United States Passports

Expedite a United States Passport

Getting a passport after you apply can take anywhere from one day to ten weeks. Getting it in four weeks or less is usually considered a rush.  The most important step in order to obtain a new U.S. passport is submitting a properly filled out U.S. passport application. The government uses this to not only gather the required information about the applicant, but also to assess his ‘intention’ of traveling.

There is no guarantee that you can get a US passport in less than two weeks.  However, it has been said that people have received a passport the same day that they drove to their regional passport office and applied.

To get a passport rushed, or within two weeks, you must prove that you are leaving the country and need it fast — your (paid for) itinerary from your travel agency or your e-ticket may work. And the Department of State notes on its website that you will not be allowed to apply for a passport at your post office or through the mail if you are leaving the country within two weeks — you must apply in person at an office.

Depending on the form of request, there are various application forms available. The most common one, the ‘DS-11’ form, is available when applying for a new U.S. passport. This form should be used only when you are applying for the first time. A certain criterion has to be met in order to fall into the ‘first-time applicant’ category. ‘DS-82’ forms are used when one has to apply by mail, in cases of renewal of an existing passport. For an amendment or validation of the passport, application form ‘DS-19’ should be presented. It is used when there is a modification in the printed information of one’s passport. In case of a lost or stolen passport, the form ‘DS-64’ is submitted, along with the DS-11 form. And to obtain a passport for a minor under the age of 14, the form ‘DS-3053’ along with the DS-11 application form is submitted.

The time taken to obtain a U.S. passport can take several weeks.  However, it may take a little longer during spring and summer, as they are the busiest periods. Also with the U.S. passport application, it is required for the applicant to submit proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, two passport-sized photos and the applicable fee to obtain a U.S. passport.