Emergency Passport: Same-Day & 24-Hour Processing Guide
How to get an emergency U.S. passport in 24 hours to 14 days when you have urgent travel. Complete guide to same-day agency appointments and registered courier services.
Can You Get a Passport in 24 Hours?
Yes — but only two ways work. You can either book an in-person appointment at a Regional Passport Agency (requires proof of travel within 14 days), or use a registered passport courier who hand-delivers your application using their own agency appointment slots. Couriers are often faster and far less stressful because you do not have to call repeatedly for an appointment or travel to a federal building yourself.
Do You Qualify for Emergency Passport Processing?
The U.S. Department of State offers two paths for urgent passport needs: an in-person appointment at a Regional Passport Agency, or using a registered courier who acts on your behalf. Both require proof of imminent travel. To qualify for emergency passport processing, you must meet one of these criteria:
You Qualify
- International travel within 14 days
- International travel within 28 days AND you need a visa
- Life-or-death emergency involving an immediate family member abroad
You Do Not Qualify
- Travel is more than 14 days away (without visa need)
- No proof of international travel
- Want a passport "just in case" or for general ID
What Counts as Proof of Travel?
Acceptable proof includes a flight itinerary, cruise booking confirmation, hotel reservation, or a signed employer letter stating required business travel. The proof must show your name and the travel dates. Screenshots of bookings are usually acceptable if they clearly show your name and dates. If you are using a passport courier, they will also advise you on the exact documentation needed.
The Fastest Way: Registered Passport Courier
A registered passport courier is the fastest and least stressful way to get an emergency passport. Instead of spending hours redialing the National Passport Information Center and traveling to a federal building, you ship your documents to the courier overnight. They hand-deliver your application to a Regional Passport Agency using their own appointment slots — often securing same-day or next-day processing without you leaving your home.
Get Your Emergency Passport Without an Agency Appointment
Couriers specialize in urgent passport processing. You fill out your application, gather your documents, and overnight them to the courier. The courier walks your application into a Regional Passport Agency, waits while it is processed, and returns your new passport to you — sometimes within 24 hours. You never have to book an appointment, wait on hold, or travel to a federal building.
Ship Documents Overnight
Complete your forms and mail everything to the courier with prepaid overnight shipping.
Courier Handles the Agency
The courier uses their pre-existing agency appointments to hand-deliver your application.
Receive Passport in 24-48 Hours
Your new passport is overnighted back to you. Many couriers offer guaranteed timeframes.
Who Should Use a Courier?
- You cannot get a phone appointment at all
- The nearest agency is hundreds of miles away
- You have work or family obligations and cannot travel
- You want guaranteed processing time, not "maybe same day"
- You are worried about making a mistake on your application
- Your travel is in 2-5 days and you are panicking
Courier vs. Agency Appointment: At a Glance
| Factor | Registered Courier | In-Person Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment Needed | No — courier handles it | Yes — you must call and book |
| Travel Required | No — ship documents | Yes — must visit agency |
| Typical Timeline | 24 hours to 14 days | Same day to 3 days |
| Guarantee | Often guaranteed by courier | Not guaranteed — depends on volume |
| Document Help | Yes — courier reviews your docs | No — you are on your own |
| Total Cost | $190 government fee + courier fee | $190 government fee + travel costs |
Step-by-Step: In-Person Emergency Passport at a Regional Agency
If you choose to handle your emergency passport in person, here is the exact process for booking and attending a Regional Passport Agency appointment. Remember: a registered courier can do all of this for you.
Call for an Appointment Immediately
Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (8:00 AM - 10:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday; 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET, Saturday). Phone lines typically open at 8:00 AM Eastern Time and appointments often fill within minutes.
Pro tip: Call right at 8:00 AM ET. Have your travel dates ready. If you get a busy signal, keep redialing. Some travelers call 20-30 times before getting through. You cannot book online — phone only.
Choose the Right Regional Agency
The appointment scheduler will offer available locations. You do not have to go to the agency closest to you — you can choose any of the 26 Regional Passport Agencies nationwide. Pick one you can realistically reach by your appointment time.
Popular agencies like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago book up fastest. If those are full, consider less busy locations like Hot Springs, Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; or St. Albans, Vermont.
Complete Your Application Form
Fill out the appropriate form before your appointment:
- Form DS-11 — for first-time applicants, children under 16, or if your last passport was lost, stolen, damaged, or issued before age 16.
- Form DS-82 — for adult renewals if your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years, when you were 16 or older, and is undamaged.
Use the State Department's online Form Filler at travel.state.gov to avoid errors. Print the form single-sided on white 8.5x11 inch paper.
Gather All Required Documents
Missing even one document will result in your appointment being rescheduled or your application denied. Triple-check your document checklist before leaving. See the Required Documents section below for the full list.
Arrive at the Regional Agency on Time
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring all documents, your printed appointment confirmation (if you have one), and payment. Security screening is required to enter the building. Large bags may not be allowed.
Most agencies are located in federal buildings downtown. Plan for traffic, parking, and security lines. Some agencies have limited or no parking — consider public transit or ride-sharing.
Pick Up or Receive Your Passport
Many applicants receive their passport the same day if their appointment is in the morning and there are no issues with their application. Otherwise, you may need to return the next day or the passport will be mailed to you via overnight delivery.
If same-day pickup is not possible, ask the agent when you can return or whether it will be mailed. Bring your receipt or pickup slip.
Emergency Passport Required Documents Checklist
Whether you visit a Regional Passport Agency yourself or use a registered courier, you need the exact same documents. Bring the following to your appointment or ship them to your courier. All citizenship documents must be originals or certified copies.
| Document | What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Travel | Flight itinerary, cruise booking, hotel reservation, or employer letter showing travel within 14 days | Must show your name and travel dates. Printouts or screenshots are acceptable. |
| Application Form | Completed DS-11 (first-time) or DS-82 (renewal) | Do not sign DS-11 until instructed by the agent. DS-82 can be signed in advance. |
| Proof of Citizenship | Certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport | Must be original or certified copy. Hospital birth certificates are not accepted. |
| Photo ID | Valid driver's license, military ID, government employee ID, or passport card | Must be current and unexpired. |
| Photocopy of ID | Front and back photocopy of your photo ID on 8.5x11 white paper | Single-sided, legible, standard letter-size paper. |
| Passport Photo | One 2x2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months | Plain white background, no glasses, neutral expression. Get it professionally taken to avoid delays. |
| Payment | Check, money order, or credit card for all fees | Most agencies accept cards, checks, and money orders. Bring multiple payment options. |
| Previous Passport (if renewing) | Your most recent undamaged passport | Required for DS-82 renewals. It will be returned to you, possibly separately. |
Double-Check Everything Before You Leave
The most common reason emergency passport appointments fail is missing or incorrect documents. A wrong birth certificate, unsigned DS-11, or photo that does not meet requirements will result in your application being rejected and your appointment wasted. You may not be able to get another appointment before your trip. A registered courier typically reviews your documents before submission, which reduces this risk significantly.
U.S. Regional Passport Agencies
The U.S. Department of State operates 26 Regional Passport Agencies and Centers across the country. These are the only locations where you can get same-day or emergency passport processing. You must have an appointment — walk-ins are not accepted. If you cannot get an appointment, a registered courier can visit these agencies on your behalf.
What to Expect at the Passport Agency
Security Screening
All Regional Agencies are in federal buildings with airport-style security. You will need a government-issued photo ID to enter the building. Leave unnecessary items at home. Laptops and large bags may need to be screened or stored.
Check-In and Document Review
After check-in, an agent will review your documents for completeness and accuracy. If anything is wrong or missing, they will tell you immediately. If the issue is fixable (e.g., you need to get a new photo), you may be able to leave and return the same day. If the issue is major (e.g., wrong birth certificate), your appointment may be rescheduled.
Processing Time at the Agency
If your application is complete and you have a morning appointment, you may be able to pick up your passport that afternoon — often within 2-4 hours. Afternoon appointments typically result in next-day pickup or overnight mailing. Same-day service is not guaranteed and depends on application volume and staff availability.
Receiving Your Passport
If same-day pickup is available, you will receive a receipt with a pickup time. Return to the designated window with your receipt and ID. If mail delivery is required, the passport is typically sent via overnight shipping to the address you provided. You can also request in-person pickup the next business day if you are still in the area.
Emergency Passport Costs & Timeline
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Passport Book | $130 | Recommended for frequent travelers — more visa pages |
| Small Passport Book | $130 | Same price as large book; get the large one |
| Passport Card | $65 | Only valid for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean |
| Expedited Service | $60 | Required for all Regional Agency appointments |
| 1-2 Day Return Shipping | $22.05 | Optional but recommended if not picking up in person |
| Courier Service Fee | Varies | Additional fee if using a registered courier for hand-delivery |
| Travel Costs | Varies | Gas, flights, hotel, parking, meals if agency is not local |
Life-or-Death Emergency = No Passport Fees
If you are traveling due to a life-or-death emergency involving an immediate family member, passport fees are waived. You still need proof of the emergency (death certificate, hospital letter) and proof of travel. Call 1-877-487-2778 to arrange this.
6 Tips for a Successful Emergency Passport Appointment
Call at exactly 8:00 AM ET
Set an alarm for 7:58 AM ET. Have your phone ready to redial immediately. Use a landline if possible — cell signal can drop during high-volume call periods.
Consider less popular agencies
New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago book up within minutes. If you can travel, try Hot Springs (AR), Tucson (AZ), St. Albans (VT), or Charleston (SC) — they often have same-week availability.
Get your photo taken professionally
A rejected photo can derail your entire appointment. Many agencies do not have photo services on-site. Get your photo at CVS, Walgreens, or a passport photo studio before your appointment.
Bring multiple payment options
Bring a check, money order, and a credit card. Some agencies prefer certain payment types. Do not rely on cash — it may not be accepted.
Request morning appointments
Morning appointments have the best chance of same-day pickup. Afternoon appointments are more likely to result in next-day pickup or overnight mailing.
Book a refundable hotel
If your agency is not local, book a refundable hotel near the agency. If your appointment is rescheduled or you need to return the next day for pickup, you will be glad you are nearby.
What If You Don't Qualify for Emergency Processing?
If your travel is more than 14 days away, or if you simply cannot secure a Regional Passport Agency appointment, you still have options that may get your passport faster than routine processing:
Registered Passport Courier
A registered courier can hand-deliver your application to a Regional Agency using their own appointment slots. You do not need to secure your own appointment or travel to an agency. This is the most reliable option for urgent travel when you cannot get through to the NPIC or the nearest agency is too far away.
Visit FastPassportCenter.comGovernment Expedited Service by Mail
Add the $60 expedited fee to your DS-11 or DS-82 application and write "EXPEDITE" on the mailing envelope. This is processed in 3-4 weeks on average. Best for travel in 4-8 weeks.
Learn more about expedited serviceRoutine Processing
If your travel is more than 2 months away, routine processing at a local post office or acceptance facility is the cheapest option at $130-$165 total. No expedite fee needed.
View routine application guideEmergency Passport FAQs
Common questions about same-day passports, urgent processing, Regional Passport Agencies, and registered courier services.
Can you get a passport in 24 hours?
Yes. A registered passport courier can often obtain a passport in 24 to 48 hours by hand-delivering your application to a Regional Passport Agency using their own appointment slots. If you attend a Regional Passport Agency yourself, same-day pickup is possible for morning appointments with complete paperwork.
How much does an emergency passport cost?
An emergency passport costs at least $190 — a $130 passport book fee plus a mandatory $60 expedite fee. Optional 1-2 day return shipping is $22.05. If you use a registered courier, their service fee is additional and varies by speed. For a full fee breakdown, see our passport fees page. Life-or-death emergencies have no passport fees.
Can I walk into a passport office for same-day service?
No. Regional Passport Agencies require a phone appointment booked through the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Walk-ins are not accepted. The only way to avoid booking your own appointment is to use a registered courier, who uses their own pre-existing appointments to hand-deliver applications on your behalf.
What qualifies as proof of travel for an emergency passport?
Acceptable proof includes a flight itinerary, cruise booking confirmation, hotel reservation, or a signed employer letter stating required business travel. It must show your name and travel dates within 14 days. Screenshots and printouts are usually acceptable if clearly legible. If you need a visa, your travel window extends to 28 days.
What if I cannot get a Regional Passport Agency appointment?
If you cannot secure an appointment after calling repeatedly, a registered passport courier is your best option. Couriers have their own agency appointments and hand-deliver your documents for you. You ship your paperwork overnight and receive your passport back in 24 hours to 14 days depending on the service level.
What is the fastest way to get a passport?
The fastest way is through a registered passport courier, who can deliver your application to a Regional Passport Agency within 24 to 48 hours. Attending a Regional Passport Agency yourself is the next fastest, with same-day or next-day pickup possible. Government expedited by mail takes 3-4 weeks.
Do I need an appointment for emergency passport processing?
Yes, you need an appointment for in-person emergency processing. Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule at a Regional Passport Agency. However, if you use a registered courier, they handle the appointment on your behalf — you do not need to call or travel yourself.
What is a passport courier and are they legitimate?
A registered passport courier is a private company authorized to hand-deliver passport applications to Regional Passport Agencies on behalf of applicants. They are not government employees, but they are legitimate businesses with established agency relationships. Always verify a courier's reviews, fees, and refund policy before using their service. A reputable courier will review your documents before submission to catch errors that could delay your application.
Can I get an emergency passport if my old one was lost or stolen?
Yes, but you must file Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport) along with Form DS-11. The DS-64 is submitted in person at a Regional Passport Agency or through your courier. You cannot renew a lost or stolen passport with DS-82 — it must be treated as a first-time application.
Can a child get an emergency passport?
Yes, but both parents or legal guardians must typically appear with the child at the agency, or one parent must appear with notarized consent from the other parent. The child must be present. All standard child passport documents are required, including the birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship. Using a courier for a child passport is more complex and may require additional notarization.
Emergency Passport Contact Information
National Passport Information Center
1-877-487-2778 (toll-free)
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ET, Saturday
For appointments at Regional Passport Agencies and general questions.
After-Hours Emergency Line
202-647-4000
For life-or-death emergencies outside of normal business hours.
Only for U.S. citizens with a life-or-death emergency involving an immediate family member abroad.
Need an Emergency Passport Without the Hassle?
Skip the 8 AM phone scramble, the federal building security lines, and the risk of a rejected application. A registered passport courier handles the entire emergency process for you — from document review to hand-delivery at a Regional Passport Agency — and returns your passport in as little as 24 hours.
Get Emergency Passport Help — 24-48 Hours