What to Do When your Expedited Passport Doesn’t Arrive in Time

You’ve just booked your next international vacation. You can already feel the warm ocean breeze and taste the mouthwatering local cuisine. As you glance down at your passport, you see something that makes your heart stop– it’s expired! You rush to get it expedited, but the week of departure rolls around and it still hasn’t arrived. What now? Read on for all the deets on passport renewals and what to do when your expedited passport fails to arrive in time.

Coronavirus Complicates Passport Timing

Coronavirus has taken a toll on both USPS mail operations and the U.S. Passport system in general. Make sure you know how long it will take. Currently, processing times are running between 10-12 weeks.

Paying for expedited service is $60 and will get you your passport in 4-6 weeks. If you want to travel this fall, you need to apply now for regular service or within the next month for expedited service.

We’ve had several writers apply for renewals during Covid-19. One writer is still waiting six weeks later. Her three day mailing took 2 full weeks to get there. Another friend, applying for her kid’s first passport, received it in less than 5 weeks without expedited service. The good news? Overall, we’ve been hearing that the passport expedited time is going down slightly. So hopefully you won’t be stuck waiting 6-8 weeks.

The wait can vary wildly as offices in different regions have people out sick or receive lots of applications at once. Our takeaway? If you think you may travel in the next few months, apply now. Even before you’ve planned the trip. Having passport numbers in hand will make every step of planning easier.

Pack easier with our Ultimate Packing list. 

What to Do When your Expedited Passport Doesn’t Arrive in Time

If it’s getting close to your departure date and you still don’t have your passport, don’t despair. Take a deep breath, then check online to see where your application is in the process.

If you expedited your passport application and mailed it through your local post office, then check the Online Passport Status System or call 1 877 487-2778 or 1 888 874-7793. Note: It takes 7 to 10 business days for your passport application to be trackable.

If you used a third-party service to expedite your passport, contact that company for assistance first. If that’s unavailable, use the Online Passport Status System or call 1 877 487-2778 or 1 888 874-7793.

And remember to send all passport applications via USPS Priority Mail with a tracking number or use FedEx or UPS.

Although it’s truly a consolation prize, if delayed service impacts your travel, you can get a refund of the expediting fee if the passport doesn’t arrive in the promised timeline. Find out more details.

Types of Expedited U.S. Passport Service

In October 2018, I renewed my passport. First, I filled out the DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application form) online and printed it out. Then I got new photos and sent it all in with my old passport.

Since I chose to expedite it myself, I paid an additional $60 fee. Then I mailed it to the specific facility for expedited passport applications via USPS Priority Mail. I didn’t used the return 1 to 2-day shipping option, but luckily I got my passport within the two weeks. Of course, that was before Covid-19. Times for expedited passports now can run 4-6 weeks.

When my husband replaced a stolen passport five years ago, he got a replacement the same day. First he collected the required information. Then he secured an appointment at a passport agency in the neighboring state.

This chart will help you determine your own situation and address it properly. Read more about each situation below the chart.

Reason You Need Expedited Passport	Proof Needed for Expedited Passport	Where to Apply
Life-or-Death Emergency for immediate travel	Proof of emergency required	Contact U.S. Department of State
Booked International Travel within 2 to 3 weeks	Proof of travel required	Passport Agency or Center with an appointment
International Travel in 4 to 6 weeks	No proof needed. Standard Expedited Passport	Expedited at Acceptance Facility or Expedited Renewal by Mail
International Travel in more than 6 weeks	No proof needed. Routine Passport	Apply at Acceptance Facility or Renew by Mail

If you get that dreaded call and need to travel for a life or death emergency, you can get a “life or death emergency” passport. These passports are issued only if your immediate family member has a serious illness, injury or died and you are required travel internationally within 72 hours.

One of our TravelingMom writers had to get an emergency passport for her newborn baby after a family member fell ill in Europe.

If You Live Within in U.S.

The first step is to call and make an appointment with the emergency passport service. Call 1 877-487-2778 or 1 888 874-7793 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The service is closed all federal holidays.

To apply, you will need the following:

• Completed Passport Application with supporting documents and photos.
• Proof of life or death emergency, such as a death certificate, statement from the mortuary or signed letter for the hospital. All letters and certificates need to be in English.
• Proof of International Travel, such as an airline itinerary.
• Passport fees ($110), execution fee ($35) and expediting fee ($60).

Also, check for bereavement fare practices of airlines HERE.

Outside the U.S.

You will have to contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

My Passport is Expired and I Leave Tomorrow

Note: Limited services are available from passport expediters right now. Services are taking 4-6 weeks just like expediting a passport on your own.

After saying a few choice words, it’s time to get busy. First cancel your calls; getting your passport within 24-hours will take a more concerted effort. Next, find a registered passport expediter like Passportcenter.com or Rushmypassport.com. These are private companies and not part of the U.S Department of State.

For expedited 24-hour service (not same day), you will still have to collect all the same information as any other U.S. passport renewal. Proof of citizenship, proof of identity and passport photos are all required. Hopefully, you have those items in a safe and secure place.

Expedited Service Details

With an expediting service, you are hiring a person to hand deliver your application to the closest passport office that issues same day passports. Then a person will retrieve and overnight your new passport back to you.

It is expensive. This expedited service costs $499. The outbound shipping costs an additional $49.95. The inbound shipping adds another $29.95 to get it by 3 p.m.[ $39.95 if you need it by 10:30 a.m.

All of that is on top of the $170 fee for the actual passport. (Application fee and Expedite fee), and don’t forget the passport photos — about $15 at most photo centers. The good news? Most expediters take credit cards and your package includes tracking information.

The process starts when you fill out the expediter’s online application. Print out the completed application with the required documentation and photos and ship it to the nearest expediter’s location.

You’re Leaving in 2 Weeks

So your boss hands you a plane ticket to check on the London office and your passport is expired. First grab the tickets, then make an appointment for the next available date at the nearest U.S. Passport Agency.

If you need to get a U.S. passport renewal in two weeks or less, then a trip to the closest passport center or agency will be required. Find a passport center or agency across the country that issues same day passports. Gather and complete all requirements, then take passport photos. In addition remember appointments are necessary and often fill up days in advance.

Passport Agencies Across the U.S.

Arkansas Passport Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Atlanta Passport Agency in Atlanta, Georgia

Boston Passport Agency in Boston, Massachusetts

Buffalo Passport Agency in Buffalo, New York

Chicago Passport Agency in Chicago, Illinois

Colorado Passport Agency in Aurora, Colorado

Connecticut Passport Agency in Stamford, Connecticut

Dallas Passport Agency in Dallas, Texas

Detroit Passport Agency in Detroit, Michigan

El Paso Passport Agency in El Paso, Texas

Honolulu Passport Agency in Honolulu, Hawaii

Houston Passport Agency in Houston, Texas

Los Angeles Passport Agency in Los Angeles, California

Miami Passport Agency in Miami, Florida

National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

New Orleans Passport Center in New Orleans, Louisiana

New York Passport Agency in New York, New York

Philadelphia Passport Agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

San Diego Passport Agency in San Diego, California

Seattle Passport Agency in Seattle, Washington

San Francisco Passport Agency in San Francisco, California

San Juan Passport Agency in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Vermont Passport Agency in St. Albans, Vermont

Washington Passport Agency in Washington, D.C.

Western Passport Center in Tucson, Arizona

How to Get Your First Passport

All adult passport applications for U.S. residents require the same information, expedited or not. Hopefully you have this information in a secure place in your home, like a fire safe.

First download the correct form from the U.S. Department of State (DS-11) or pick one up from your post office. Then gather the required information and get photos taken.

If it’s your first passport (or you’re under 16 or have a lost/stolen passport), you will be required to appear in person. Usually the local post office processes passport applications with required documentation and photos.

First, call to confirm your post office takes passport applications. Then arrange an appointment to submit your application. Follow the U.S. passport application instructions carefully.

TravelingMom Tip: Don’t make these mistakes when applying for your child’s first passport.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

To prove your citizenship, most applicants use the following:

• Previous passport, can be expired.
• Official certified birth certificate, with full name, date and place of birth, sex, date the birth record was filed and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records (state, county or city or town office) and the full names of your parents.

Proof of Identity 

Along with proof of U.S. citizenship, you will be required to submit proof of identity. If you already have a passport, it can also be used for proof of identity.

Another option: submit an item that contains both your signature and a photograph, like a U.S. passport card, a driver’s license, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, military identification or federal, state or municipal government employee identification card.

Temporary or altered documents will not be accepted and names must match exactly.

Color Photograph

A recent photograph (six months or newer) is required according to the passport specifics. You can take it yourself, though it’s easier to head to a photo processing place, like your local drugstore or grocery store. Most places charge less than $20 for two photos.

If you’re in a rush, there are some ways to take these photos at home. If you’re not in a rush there are definitely some free options for passport photos.

Passport Fees

Type of Passport	Application Fee	Execution Fee
First Time Adult Passport	$110	$35**Paid to Acceptance Facility
Adult Renewal	$110	None
Minor Passport (under 16)	$80	$35**Paid to Acceptance Facility
Expedite Fee	$60
1 to 2 Day Return Delivery Fee	$16.48

Passports aren’t free. You can pay using a personal check, traveler’s check, major credit card, bank draft or cashier’s check, or money order (U.S. Postal, international or currency exchange).

Make checks payable to the U.S. Department of State within the U.S. for the application fee, expedite fee and expedited shipping fee. Additionally, a second check is required for the execution fee.

Related: Want to travel to Europe on the cheap? Teach a one week English immersion class.

Helpful Tips

• Since the U.S. Department of State is a stickler for details, fill out the applications correctly. Double check all applications.
• Only use black ink on the passport application. Using any other color could get it denied and sent back.
• Be sure to read all guidelines for passport photos. You cannot wear glasses in photos. Don’t do anything to get your photo rejected.
• If you find the passport requirements confusing, hire a service to renew your passport.
• Mail all passport applications USPS Priority Mail with a tracking number or use FedEx or UPS.
• When you get your passport back from the U.S. Department of State, store all important documents in a fireproof safe.