Yes, you can expedite your U.S. passport application through several official and third-party options, depending on your travel timeline and urgency. The U.S. Department of State offers expedited processing for both new applications and renewals, reducing standard wait times from 4-6 weeks to 2-3 weeks (excluding mailing times) for an additional $60 fee ^[2]. For urgent travel within 14 days, in-person appointments at regional passport agencies provide faster service, often within 72 hours for life-or-death emergencies ^[1][2]. Third-party expediting services like FedEx Office and RushMyPassport also guarantee submission for expedited processing, with some claiming turnaround times as fast as 24 hours for an additional fee ^[6][8].

Key takeaways:

• Expedited processing reduces routine wait times from 4-6 weeks to 2-3 weeks (excluding mailing) for a $60 fee ^[2][4]
• Urgent travel (≤14 days) requires an in-person appointment at a passport agency, with proof of travel ^[1][7]
• Third-party services (e.g., FedEx, RushMyPassport) offer faster submission but cannot bypass government processing times ^[6][8]
• Mailing delays add 2+ weeks to total processing time; use USPS Priority Mail Express for faster delivery ^[2][9]

How to Expedite Your U.S. Passport Application

Official Expedited Processing Through the U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State provides two primary expedited options: standard expedited service (2-3 weeks processing) and urgent travel appointments (for travel within 14 days). Both require additional fees and specific documentation. Here’s how to navigate these options:

For standard expedited service, applicants must:

• Pay a $60 expedite fee in addition to the standard application fee ($130 for adults, $100 for minors under 16) ^[9].
• Submit the application via USPS Priority Mail Express or in person at an acceptance facility (e.g., Post Office, courthouse) to minimize mailing delays ^[5][9].
• Write "EXPEDITE" clearly on the outer envelope to ensure proper handling ^[2].
• Processing times are 2-3 weeks (excluding mailing), though recent reports from Hawaii suggest delays of 7-9 weeks for expedited applications due to high demand ^[3].

For urgent travel within 14 days, applicants must:

• Schedule an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency by calling the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778) or using the online appointment system ^[1][7].
• Provide proof of international travel (e.g., flight itinerary, hotel reservation) and a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants) or DS-82 form (for renewals) ^[1][9].
• Pay the $60 expedite fee plus any additional fees for 1-2 day delivery if needed ^[7].
• Agencies can issue passports within 72 hours for life-or-death emergencies (e.g., immediate family illness/death) with documented proof ^[1].

Important notes:

• Mailing times (2+ weeks each way) are not included in processing estimates, so total wait times may exceed 4-5 weeks even with expedited service ^[2].
• Applicants can upgrade to expedited processing after submission by calling the National Passport Information Center and paying the $60 fee with a credit card ^[4][7].
• First-time applicants must apply in person at an acceptance facility; renewals can often be mailed ^[5][7].

Third-Party Expediting Services and Alternatives

For travelers needing faster service than the Department of State’s expedited options, third-party passport expediters (e.g., FedEx Office, RushMyPassport) offer submission assistance and guaranteed processing times—though they cannot bypass government timelines. These services are ideal for applicants who:

• Need help compiling documents or photos ^[6][8].
• Want to avoid in-person appointments or mailing delays ^[9].
• Are willing to pay additional fees (typically $100–$300) for faster submission ^[6].

How third-party services work:

• Document preparation: Services like FedEx Office provide passport photos, form completion assistance, and document review to avoid errors ^[6][8].
• Guaranteed submission: Expeditors submit applications directly to the Department of State for expedited processing, with some offering 24-hour turnaround for submission (not approval) ^[6].
• Tracking and support: Customers receive online portals to check status and customer support for updates ^[6].
• Fees: Costs vary but generally include:
• Service fee: $100–$300 for expediting ^[6].
• Government fees: $130 application + $60 expedite + optional $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery ^[9].

Limitations and considerations:

• Third-party services do not speed up government processing times—they ensure applications are correctly submitted and tracked ^[7].
• Scams warning: Only use authorized expediters listed on the Department of State’s website; avoid companies promising unrealistic turnaround times ^[2].
• Urgent travel: For trips within 14 days, direct appointments at passport agencies remain the fastest option, as expediters cannot bypass this requirement ^[1].

Alternatives for faster processing:

• USPS Priority Mail Express: Reduces mailing delays to 1-2 days each way ^[5].
• Regional passport agencies: 26 agencies nationwide offer same-day or next-day processing for urgent travel ^[1].
• Online renewal pilot program: Eligible applicants can renew online for faster processing (currently limited; check travel.state.gov for updates) ^[5].