How To Expedite Passport: Does Usps Need Travel Proof?

If you need to get your passport expedited within two weeks or four weeks if a visa is required, you must provide proof of travel plans. This includes a flight itinerary, hotel reservation, cruise ticket, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead. If you are unable to provide proof of travel, you can include a letter of explanation to support your need for expedited processing.

Proof of travel requirements

When applying for an expedited passport, you must provide proof of travel within two weeks, or four weeks if you need a visa. This is required by the US Department of State.

If you are unable to provide proof of travel, you can include a letter explaining your need for expedited processing.

The following documents are accepted as proof of travel:

• Flight itinerary email
• Original tickets/boarding passes
• E-tickets
• Hotel reservation confirmation
• Event tickets
• Official letter from a business or organization
• Cruise itinerary email
• Private charter plan
• Reservation with a travel agency
• Letter from your employer on company letterhead

If you are travelling by air, a flight itinerary email is the most commonly accepted form of proof. You can also use original tickets or boarding passes, or e-tickets. If travelling by private plane, provide official letterhead documentation from your charter service.

For land travel to Canada, Mexico, or Central America, acceptable proof of travel includes hotel reservation confirmation, event tickets, or an official letter from a business or organization.

If travelling by sea, you can provide proof of travel with a cruise itinerary email or a private charter plan.

Expedited passport services

If you need to travel outside the United States in the next 14 days or within a month if a visa is required, you can opt for expedited passport services.

Where to go for expedited passport services?

You can either visit a Regional Passport Agency or a local post office that offers passport services.

You will need to make an appointment at the Regional Passport Agency. You will pay an additional $60 expedite fee along with your regular application fees. The passport agencies will generally get your passport to you within 8 business days.

You can request expedited services at the post office (or another passport acceptance office) and pay a $60 expediting fee along with your regular application fees. If you want overnight delivery, you will need to pay an additional shipping fee. Expediting at the post office can take up to 3 weeks and is not guaranteed.

You will need to carry proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and a passport application form. Proof of identity includes a driver's license, state ID card, previous US passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, military ID, or government ID card. Proof of citizenship includes a previous US passport, certified birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

Any other options?

Yes, you can use a passport expediting company or contact your local congressman for assistance. A registered passport expediting company will hand-carry your application documents to the Department of State for processing in as little as 7 business days. Your congressman's office can also help accelerate processing and assist in securing appointments at Regional Passport Agencies.

Regional Passport Agencies

There are 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the United States:

• Arkansas Passport Center, Hot Springs, AR
• Atlanta Passport Agency, Atlanta, GA
• Boston Passport Agency, Boston, MA
• Buffalo Passport Agency, Buffalo, NY
• Charleston Passport Center, Charleston
• Chicago Passport Agency, Chicago, IL
• Colorado Passport Agency, Aurora, CO
• Connecticut Passport Agency, Stamford, CT
• Dallas Passport Agency, Dallas, TX
• Detroit Passport Agency, Detroit, MI
• El Paso Passport Agency, El Paso, TX
• Honolulu Passport Agency, Honolulu, HI
• Houston Passport Agency, Houston, TX
• Los Angeles Passport Agency, Los Angeles, CA
• Miami Passport Agency, Miami, FL
• Minneapolis Passport Agency, Minneapolis, MN
• National Passport Center, Portsmouth, NH
• New Orleans Passport Center, New Orleans, LA
• New York Passport Agency, New York, NY
• Philadelphia Passport Agency, Philadelphia, PA
• San Diego Passport Agency, San Diego, CA
• San Francisco Passport Agency, San Francisco, CA
• San Juan Passport Agency, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Seattle Passport Agency, Seattle, WA
• Vermont Passport Agency, St. Albans, VT
• Washington Passport Agency, Washington, DC
• Western Passport Center, Tucson, AZ

When visiting a Regional Passport Agency, be sure to bring all the required documents, including proof of travel. Electronic itineraries on your smartphone are not valid. There is an Expedited Fee of $60 for each application submitted in person. In most cases, you will receive your passport within a few days or before your trip.

Passport expediting companies

If you need to get your passport quickly, you can visit a Regional Passport Agency and apply for expedited service. These agencies cater to individuals with documented travel plans within the next 14 days. If your travel plans require a visa, that window extends to 4 weeks.

Registered passport expediting services can help you get the correct application materials together. They can also help ensure your application is complete, and in many cases, a registered passport courier can deliver your passport within 24-48 hours.

• Urgent Passport Services, Inc.
• AmericanPassport.com
• 123 Access Travel Passport
• A Briggs Passports & Visa Expeditors
• A Rush Passport & Visa Services
• A Washington Travel & Passport Visa Service
• A-1 Passport and Visa Express
• ABC Passports Express
• Access Communications (CTM)
• Ace Passport Services

These companies are private and not affiliated with government agencies. They charge extra fees for their services and may charge for services that the U.S. Department of State offers for free.

If you are applying using Form DS-11, you must appear in person at an acceptance facility and provide extra information, such as proof of urgent international travel.

Passport application fees

The fees you pay for a passport application depend on whether you are applying for a passport book, a passport card, or both documents; how fast you need your passport; and whether you are applying for the first time, renewing your passport, or are under 16 years old.

First-time applicants will need to pay both an application fee and an acceptance fee. The application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State, while the acceptance fee is paid to the facility that takes your application. The application acceptance fee is $35.00, and the passport photo fee (if required) is $15.00.

Renewing your passport also requires paying both an application fee and an acceptance fee. The fees are the same as for first-time applicants. However, if you are renewing by mail, you will need to mail your application directly to the State Department.

If you are applying for a passport for a child under 16, you will need to pay both the application and acceptance fees. The acceptance fee is paid to the facility that takes your child's application, and the application fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State. Both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of the child's passport.

Expedited services are available for an additional fee. If you need your passport faster, you can send your application via Priority Mail Express and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery. The expedited service fee is $60.00, and the 1- to 2-day delivery service fee is $21.36. Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.

The State Department accepts different forms of payment, including personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards.

Frequently asked questions