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Can You Fly with an Expired Passport?

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It's not likely you can travel with an expired passport, as a passport is generally required for international air travel. It also doubles as a valid form of ID for domestic U.S. travel.

If you realize your passport has expired and you have immediate travel plans, you'll need to check the rules for the country you're visiting and quickly submit an application for a new passport.

Learn why and when you need a passport to travel, how to renew your passport and what the rules are for traveling with an expired passport.

Why do you need a passport to travel?

A passport is a standardized form of government identification for those traveling internationally, though it can often be used for identification purposes domestically, too.

Passports ensure that travelers are who they say they are when entering or leaving a country or in other situations when identification is necessary. In most circumstances, everyone entering or leaving a country by land, sea or air needs to have their own passport, even if they’re a child, toddler or baby.

Generally, U.S. passports must be valid for six months beyond the traveler’s departure date to enter another country. However, some countries allow entry to travelers with only three months’ validity on their passport, and others have different regulations altogether. It’s important to verify the country’s rules where you’re planning to travel to ensure you can enter.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

How do you renew a passport?

Adult passports are valid for 10 years, and travelers can renew them by submitting an application to the U.S. Department of State.

If your passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply for a new one. Child passports for those under 16 expire after five years and cannot be renewed.

To renew your passport, follow these steps:

Complete a passport renewal application ( Form DS-82 ).

Get passport photos taken.

Mail in your completed application and photos along with your current or expired passport and the required fees.

Currently, it takes up to 10 weeks to get a new passport or renew an existing one. However, there are ways to reduce the time it takes to get a new passport if you need it faster.

Expedited processing . By choosing expedited processing for an additional $60, your passport can be issued in three to five weeks.

Expedited delivery . Applicants can pay $19.53 for expedited delivery from the U.S. Postal Service. This upgrade delivers your new passport to you one to two days after it is mailed.

Urgent travel . This service is available by appointment at a passport agency and is for those with urgent travel plans within the next 14 days (or five days if you’ve already applied by mail). There is no fee for the appointment but spots are limited.

Emergency . In life-or-death situations that require travel within 72 hours, you may be able to obtain a passport the same day or the next day.

Passport expeditors or courier companies are another option to get your passport more quickly. These private, third-party companies are allowed to submit expedited passport applications on behalf of their customers. These agencies typically charge additional fees on top of the standard application and expedited service fees.

» Learn more: How much does a passport cost?

Can you fly with an expired passport?

Typically, travelers are required to have valid identification when flying. However, the rules can vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.

Can you travel domestically with an expired passport?

A passport isn’t required for U.S. citizens traveling within the United States. If you’re flying within the U.S. and your passport has expired, it’s best to use another form of government identification. Forms of ID that are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines include state-issued driver’s licenses, state-issued ID cards and military ID.

If you’re traveling with an expired passport and don’t have one of the forms of ID listed above, you may still be able to fly if your passport hasn’t expired more than 12 months ago. However, you may be asked to show secondary forms of identification to prove your identity.

Can you fly with an expired passport to another country?

Traveling internationally requires a valid passport to depart the U.S. and/or return from a foreign country.

There are a few exceptions for passengers traveling within the Western Hemisphere. These include a NEXUS card when returning from Canada, a Merchant Mariner Document when traveling on official business or a Military Identification Card when traveling on official orders.

Traveling with expired passport rules during COVID

During the pandemic, the U.S. government issued a temporary order allowing those with an expired passport to fly home to the U.S. This rule granted travelers with passports expiring on or after Jan. 1, 2020, to return directly to the U.S. until June 30, 2022. This exception has since expired and is no longer valid.

» Learn more: Cruises where you don’t need a passport

What if your passport expired and you need to travel tomorrow?

If you’re traveling within three business days because of a life-or-death emergency of one of your immediate family members, you may be able to get a new passport the same day . Here’s how to get a passport quickly for next-day travel:

Get documentation of the emergency. This could be a death certificate, letter from a mortuary or a letter from a hospital explaining your family member’s condition. It must be translated by a professional if it’s not in English.

Obtain proof of your upcoming travel, such as an airline ticket or itinerary.

Complete a passport application and get passport photos taken.

Call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 during business hours or (202) 647-4000 during non-business hours.

Explain your situation and why you need to travel right away.

If you qualify, the center will assist you in making an appointment at an eligible passport agency. Note that an appointment is not guaranteed.

Bring proof of the emergency and travel plans, your passport application and payment for all necessary fees to your appointment.

» Learn more: Times when you should renew your passport

Flying with an expired passport recapped

Travelers must have a valid passport when traveling internationally. However, if your passport has expired, you have a few options to get a new passport faster than the standard seven to 10 weeks it currently takes. The fees and process required will depend on how quickly you need your new passport.

In life-or-death situations, you may be able to get a new passport the same day if your international travel is within three business days.

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

 TSA currently accepts expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

You Can No Longer Travel With an Expired US Passport

The pandemic-era policy has come to an end

As of July 1, 2022, the State Department has overturned a pandemic-era rule that temporarily allowed U.S. travelers to return home from overseas with an expired passport.

"If your passport has expired, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport," the State Department wrote on its website.

The policy, which applied to passports that expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, was initially implemented due to "unprecedented [passport] appointment backlogs" and subsequent processing delays. (In July 2021, expecting travelers could wait as long as 18 weeks to get their passports .)

While 18-week-long processing times are fortunately a thing of the past, it's best to fill out your renewal application ASAP if your passport is expired—or if the country you're visiting requires your passport to be at least six months valid after entry or departure. The State Department currently estimates that it can take eight to 11 weeks to process a passport application. However, if your trip is fast approaching, you can pay $60 to get your passport expedited in five to seven weeks.

If you're renewing your passport, you can expect your new travel document to look slightly different than what you're used to . Called the "Next Generation Passport" (NGP), the latest iteration of the U.S. passport will feature improved security features, including "a polycarbonate data page, laser-engraved personalization, and updated artwork."

Application fees for new and renewed passports also cost $20 more than pre-pandemic . As of Dec. 27, 2021, U.S. travelers 16 and up must pay $165 for a new passport (up from $145) and $130 for a renewal (up from $110).

U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. "U.S. Citizens May Return to the United States on Recently Expired Passports." Accessed July 5, 2022.

U.S. Department of State. "Return Travel on Recently Expired U.S. Passports." May 24, 2021.

U.S. Department of State. "U.S. Passports." Accessed July 5, 2022.

U.S. Department of State. "Next Generation Passport." Accessed July 5, 2022.

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The U.S. Will Stop Honoring Expired Passports As of July 1 — What to Know

The rule was initially implemented to help travelers navigate delays in passport processing due to the pandemic.

The State Department will no longer honor expired United States passports next month, ending a pandemic-era practice implemented due to delays in processing.

Starting July 1, travelers will no longer "be permitted to use your expired U.S. passport to return to the United States," the State Department wrote on its website. Previously, U.S. citizens who were abroad were allowed to enter the country if their passport had expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020.

"If your passport has expired, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport," the State Department added.

The rule was initially implemented to help travelers navigate delays in passport processing due to consulates and embassies being forced to cut back staffing. That led to an "unprecedented" backlog of passport service appointments.

In the U.S. alone, processing times topped up to 18 weeks and the State Department even removed the option to book last-minute appointments online for a time. Currently, passports are taking eight to 11 weeks to process, or five to seven weeks if travelers pay the expedited fee, according to the State Department .

Passport renewals have also gotten more expensive after the price increased by $20 last year. Now, it costs $130 to renew an adult passport, an extra $60 for expedited service, and an extra $18.32 for one to two day delivery.

While currently the most convenient way to renew a passport is by mail, President Joe Biden signed an executive order last year requiring the government to design a new digital system . Most passports expire after 10 years , but many countries require visitors to have up to six months of validity on their passports before traveling.

Travelers who do renew their passports now have the option to select an "X" as their gender on their application, indicating an "unspecified or another gender identity."

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Americans abroad can now enter the U.S. on expired passports.

The State Department said it would allow many Americans who have been unable to renew their travel documents overseas to use their old ones to enter the country.

• Share full article

By Debra Kamin

• Published May 25, 2021 Updated July 22, 2021

American citizens abroad who saw their passports expire during the Covid-19 pandemic are now able to return to the United States before renewing their travel documents, a shift of policy announced by the State Department on Monday.

The decision, which applies to Americans who are currently outside the country and hold passports that expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, comes after reports that more than 100,000 Americans abroad are struggling to obtain consular appointments.

In many countries, American citizens who need to renew their passports must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. But many of those offices remain hobbled by Covid-19 restrictions and staffing reductions, and some are closed for all but emergency services. Difficulties and delays in getting appointments for renewals have left many Americans without a path back to the United States.

Some American expatriates have turned to immigration lawyers for help. Others have paid high fees to bootleggers and passport courier companies to obtain hard-to-get embassy appointments.

The State Department’s new exception for expired passports applies both to adults, whose documents are valid for 10 years, and to children, whose passports expire after 5 years. It applies only when entering the United States; travelers leaving the country will still be required to have current documents.

New parents should note that the exception does not apply to babies born overseas who have not yet been issued a passport or an official record of a child’s claim to U.S. citizenship, known as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

To take advantage of the exception, citizens must be in possession of their expired passport, and must be flying to the United States, either directly or on a connecting flight with a short layover. Expired passports cannot be used for travel from one foreign country to another.

All American citizens returning to the country must still show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

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Travel Within the U.S.

In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include

Driver's License

Military ID

Other Government-Issued Photo ID Card

See TSA Guidelines for Travel Documents

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How to Renew an Expired Passport

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

In our over 20 years helping readers with travel document issues, we get this question all the time:

Should I renew my expired passport or apply for a new one?

Once a passport is expired, it has outlived its usefulness. You cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa with an expired passport. This means that if your passport's expiration date has passed and you need to travel internationally, you need to get it replaced immediately.

This leaves travelers with two options: apply for a passport renewal by mail or apply for a new passport . Each has its own procedure, fee, and timing to consider.

The best choice for you depends on 3 factors:

• How old you were when your last passport was issued?
• How much time has passed since the passport's expiration date?

If you can afford to wait, submit your renewal application, existing passport, and supporting documents through the mail. You do not need to visit a passport acceptance facility in person.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

When Can an Expired Passport Be Renewed?

You can apply to get your passport renewed by mail at any time as long as your passport meets all of the following criteria:

• The expired passport was issued not more than 15 years ago
• The expired passport was not damaged
• The expired passport is an adult passport that was issued when the holder was 16 years old or older

In other words, passports issued to applicants age 16 or older can be renewed by mail up to 5 years after the expiration date (as long as the passport is not significantly damaged ).

Can I Renew My Passport Early?

Yes! Even if your current passport is still valid, there are good reasons to renew early:

• Long passport application processing times may mean significant delays when you need to renew a passport. If you wait until your passport is expired, you will have to wait until you complete the entire renewal process to be able to travel internationally or even apply for a visa again.
• Other countries have different validity rules when it comes to passports. This means you could have a valid passport that still does not allow you to travel abroad to some destinations. For example, some countries require three or six months of passport validity for entry.

How Do I Replace an Expired Passport That Does Not Qualify for Renewal?

If your expired passport does not meet the criteria listed above, you need to follow the steps for applying for a new passport to get it replaced.

Note: You will also have to pay the $35 execution fee-even though you paid it when getting your first passport.

The Expired Passport Renewal Process

The passport renewal process has several steps. These vary depending upon the passport services you need and if you can provide proof of urgent travel plans.

If time is not a factor, you can get a passport with routine service by following out guide to renewing an expired passport by mail . You can also use this method to renew a passport card or a passport book through the State Department's expedited passport renewal process.

If you need to renew an expired passport fast , hire a registered passport courier service to help. This is the best, most reliable way to get a passport quickly without having to go through the hassle, time, and extra expenses that come with visiting a regional passport agency on your own. Not only that, these experts ensure your applications and supporting materials are in order so that you don't experience unnecessary passport processing delays .

Either way, if you have the opportunity to renew your passport instead of applying for a new one, do it . Passport renewals are easier and less complicated than restarting the entire application process from scratch.

Even if you do not have current plans to travel internationally, renew your passport while you are eligible to do so rather than waiting until your next trip abroad (when it might be too late).

NOTE: Don't throw away or destroy that expired passport! it is possible to use an expired passport as proof of citizenship when you apply for a new passport. So, if you don't intend to replace your expired passport now, you may want to hold on to it so that it is available when you are ready to get a new one.

The Basic Steps to Renew your Expired Passport

• Complete a passport renewal application " Form DS-82 : Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail."
• Print and sign the passport application form . This is different than a the new passport application process which requires you to sign your application and take an oath in front of a U.S. State Department official.
• Have a new passport photo taken . You can get acceptable passport photos taken at some post offices and retail locations. For more information, check out our complete guide to where to get a passport photo taken .

The payment rules are the same, too. You cannot pay online. You cannot use a credit card, debit card, or send cash. Instead, you must send a check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of State".

• Prepare your passport renewal documents for submission . Place your signed, completed application Form DS-82, your most recent passport photo, your undamaged passport, and payment for fees in an envelope.
• Include any additional required documents , if applicable. These include items like legal name change documents, a certificate of birth abroad, a marriage certificate, a naturalization document, etc.
• Mail the envelope to the appropriate address on the application form.

Once you have followed these steps, you must wait for your renewed passport book or passport card to arrive. Your supporting documents (including your expired, most recent passport) will be returned to you, as well. Passport applications, themselves, are not returned.

In some cases, these documents will be returned with your passport. Usually, though, they are mailed separately.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for my Expired Passport to be Renewed?

Whether you get a new passport or renew a passport you already have, processing a passport application takes between 6 to 8 weeks for standard service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service . These times are subject to change and can take even longer in times of high demand.

If you have a travel emergency and need to get a passport fast expedite a passport renewal , you can make an appointment at a regional agency.

If you don't have the time, ability, or desire to visit the processing center? Get a third party to go for you. You can authorize a relative, friend, family member, travel agent or an express passport courier to make the trip on your behalf.

Expired Passport Renewal FAQ

Is there still an official record of my expired passport?   Question: Hello--I'm applying for a new passport because my former one expired years ago. I can't find my old passport to use as identification, so ...

How long do I have to renew my passport?   Question: I want to confirm what I read. My passport will expire on March 27, 2011. I have no urgent need to renew it at this time. I read that I ...

Can I renew an expired passport by mail?   Question: My passport expired on Feb. 7, 2011. Can I renew it by mail and expedite the processing as I am planning to travel out of the country in a month....

Renewal of 18-Year-Old's Passport   Question: Married parents and 18-year-old's passports all expired Jan 2010. Do both parents need to accompany the child to the USPS passport office to renew a minor's passport ...

Which form do I use to get another passport?   Question: I had a passport but I cannot find it. It got packed away in a move. It is probably almost expired because I think I got it in 2000. Do I apply ...

Renewal of expired official passports   Question: My wife and I both had official (red) passports in addition to our blue tourist passports...while stationed overseas as DOD civilians. The ...

Renewal question for passport that expires soon   Question: My passport expires at the end of this month - if I don't get it to you in time can it still be "renewed" or do I have to go through a different ...

Submitting an Expired Passport for Renewal   Question: Do I have to submit my most recent passport (will expire in 6/2011) when I renew or can I submit a prior passport that expired in 1999? I ...

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

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Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or in person in an emergency.

Renew early. Passport processing times  vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Issued before your 16th birthday
• Issued more than 15 years ago
• Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
• Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.

How to renew your passport and documents you will need

Passports can only be renewed by mail. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires.

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:

• You can fill out Form DS-82 online , or
• Download Form DS-82 and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
• Passport photo
• Passport fee
• Your most recent passport
• Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees by mail.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals .

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online . Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

• On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Need A New U.S. Passport Fast? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process

From emergency travel to suddenly realizing your passport has expired right before a big international trip, there are numerous situations that might require a quick passport turnaround..

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Sometimes we need a new passport sooner than we realized.

Photo by Shutterstock

Whether last-minute travel plans have suddenly sprung up or a big international trip is here before you had time to double-check the expiration date on your passport, it’s not uncommon for travelers to have to expedite their U.S. passport applications.

Several other situations might require a new or renewed passport in a hurry as well. For example, some countries don’t permit entry if your passport has less than six months of validity. Some international destinations, like South Africa, require that you have at least two consecutive blank pages in your passport book. It’s important to check the U.S. State Department’s website for each country’s visa and passport requirements or contact your airline or travel agency before you hit the road to make sure that your travel documents will be accepted upon arrival.

The process (for both renewing and getting a new passport quickly ) is fairly similar to the regular application process , which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Due to a big surge in demand for new and renewed U.S. passports—the U.S. State Department processed nearly 22 million passports in 2022, more than at any point since tallying began in 1974— standard passport processing times inched back up in early 2023.

Here’s what you need to know to get a passport in your hands as quickly as possible.

How long does it take to get an expedited passport?

During the pandemic, even expedited services experienced a massive slowdown. Thankfully, both regular and rushed passport processing times started to come down toward the end of 2021. But in early 2023, regular passport processing times crept back up due to a massive influx in applications—the standard processing period is 8 to 11 weeks, according to a March 2023 update from the State Department, up from the 6 to 9 weeks for a routine passport application in January 2023.

If you apply for an expedited passport directly though the U.S. State Department, processing times are about 5 to 7 weeks, according to a March 7 update —but that doesn’t include mail delivery times, which according to the State Department can add “several weeks” to the total processing time.

“Processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply. Mailing times may add several weeks on to the door-to-door time it takes to receive your passport,” the State Department reports.

Nevertheless, the 5- to 7-week time frame is down from the 12 to 18 weeks the agency had estimated for expedited passport service during the pandemic. For a faster turnaround, an expeditor like RushMyPassport.com offers services that are as speedy as one or two weeks, but it’ll cost: The fastest one-week service is about $800. At press time, RushMyPassport.com offered expedited passport services ranging from 1 to 10 weeks from the time documents are received by the agency.

If you need it within 7 weeks, you can still do it yourself

If you have a life-or-death emergency or urgent international travel coming up within 14 days, you can make an in-person appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies throughout the United States. You must have an appointment to visit an agency, and the only way to make an appointment is by calling 1-877-487-2778.

You can also apply via mail. The window for expediting is 5 to 7 weeks, but as mentioned above that doesn’t include mail delivery times, which can vary widely across the country.

How to apply for an expedited passport

Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to find out your passport isn’t travel ready.

Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock

To apply for a rushed passport, begin at the State Department’s website , where a handy checklist will keep you from making a mistake that could slow down the process. The $60 expediting fee (plus overnight shipping) is not refundable, so make sure you have dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s when applying. This fee is in addition to the standard $130 application fee—so $190 total for the expedited passport service (not including shipping). First-time applicants are charged an additional $35 execution fee.

If you want the expedited service, you need to send your application using Priority Mail Express with the U.S. Postal Service. The State Department recommends that applicants send their application via trackable mail so that applicants can know exactly when it arrives and enters the system. Travelers can also opt for one- to two-day return delivery of their passport for an extra $19.53, to help speed things along somewhat.

If you score an appointment to apply in person, you must use form DS-11. To apply by mail, you’ll need to use the form DS-82 (you can download these forms here ). Submitted forms must be single-sided and printed clearly. Complete the application online before printing it out or by hand in black or blue ink; remember to write “expedited” on the envelope and include two recent photos that meet the passport photo specifications. If applying by mail, you must include a check; if applying in person, find out what methods of payment are allowed at your specific acceptance facility.

You can renew your passport by mail and can begin the process online as long as you are in possession of your expired or expiring passport; your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older; it was issued within the past 15 years; and it was issued to your current name or you have documentation to support a name change. Children under 16, all first-time applicants, and applicants who have lost their passport or had it stolen must apply in person.

You can make a free appointment ahead of time but spaces are limited—passport agencies and acceptance facilities are not accepting walk-in services and require advance appointments. Acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. If you want to apply at a post office, you need to make an appointment at USPS.com . Other acceptance facilities may be requiring advance appointments as well.

Passport agency appointments must be scheduled over the phone by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. The online appointment system was disabled after an underground market developed; third parties using bots would secure urgent appointments and then sell them to travelers in a bind. Many of these were not even legitimate appointments.

How an expeditor can (and can’t) help

Expediting agencies are companies that assist with rushed passport applications. They charge an additional fee (on top of the standard passport application fee and expedited passport service fee) but can often help navigate the ins and outs of the expediting process. Services like RushMyPassport.com double-check your application before it gets submitted and catch any errors or snags that might slow it down. The fastest turnaround time RushMyPassport.com offers is one week for $799 or a two-week option for $599. Even these can be limited in availability since expeditors also rely on a subset of appointments being available.

David Alwadish, CEO and founder of ItsEasy Passport & Visa , notes that the expediting slots get snatched up quickly. ItsEasy Passport & Visa currently charges $45 for its four-week passport processing service and $895 for one-day service. “One- to three-day passport service requires urgent travel. Please contact us for details,” the agency advises. Do-it-yourselfers can also use his company’s ItsEasy Passport App to submit applications for standard passport processing.

If you need it within 24 to 72 hours, try going to an agency in person

If it’s a life-or-death emergency , such as an illness, injury, or a death in your immediate family, getting an emergency appointment at an agency in person is the only option. Instead of wasting a day with overnight shipping, you can save valuable time by going in-person—even if you have to fly to a passport agency in the departure city of your international flight. In these circumstances, it can take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours depending on where you apply and if you can provide accepted documentation, such as a death certificate or signed documentation from medical personnel.

One final tip . . .

The best thing you can do to avoid paying extra for expediting your passport is to set a calendar reminder for nine months before the expiration date of your current valid passport, for those who have one. At that point, you can look ahead at your travels and figure out the best 18-week period to apply—one where, ideally, you know you won’t be heading abroad. If you travel frequently enough that such a period is hard to identify, you may want to look into the option of applying for a second passport .

This article was originally published in 2019. It was updated on March 7, 2023, to include current information.

Update April 12, 2024

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Germany Grants Ukrainian Nationals Permission to Stay Despite Expired Passports

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Amid ongoing conflict, Ukrainian individuals who have passports that are no longer valid will be eligible to remain in Germany. This was stated by a representative of the Berlin Senate to Deutsche Welle on April 25th.

In response to a directive from the Ukrainian government issued on April 24th, which prohibits the issuance of identification documents and passports to Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years of age living abroad due to martial law, Germany has taken measures to allow these individuals to extend their temporary residence or obtain a new one in the country.

This measure follows Ukraine’s stoppage of consular services to military-age men overseas as it enforces a novel mobilization mandate .

The official from the Berlin Senate who communicated with Deutsche Welle explained that the enactment of the new law in Ukraine will not impact one’s ability to maintain residency or access to services in Germany.

Local German authorities are handling the administration of foreigners’ residency within its borders.

Should a Ukrainian embarkation point or consular office decline to renew or issue a passport to a Ukrainian national who has not completed military service, they could apply for a provisional German travel document to replace their passport.

Applications for this German travel documentation will be subject to a stringent review process, with the expectation that most requests will be denied, the Berlin Senate spokesperson mentioned.

An updated enactment for mobilization was ratified by Ukraine, aiming to enhance its defense by addressing its shortfall in military personnel . The mitigation strategy incorporates disciplinary action towards those avoiding conscription.

FAQ About Ukrainian Refugees and Expired Passports in Germany

Q: Can Ukrainian refugees in Germany extend their stay with expired passports?

A: Yes, the Berlin Senate has stated that even with expired passports, Ukrainian refugees can apply for and extend their temporary residence in Germany.

Q: What is the reason behind the ban on issuing identification documents to Ukrainian men abroad?

A: The ban is part of Ukraine’s martial law restrictions and the new mobilization law, aimed at ensuring military-age men are available for conscription during the ongoing conflict.

Q: What happens if a Ukrainian embassy or consulate refuses to renew a passport?

A: In such cases, the Berlin Immigration Office might provide the individual with a temporary travel document that serves as a substitute for a passport.

Q: Are there any restrictions on applying for a German travel document as a substitute for a Ukrainian passport?

A: Yes, applications for a German travel document are “thoroughly checked,” with most expected to be rejected according to the Berlin Senate representative.

Germany’s decision to allow Ukrainians with expired passports to extend their stay provides significant relief to those affected by the new Ukrainian mobilization laws and consular restrictions. It is a demonstration of solidarity and support for Ukrainian nationals during a challenging period. This measure ensures that, despite the suspension of passport services and the administrative barriers back home, Ukrainians in Germany can still have legal residency and travel documents, exemplifying the international community’s commitment to assist those impacted by the conflict.

Note: The information presented in this article is sourced and rewritten through AI news feed technology from various online sources. The UBJ is not the creator of the original content and does not claim ownership or authorship. The original news can be found at kyivindependent.com .