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Getting or Renewing a U.S. Passport

Please note updated changes to the passport application and renewal process due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Apply for a U.S. Passport

Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.

Renew a U.S. Passport

Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.

Every person, regardless of age, must have their own passport to travel internationally by air.

Get a Passport Quickly

Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.

Under normal conditions:

You can request and pay for expedited service if you're:

  • Traveling in 24-48 hours. This is only in an emergency such as a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family.

  • Traveling within 2-3 weeks. You must have proof of immediate international travel (for example, purchased airline or cruise tickets).

Follow these steps for an expedited service request in person:

1. Make an appointment with your nearest passport agency. Make the appointment through the National Passport Information Center. You can either:

  • Call the 24-hour automated appointment system at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 or

  • Use the State Department's online passport appointment system At your passport agency appointment, submit your application in person. 

2. If your trip is not within 2-3 weeks, but you need your passport sooner than the normal 6-8 weeks, you can request expedited service.

   Expedited service costs an extra $60, plus any delivery costs.

   Call the 24-hour automated appointment system at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793 or use the State Department's online passport appointment system.

3. At your passport agency appointment, submit your application in person. 

  • If your trip is not within 2-3 weeks, but you need your U.S. passport more quickly than the normal processing period of 6 to 8 weeks, you can request expedited service by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility near you. 
  • In addition to the regular passport application costs, the expedited service will cost an extra $60, plus any delivery costs.

Passports for Minors Under the Age of 18

The Department of State has rules to prevent children from being issued U.S. passports without the consent of both parents. It also has programs to protect children involved in custody disputes. These work to prevent a parent from taking a child abroad without the other parent's consent. 

Check the Status of Your Passport

Please note: You can now get routine (10-12 week) and expedited (four to six week) passport processing by mail and at local acceptance facilities. You can visit a passport agency by appointment only for a life or death emergency. Learn more about the status of passport processing.

Passport application processing times vary throughout the year. But, there is a way to get a passport in an emergency. You can check the status of your passport application online 7-10 days after applying.

If you have questions about passports, please contact the National Passport Information Center.

Passport Fees

Fees for renewing or getting a new passport depend on several factors such as:

  • If you are only getting a passport card, or

  • If you opt for expedited service

The passport application fee and the execution fee are non-refundable. They are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued.

You can find the fees you may have to pay using these State Department resources:

If you are outside the U.S., ask your U.S. Embassy or consulate what forms of payment they are able to accept.  This applies to passport renewals or applications for new passports.

Infographic: How to Get or Renew a U.S. Passport

This infographic provides a simple, step-by-step guide for how to apply for a new passport or renew one you have.

Opens in new window View a larger version of the infographic.

Infographic showing the steps to renew or apply for a U.S. passport.
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Last Updated: February 10, 2021

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