Understanding Expedited Passport Renewal Times
Got a passport renewal deadline approaching?
You’ve booked your dream vacation, scheduled important business meetings abroad, or planned a family reunion overseas, but your passport is about to expire. The pressure is on, and you're wondering, how fast can you get it renewed? Getting your passport renewed quickly is possible, but the timing and process can vary. Knowing how expedited services work and what to expect can save you a lot of stress, especially when you need that passport in your hands ASAP.
Let’s take a look at what expedited passport renewal times really look like this year, and how you can get yours without the wait.
Key Takeaways
Many Reddit users in 2025 report that mailing delays, not processing times, are the biggest reason for passport delivery issues.
The 2-3 week “expedited” timeframe often doesn’t include mailing time. Always factor in both ends of the delivery process.
Regional passport agencies offer in-person appointments for urgent travel, but getting a slot can be difficult without proof of an emergency.
Mistakes in the application (wrong photo size, missing signatures, outdated forms) are still among the top causes of processing delays.
Some travelers successfully speed up processing by using USPS Passport Acceptance Facilities that prioritize shipments earlier in the day.
What Is Expedited Passport Renewal?
Expedited passport renewal is a faster processing option designed to get your passport back to you in a shorter amount of time than standard renewal services. This service is perfect for those who are in urgent need of a new passport due to travel plans, emergencies, or last-minute opportunities.
You may need an Expedited Renewal of your passport in case of:
Upcoming international travel with limited time before departure
Lost or stolen passports that need to be replaced quickly
Travel for business, family emergencies, or important events
Expired passports when there’s a tight schedule to get documents in order
If you're facing any of these situations, opting for expedited services ensures that you can meet your travel deadlines without unnecessary stress. Need your passport fast? Contact us at (708) 360-7277 for expedited passport services in Chicago. Get My Passports will make sure your passport is in your hands when you need it.
Eligibility Requirements for Expedited Renewal
Not everyone may qualify for expedited passport renewal, but if you meet certain criteria, you can speed up the process and get your passport faster. Here’s what you need to know to determine if you’re eligible:
U.S. Passport Expiration: Your passport must be within 15 years of its issue date or expired for less than 5 years. If it’s older or expired for longer, you'll need to apply for a new passport, not a renewal.
Passport Condition: The passport must be in good condition. If it’s damaged or altered, you may not be eligible for expedited renewal and would need to apply for a replacement.
Travel Plans: If you’re planning to travel within 72 hours to 2 weeks, expedited services can be used. Proof of your travel dates (like flight tickets) is often required.
No Name Change: If you’ve changed your name (through marriage, divorce, etc.) since your last passport was issued, you’ll need to apply for a new passport, not just a renewal.
If you meet these criteria, expedited renewal might be your best option.
Also, check our blog, Everything You Need to Know About Expedited Passport and Visa Services in Chicago.
How Fast Is Expedited Processing Today?
When using government services for expedited passport processing, you can expect a turnaround time of 2 to 3 weeks. This is a significant improvement over the regular 8-10 weeks, but it can still feel like a long wait, especially if your travel plans are fast approaching. Expedited processing typically requires proof of your imminent travel plans, and in some cases, you may need to visit a passport agency in person to complete the process.
Government-Approved Expedited Processing Timelines:
2-3 Weeks: Expedited processing through the government (requires proof of travel).
Additional Shipping: Once the passport is ready, expect 1-2 weeks for delivery, depending on the service you select.
While this is faster than the standard process, it still leaves a lot of room for uncertainty.
How Get My Passports Can Make This Process Faster
At Get My Passports, we understand that waiting weeks isn’t an option for many travelers. That’s why we offer even faster expedited services, ensuring your passport is in hand within 3-5 business days. We achieve this by:
Hand-delivering your documents directly to the U.S. Department of State for priority processing.
Bypassing government queues to ensure your passport gets processed quickly.
Offering door-to-door delivery so you don’t have to leave home.
In 2025, when time is of the essence, Get My Passports is the solution for travelers who require fast and reliable service.
Where and How to Apply for Expedited Service
To apply for expedited passport service through the U.S. government, you will need to follow these steps:
Locate a Passport Agency: You can apply for expedited service by visiting a Passport Agency or Passport Center in person. This is typically required for applicants who need their passport within 2 weeks or less.
Complete the Required Forms: You’ll need to complete the necessary passport application forms (DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals) and bring supporting documents, including proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel bookings, etc.).
Pay the Expedited Service Fee: Government expedited service typically costs an additional $60, and you’ll also need to pay the standard passport fees (e.g., $130 for renewal).
Submit Your Application: Once all forms are complete, submit them along with the required documents and payment at the passport agency. You can also opt for expedited shipping services to receive your passport faster once it's issued.
While this is a reliable option, there can still be delays due to heavy demand, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and be prepared to visit the passport agency in person.
How Get My Passports Can Help
If you're looking for a faster and more convenient solution, Get My Passports can help you skip the lines and avoid unnecessary stress. Here's how we make the process easier:
Online Application: Start the process with just a phone call or online request, eliminating the need for a trip to a passport agency.
Personalized Assistance: Our experts will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you meet all requirements and avoid common mistakes that could cause delays.
Fast Turnaround: We offer expedited services with delivery in 3-5 business days, bypassing traditional wait times.
Document Pickup and Delivery: We handle the entire process, from document pickup to hand-delivering your passport directly to you.
Once you've chosen where to apply, the next step is making sure you have the right documents in hand. So here's what you'll need to gather.
Also, check our blog, How to Handle Urgent Passport Delays.
Required Documentation for Expedited Renewal
When applying for an expedited passport renewal, it's essential to have all the necessary documentation in place. Missing or incomplete documents can delay your application, even with expedited processing. To ensure a smooth and speedy renewal process, here’s a list of the required documents you will need:
1. Current Passport
If you are renewing a passport, you must submit your most recent passport. It should be in good condition, with no significant damage. If your passport is damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement, not a renewal.
2. Completed Passport Renewal Application (Form DS-82)
For eligible renewals (passport issued within the last 15 years), you must complete Form DS-82. This form is for renewing passports without needing to appear in person. Be sure to fill out the form correctly and legibly.
3. Proof of Travel
If you're applying for expedited service, you will need to provide proof of imminent travel. This can include:
A flight itinerary or a ticket showing travel within 14 days.
A travel booking confirmation for urgent trips or last-minute travel.
4. Passport Photos
You must submit two passport-sized photos that meet U.S. Department of State guidelines:
Size: 2 x 2 inches
Background: White or off-white
Expression: Neutral, with both eyes open and no glasses
If your photos do not meet the specifications, your application may be delayed or rejected.
5. Payment for Fees
You will need to pay both the standard passport renewal fee and the expedited service fee. This includes:
Passport renewal fee: $130
Expedited service fee: $60 (for faster processing)
Additional fees may apply depending on shipping options, such as overnight or 1-2 day delivery.
6. Name Change Documentation (if applicable)
If you have changed your name since your last passport was issued, you will need to provide the appropriate legal documentation. This may include:
A marriage certificate or court order showing the change.
The original or certified copy of the legal document must be included in your application.
7. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (if applicable)
If your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or if it was lost or stolen, you will need to provide additional proof of U.S. citizenship, such as:
A birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
A consular report of birth abroad (if born outside the U.S.).
8. Social Security Number
You must include your Social Security number on your application form. If you do not have one, you will need to provide a signed statement explaining why you don’t have a Social Security number.
9. Courier/Shipping Information
If you are using expedited shipping, make sure to include an address for overnight or express delivery. Ensure this is a secure location where you can receive the passport safely when it arrives.
Having all these documents ready and correctly filled out will help ensure that your expedited renewal process goes as smoothly as possible. Double-check everything before submission to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Recommended: Acceptable Proof of Travel for Expedited Passports.
Application Fees and Extra Costs
When applying for expedited passport renewal, there are two main categories of costs to be aware of: government fees and the service fees charged by expedited service providers.
1. Government Fees
These are the fees that go directly to the U.S. Department of State for processing your passport application. Here’s a breakdown of the standard and expedited government fees:
Passport Book Renewal Fee: $130 for adult renewals (for passports issued in the last 15 years).
Expedited Service Fee: $60 to speed up processing time. This ensures your passport is processed faster than the standard 8-10 weeks.
Shipping Fees: $22.05 for 1-2 day delivery once your passport is issued. This covers expedited shipping directly to your address.
Total Government Fees Example: For an expedited renewal, you would pay $130 for the passport renewal and $60 for expedited service, plus $22.05 for shipping. This brings your total government fees to $212.05.
2. Get My Passport Fees
In addition to the government fees, Get My Passports charges service fees for its expedited services. These fees cover additional services such as document review, error correction, hand-delivery to the U.S. Department of State, and door-to-door delivery of your new passport. Here’s the breakdown of their service fees:
4-6 Week Expedited Service: $199
21-Day Expedited Service: $249
10-14 Day Expedited Service: $299
3-5 Business Day Expedited Service: $399
These service fees cover more than just speed; they ensure that you avoid common passport application mistakes, speeding up the overall process. Get My Passports also handles document review, ensuring that your application is accurate before it’s submitted.
Conclusion
When you’re on a tight timeline, dealing with passport renewal can be overwhelming. From gathering the right documents and paying government fees to facing delays with the traditional process, the hurdles are real. Government services can only do so much in terms of speed and flexibility. The extra waiting time, paperwork complications, and the need to visit agencies can leave you stressed, especially when your plans are right around the corner.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With Get My Passports, you can skip the hassle and get your passport in 3-5 business days without navigating the complexities of government agencies. From personalized document review to door-to-door delivery, we handle it all with speed, precision, and no unnecessary delays.
Let us take the stress out of the process and get you on your way without the wait. Call (708) 360-7277 or book an appointment online today, and let us handle the rest.