If you need a U.S. passport in an emergency, expedited services are available for life-or-death situations or urgent international travel, with processing times as fast as 24–48 hours at regional passport agencies. Qualifications include travel within 14 days due to a family medical crisis (parents, children, spouses, siblings, or grandparents) or visa requirements within 28 days. Emergency passports issued abroad are limited to one year and require in-person applications at U.S. embassies or consulates, though some countries may not accept them for entry.

• Life-or-death emergencies qualify for same-day or 48-hour processing at passport agencies, requiring proof like a death certificate or hospital letter ^[1][5].
• Urgent travel appointments are mandatory for trips within 14 days or visa needs within 28 days, booked via the Online Passport Appointment System ^[4][5].
• Emergency passports abroad are valid for one year, issued only in person at embassies/consulates, and cannot be extended ^[2][7].
• Documentation requirements include Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, passport photos, and evidence of emergency travel (e.g., flight itinerary) ^[5][6].

Emergency Passport Options and Processes

Expedited Passport Services for Urgent Domestic Travel

For U.S. citizens needing a passport quickly due to imminent travel, regional passport agencies offer expedited processing within 24–48 hours, but strict eligibility rules apply. Applicants must demonstrate urgent international travel within 14 calendar days or a foreign visa requirement within 28 days. Walk-in appointments are not permitted; all visits require prior scheduling through the Online Passport Appointment System or by calling the National Passport Information Center ^[4][5].

To qualify for an emergency appointment, you must provide:

• Proof of travel: Confirmed flight itinerary, hotel reservations, or a letter from an employer detailing urgent business travel ^[5].
• Completed Form DS-11: For first-time applicants or those replacing lost/stolen passports, submitted in person ^[6].
• Proof of citizenship: Original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport ^[5].
• Passport photo: Must meet State Department requirements (2x2 inches, white background) ^[6].
• Government-issued photo ID: Such as a driver’s license or military ID, plus a photocopy ^[6].

Processing fees for expedited service total $190.32 (including a $60 expedite fee and $19.53 acceptance fee for first-time applicants), with optional 1-2 day delivery for an additional $19.53 ^[5]. Some Reddit users report receiving passports in as little as 2 hours when visiting agencies with proof of imminent travel, though this is not officially guaranteed ^[8].

Key limitations:

• Appointments are not available for routine renewals or non-urgent travel ^[4].
• Minors under 16 require both parents’ consent and presence (or notarized Form DS-3053 if one parent cannot attend) ^[5].
• Lost/stolen passports must be reported immediately to the State Department before applying for a replacement ^[3].

Emergency Passports for Overseas Travelers

U.S. citizens abroad facing passport loss, theft, or expiration can obtain an emergency limited-validity passport from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. These passports are valid for one year or less and are designed solely for direct return to the U.S. or urgent travel to a third country. Unlike standard passports, they cannot be extended and may not be accepted by all destinations—some countries require full-validity passports for entry ^[2][7].

Application process abroad:

1. Schedule an in-person appointment: Emergency passports cannot be requested by mail or online ^[2].
2. Required documents: - Form DS-11 (for first-time applicants) or Form DS-5504 (for replacements) ^[7]. - Proof of citizenship: Original documents like a birth certificate or expired passport. - Passport photo: Must comply with U.S. standards (available at some embassies for a fee). - Travel itinerary: Confirmed flight details or proof of urgent need (e.g., medical evacuation) ^[10]. - Police report: If the passport was lost or stolen, to prevent identity theft ^[10].
3. Fees: No charge for replacing an emergency passport issued within the last year; otherwise, standard fees apply ^[2].

Critical considerations:

• Entry restrictions: Some countries (e.g., Schengen Zone nations) may deny entry with a limited-validity passport; verify requirements with the destination’s embassy ^[2].
• Single-use nature: Emergency passports are often issued for a one-time journey back to the U.S., after which a full-validity passport must be obtained ^[10].
• Processing time: Same-day issuance is common at embassies, but availability depends on local resources ^[2].

For travelers already abroad without a passport, contacting the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate is the first step. The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can also provide assistance in crises ^[10].