For U.S. citizens and residents, the application process for a passport is a simple one. However, it can take several weeks to receive your passport once you submit your application and payment. If you need a passport quickly, there are other options available for expedited processing.
If you have an upcoming trip or are traveling in the next few days or weeks, you may want to consider applying for an expedited passport. Expedited service will cost more than normal processing but could be worth it if it allows you to travel on time.
How Long Does It Take To Get A New U.S. Passport?
The time it takes to get a new U.S. passport varies by the type of service requested, the state where the applicant resides and whether he or she needs additional documentation such as evidence of citizenship or proof of identity documents.
The standard processing time is four weeks from when all required materials are received by mail in Washington D.C., although many applicants receive their passports sooner than this.
How About Expedited Passport Services?
If your trip is less than two weeks away and you need to travel soon, a fast-track passport service may be the answer. This expedited service guarantees that your application will be processed within three days of receipt by the National Passport Center in Washington D.C., which means you’ll receive your new passport just in time for your trip.
Passport Expedition Companies
If you need your passport processed as quickly as possible, but don’t have time to wait in line at a passport office, you may want to consider using a expedited passport service. These companies charge fees for their services, which can range from $50 per application up through several hundred dollars depending on how quickly you need your new passport and what level of service is required. Passport expediting companies help customers complete the application process online, submit it electronically with all required supporting documentation from the customer and then take care of all paperwork processing requirements related to obtaining a passport.