment to the address on Form DS-82. For in-person expedited: Visit any passport acceptance facility with your documents. For emergency same-day service: Book an appointment at one of 26 regional passport agencies.
Track your application status. Check your application status online at travel.state.gov using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. You'll receive your new passport and old passport (with corners cut) separately.

Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?: No, you cannot travel internationally while your passport is being processed. The State Department holds your old passport during renewal, and you won't have travel documents until you receive your new one.
What counts as a life-or-death emergency for same-day service?: Life-or-death emergencies include serious illness, injury, or death of a family member abroad. You'll need documentation like hospital records or death certificates. Travel within 14 days for any reason also qualifies for emergency appointments.
Can I expedite a renewal that's already in process?: Yes, but only if your application hasn't entered the printing phase. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 and pay the additional $60 expedite fee. This isn't guaranteed to work if processing has already begun.
Will I get my old passport back?: Yes, your old passport will be returned to you separately from your new one, but with the corners cut off to show it's no longer valid. Keep it for records and any valid visas it contains.