Can I get an emergency passport without both parents present?

One parent can apply alone if the other provides notarized Form DS-3053 consent or if they have sole legal custody with court documentation. Without proper consent, the application will be denied.

How fast can I actually get the emergency passport?

Same-day service is possible at Regional Passport Agencies if you qualify and have an appointment. Processing takes 2-3 hours once you're seen. Without agency access, expedited service takes 5-7 business days.

What if my child doesn't have a birth certificate?

You must have a certified copy of the birth certificate. Order expedited copies from the vital records office in the state where your child was born. This can take 2-5 business days, which may conflict with emergency travel timelines.

Will an emergency passport work for all countries?

Emergency passports are valid for travel but some countries require full-validity passports for visa applications or have specific entry requirements. Check with your destination's embassy before traveling.

Can I renew a child's passport as an emergency?

Children under 16 cannot renew passports - they must apply for new ones using Form DS-11. This requires both parents' consent regardless of whether the previous passport was expired or lost.

How to Get Emergency Passports for Children

Get emergency passports for children by visiting a passport agency with proof of travel within 14 days, completed DS-11 form, photos, birth certificate, and both parents' consent. Same-day processing costs $165 plus fees. Call ahead to confirm appointment availability.

Confirm you qualify for emergency service. Emergency passports are only issued for international travel within 14 days or 4 weeks if you need a visa. Have proof of your travel dates ready - airline tickets, hotel bookings, or written travel itinerary.
Locate your nearest passport agency. Find the closest Regional Passport Agency using the State Department website. These are different from acceptance facilities - agencies handle emergencies. Major cities include Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.
Gather required documents. You need: completed Form DS-11, certified birth certificate, one passport photo (2x2 inches), proof of parental relationship, government-issued photo ID for each parent, and proof of travel within 14 days.
Arrange parental consent. Both parents must appear in person OR the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 consent statement. If one parent has sole custody, bring court documents. For children under 16, both parents must consent.
Call for an appointment. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Explain your emergency travel situation. Some agencies accept walk-ins, but calling ahead prevents wasted trips. Have your travel proof ready when you call.
Visit the passport agency. Arrive with your child and all required documents. Processing typically takes 2-3 hours for same-day service. Your child must be present for the application. Bring entertainment and snacks for potential waiting.
Pay the emergency fees. Emergency passport fees are $165 for the passport plus $35 execution fee, plus $60 expedite fee for same-day service. Total: $260. Bring exact cash, money order, or check. Some locations accept credit cards.

Can I get an emergency passport without both parents present?: One parent can apply alone if the other provides notarized Form DS-3053 consent or if they have sole legal custody with court documentation. Without proper consent, the application will be denied.
How fast can I actually get the emergency passport?: Same-day service is possible at Regional Passport Agencies if you qualify and have an appointment. Processing takes 2-3 hours once you're seen. Without agency access, expedited service takes 5-7 business days.
What if my child doesn't have a birth certificate?: You must have a certified copy of the birth certificate. Order expedited copies from the vital records office in the state where your child was born. This can take 2-5 business days, which may conflict with emergency travel timelines.
Will an emergency passport work for all countries?: Emergency passports are valid for travel but some countries require full-validity passports for visa applications or have specific entry requirements. Check with your destination's embassy before traveling.
Can I renew a child's passport as an emergency?: Children under 16 cannot renew passports - they must apply for new ones using Form DS-11. This requires both parents' consent regardless of whether the previous passport was expired or lost.