How Long Does it Take to Get an Expedited Passport?

Passport processing takes time and requires your patience, especially when you are in a rush or facing an emergency. Routine processing can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks; that’s why people opt for expedited passports. But how long does an expedited passport take? It all depends on how quickly you need it and which platform you choose

There are generally 3 expedited passport services platforms on which the expedited passport time frame gets decided. 

For example, to get your passport fast here 3 options available;  

• Expedited Processing at Local Facility  (3-5 weeks)
• Expedited Processing at Passport Agency (As quick as 24 hours)
• Private Expediting (As quick as 3 days) 

Platform	Duration	Coverage
PlatformLocal Facilities	Duration3-5 Weeks	CoverageEasily Accessible
PlatformRegional Agency	DurationCan get within 24 hours (with strictest criteria)	CoverageHard to Accessible
PlatformPassportsandvisas.com as Private Expediting service	DurationAs Quick as 3 days when you choose Us	CoverageAvailable on one Click

How Long Does an Expedited Passport Take:

You can definitely distinguish the quickest way to get a passport among these three passport expediting platforms by considering their turnaround times. However, the ideal choice also depends on factors such as convenience, accessibility, and budget. Let’s discuss the most convenient yet quickest way to get a passport fast. 

Private Passport Expediting Service:

A third-party or private passport expediting service, like Passportsandvisas.com, offers unmatched convenience and relief when you need a passport renewal in a hurry. Utilizing our service allows you to receive personalized attention and reduce expedited passport processing time with ease.

Pros to Expediting with a Passport Service

• Fast Processing times on par with an appointment at a Passport Agency, and at times 3 business is available.
• Your application is reviewed and managed by trained passport specialists. We catch any errors prior to submissions and if there are problems during the application process we deal directly with the Passport Agency to resolve as soon as possible. If there’s anything wrong, you’ll get a phone call instead of a letter in the mail.
• Peace of mind – If you have a trip planned in the near future, waiting for your passport can be extremely stressful, especially as your departure date draws near.  Save yourself the trouble by using an expediting company to submit your application!

Cons to Expediting with a Passport Service

• As a private company, we have extra fees associated with our services and speed.

Regarding fees, it varies from $79 to $349 depending upon the need. But this becomes only numbers when you meet your desired expedited passport timeline backed with a great assistance and convenience. To learn how to expedite passport renewal or Let us handle your passport application expediting request..give us a call at 800-860-8610. 

Expediting Your Passport Application at a Passport Agency

At a surface level, a passport agency might seem like the quickest way to get a passport. However, it can cost you peace of mind and convenience due to its limited accessibility and strict appointment requirements.

There are over 26 regional Passport Agencies across the country where you can make an appointment, wait for it, and submit your application directly. Typically, about three days later, you would need to return to the Passport Agency to pick up your new U.S. passport.

Pros to Expediting at a Passport Agency

• For $60 extra, once you have your appointment, you typically can have your passport same day or so.

Cons to Expediting at a Passport Agency

• All Passport Agencies require appointments
• It typically requires a trip to apply and then a 2nd trip to pick up your application.
• You may not have one convenient to you.

Expediting Your Passport Application at a Local Facility:

So how long for an expedited passport at a local facility? You can pay an extra fee of $60 to bring expedited passport time between 3-5 weeks when applying at a local facility like post office, clerk office or any government office. 

This fee is considered the expediting fee for the US Department of State and means you should allow for approximately 4 weeks when requesting expedited service by mail with overnight shipping to and from the passport processing center. 

Note, typically you apply at a Post office, then they batch the applications to their regional passport center as a means of central processing of your sensitive documents. 

Moreover, Routine passport processing can be upwards of 8 to 10 weeks long.  Processing times vary depending on seasonality of the US passport agency as well, during the spring and summer applications tend to be more prevalent.  Many people who don't need expediting can accommodate this timeframe. 

However; many US citizens find that 8 weeks or more (2 months) is too long to wait, particularly if you made last minute plans or you found out your passport is expired and needs it sooner.  For those who need it faster than 8 weeks, let's dig into the faster expediting options available to obtain a US Passport.

Pros to Expediting at a Post Office

• For $60 extra, you shave half the time off the process.
• If you have the time and don't mind the effort to drive to a Post Office, this is a reasonable approach.

Cons to Expediting at a Post Office

• Many post offices require appointments
• If there is an issue, you are notified weeks later and have to use mail to typically issue a passport issue.  See our blog on Common Passport Mistakes to avoid this.