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U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or online, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

Get a passport for a minor under 18

Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

Everything you need to know about emergency passports

The U.S. Department of State issues a limited number of emergency passports on a case-by-case basis for U.S. citizens who need a passport to travel.

Emergency passports are available for life-or-death situations and to those attempting to replace a lost or stolen passport .

U.S. citizens in need of this type of passport while abroad can apply to have one issued by the presiding local U.S. Embassy or consulate; the emergency passport will be valid for limited travel.

Here's everything you need to know about emergency passports.

What is an emergency passport?

"The emergency passport is a type of limited-validity passport issued in urgent or emergency circumstances by a U.S. embassy or consulate for U.S. citizens who must return to the United States as soon as possible from a foreign country," a State Department spokesperson said. "The emergency passport has a purple cover with the words 'emergency passport' on the front."

Emergency passports are only valid for a maximum of one year.

Emergency passports are issued in the following circumstances:

• To replace a lost or stolen passport
• To aid in the case of life-or-death emergencies such as serious illnesses, injuries or deaths in your immediate family (the U.S. government considers parents or legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings and grandparents to be "immediate family" — aunts, uncles and cousins do not count) that require travel within 72 hours

"An imminent life-or-death emergency means an immediate emergency that severely endangers the health or safety of the applicant or another individual (such as a medical procedure to sustain life that can only be performed in another country) or impairs the ability of the applicant to attend to a dying relative whose death is impending or to attend a funeral of a relative," said the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. "Applicants seeking a life-or-death exception must provide documentary evidence sufficient to validate the situation."

Where can emergency passports be used?

Certain countries, including France , do not allow Americans to enter using an emergency passport.

"The Government of France does not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France," said the Embassy of the United States of America in France. "If traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials."

Only those transiting through France en route to the U.S. can do so with an emergency passport.

Because the State Department does not maintain a list of countries that accept emergency passports, travelers must check the entry and exit requirements of their desired destination.

"Some countries may not accept an emergency passport and you could be refused entry by immigration officials or denied boarding by airline personnel," notes the Consulate General of the United States for Hong Kong and Macau . "We strongly recommend that you research the entry and exit requirements of your destination before you travel."

Turnaround times will vary by embassy and availability. For example, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland issues emergency passports during office hours. They are generally available within 24 hours and must be picked up in person.

How are emergency passports obtained?

The process for getting an emergency passport is similar to applying for a lost passport replacement. The State Department asks travelers to contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Travelers must apply for a replacement passport in person. The process includes taking passport photos and paying an expedited passport fee, which costs the same as nonemergency passports ($130 plus $60 for expedited service).

"If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country soon, please provide consular staff with the details of your travel. We will make every effort to assist you quickly," said a U.S. State Department spokesperson. "If there is not enough time to get you a regular passport, the Consular Section may be able to give you a limited-validity emergency passport, which may be valid for up to one year."

Victims of serious crimes or disasters who cannot afford passport fees may be eligible for a free, limited-validity emergency passport.

Bottom line

Not having a passport while experiencing an emergency that requires you to travel internationally can be very distressing — but it is possible to get an emergency passport to get where you need to be as quickly as you can.

If you're abroad, contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate to your destination and find out if they will issue an emergency passport and if the country you're visiting will accept one.

Related reading:

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• Speed your way through customs in Asia: Guide to the APEC travel card
• Online passport renewals have resumed - here's what to know
• What to do if you lose your passport while traveling internationally
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• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department

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How to Get an Emergency Passport

Here's everything you need to know about getting a same-day passport.

Melanie Lieberman is the senior travel editor at The Points Guy and was an editor at Travel + Leisure.

Processing a passport application can take up to six to eight weeks, though if it's expedited, it can take two to three weeks. But not all travelers have the luxury of time. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department and international U.S. embassies can issue urgent or emergency passports.

What if you need a new passport within 72 hours? It's possible to get a passport in a few days if you can prove you have a life-or-death emergency or a trip within 14 days. The caveat is you'll need to visit one of the 26 regional passport agencies (located in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago), and appointments are notoriously hard to get. These agencies, operated by the State Department, are different than passport acceptance facilities. Typically, you'll need to book a time slot at least a week or two in advance, and depending on availability, you may have to travel to a passport agency in a different state.

Below, we've outlined a few ways to get a last-minute passport.

Apply for a life-or-death emergency passport.

An emergency passport can be issued within 72 hours, but only if you have a life-or-death emergency.

To qualify for a life-or-death emergency passport, you'll need to prove:

• An immediate family member outside of the U.S. has died.
• An immediate family member outside of the U.S. is dying (hospice care).
• An immediate family member outside of the U.S. has a life-threatening injury or illness.

Your immediate family member can only be a parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, grandparent, or sibling. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives do not qualify.

Before making your appointment, you'll need to get documentation, such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a letter from the hospital signed by a medical professional that states the condition of your family member. This documentation must be in English or translated by a professional translator.

You'll also need proof your flight is scheduled within the next 72 hours, such as an airline ticket confirmation. Finally, you'll have to complete a passport application, get a passport photo that meets the U.S. passport photo requirements , and have a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license).

Once you have all your documents together, you can make an appointment at a passport agency. If you have already applied for a passport, you can call 1-877-487-2778 on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET) to speak with someone about your application.

If it's not a life-or-death situation, use the Urgent Travel service.

If you're traveling within 14 days and don't have a life-or-death emergency, you may be able to use the Urgent Travel service to get a last-minute passport. This government-affiliated service is available to those who need a passport in less than two weeks and can prove they have a trip booked.

You can use this service by making an appointment online at a passport agency . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 days of your trip.

If you've already applied for a routine or expedited passport, but it hasn't arrived, and your trip is within five calendar days, you can call 1-877-487-4778 to make an appointment at a passport agency.

You’ll need to provide proof of travel, such as an airline ticket receipt, a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, and pay an additional $60 on top of the fee for a new passport (if this is your first) or a passport renewal (when a previous passport has expired). Keep in mind that appointments are limited. These passports are typically processed on the same day as your appointment, but there's no guarantee that you'll be able to get a passport within 24 to 72 hours.

Consider using a passport expeditor service.

Passport expeditors and courier services are companies that can help you navigate the emergency passport process. Businesses like ItsEasy Passport & Visa Services and RushMyPassport.com will review and submit your paperwork and liaise with the passport agencies on your behalf.

These companies charge additional fees ranging from $45 to $900 for their services. Turnaround times vary, though some expeditors offer one-day service for emergency passports. Keep in mind that these couriers are not government-affiliated, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to help you get a passport, so use your discretion.

Try contacting your member of Congress.

If you can't get an appointment at a passport agency, you can contact your elected member of Congress to see if they can help expedite the process. Some representatives share how to do this on their websites. This isn't a guaranteed method, so only use it as a last resort.

You can replace a lost or stolen passport abroad.

Passports that are lost or stolen while you're traveling internationally can be replaced at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Come prepared with a passport photo for the speediest assistance. You’re likely to receive a limited-validity, emergency passport in this situation. Once you're home, return your emergency passport to receive a legitimate passport book.

Our advice? Even if you don’t have international travel plans on the books, having a valid passport on hand — with three to six effective months on either end — is always your safest bet.

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Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency

Life-or-Death Emergencies

Courier and Expeditor Companies

• Life-or-Death Emergency  (appointment required)
• Urgent Travel  (appointment required)
• Routine      
• Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times + mailing times (up to 2 weeks) = total time to get a passport

Expand the options below to learn more about the four types of service we offer.

You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel to a foreign country in the next 14 days because your immediate family member outside of the united states: has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury see our  life-or-death emergencies  page for more information on how to make an appointment. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks. because the total time to get a passport includes processing and mailing times, we do not recommend you mail your application or apply at an acceptance facility if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks.  make an appointment at a  passport agency or center  when you are within 14 calendar days of your international travel date, or 28 days if you need a foreign visa. if you have not applied , make an appointment online . if you have already applied , call us at 1-877-487-2778 .  we cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 6 weeks from the date you submit your application.  expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can  expedite at an acceptance facility  or  expedite a renewal by mail .    , choose this service if you are traveling over 6 weeks from the date you submit your application. routine service takes 4-6 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can apply for routine service at an  acceptance facility  if you are applying for the first time or for a child under 16. if you are eligible to renew, you can renew online or by mail .    , contacting us if you have urgent travel.

Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I have not applied yet, reminders for contacting us.

• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Traveling in Less Than 2-3 Weeks

Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

Because the total time to get a passport includes processing and mailing times, we do not recommend you mail your application or apply at an acceptance facility if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks. 

Make an appointment at a  passport agency or center  when you are within 14 calendar days of your international travel date, or 28 days if you need a foreign visa. 

We have two types of appointments:  Life-or-Death Emergency Service  and  Urgent Travel Service .

• You cannot walk in without an appointment. 
• We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service is for customers who are traveling in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency. Learn more on our  Life-or-Death Emergency page .

Urgent Travel Service : If you have not yet applied , make an appointment online . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  

If you have already applied , call 1-877-487-2778 . 

We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. 

Traveling in Less Than 6 Weeks

Expedite a first-time application or a child's application.

Use our Form Filler to fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Follow the steps on how to apply in person
• Include your $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Find an  acceptance facility  near you to submit your application

Expedite a Renewal or Name Change by Mail

Use our Form Filler  to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.

• Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. Follow the steps on how to mail your application
• Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. Follow the steps on how to change your name.
• Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pay for faster delivery and return shipping.

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $21.36 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. These companies submit applications and pick up passports for customers. 

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in extra fees. They may also charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form. 

To learn more about these companies, visit our  Passport Expeditor and Courier page .

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

Processing Times

Routine:  4-6 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

Requesting a Refund for Expedited Service

Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

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