How to Get a Passport in One Day

How to Get a Passport in a Day

If you’re here because you googled “How to get a passport really fast!” and you are leaving the country in less than a week only to realize your passport is expired, well, I’m your girl because I waited until the day before I was leaving the country to get a passport. Yep, super organized, proficient mom who got her kids’ passports three months in advance, but of course, she did not get hers.

So, in this blog, I’m going to give you all the information on how you can get a passport in one day and save your international trip!

While it can be challenging to get a passport in one day, it’s possible, especially if you are close to a big city. But first, let’s discuss what qualifies you to get a passport quickly.

Qualifications

To qualify for getting a passport in one day, you must meet specific criteria. Here's what is generally required:

1. Urgent Travel Plans

• You must have immediate international travel within 14 days, or within 28 days if you need a visa.

• Proof of your travel plans is required, such as a confirmed itinerary or airline ticket.

2. Emergency Situations

• You may qualify if there’s a life-or-death emergency requiring you to travel internationally within 72 hours. This could be for serious illness, injury, or death of an immediate family member.

• Documentation like a death certificate, a statement from a hospital, or a signed letter from a medical professional is required.

3. Appointment at a Regional Passport Agency

• You must schedule an in-person appointment at a U.S. Department of State Regional Passport Agency that offers expedited processing.

• Appointments are required, and they fill up quickly. Do not FORGET THIS POINT!

4. All Required Documents

• You need to have all required documents in hand, including proof of U.S. citizenship, a completed passport application, proof of identity, a passport photo, and payment for expedited service. Missing any documents can result in delays or denial of same-day service. (I will give you the list below!)

5. Payment for Expedited Service

• You must pay the additional fee for expedited service, which is $60 on top of the regular passport fees.

Key Reminder:

If you don't meet these criteria, it's unlikely you'll be able to receive a passport in one day. Be prepared with all the required documents and confirm your eligibility with the passport office before your appointment.

Steps to Getting Your Passport in One Day

1. Find a Regional Passport Agency

The first step is locating a Regional Passport Agency that offers same-day service. You can find the nearest agency on the U.S. State Department's website. There are about 30 with future plans for more, but most of the are in very large metropolitan cities. (I even included the links in this blog for you! You’re Welcome 😉)

2. Schedule an Appointment

You must schedule an appointment online or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Appointments are limited and often booked quickly, so act fast! This is KEY! We didn’t realize we need to schedule it and luckily they had one for us.

3. Gather Required Documents

To ensure you have everything you need for your appointment, gather the following documents:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (one of the following):

  • Previous U.S. passport

  • Birth certificate (must be a certified copy)

  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad

  • Naturalization Certificate

  • Certificate of Citizenship

• Proof of Identity (one of the following):

  • Current driver’s license

  • Government employee ID

  • Military ID

  • State-issued ID card

  • A valid passport photo

• Passport Photo: One recent 2x2-inch passport photo, taken within the last six months. Make sure it meets the photo requirements set by the State Department.

  • Here’s a list of common places where you can obtain a passport photo:

    1. Pharmacies:

       • CVS

       • Walgreens

       • Rite Aid

    2. Photography Studios:

       • Local photography shops

       • Portrait studios (e.g., Picture People)

    3. Retail Stores:

       • Walmart

       • Target (photo services may vary by location)

    4. Post Offices:

       • Many U.S. Postal Service locations offer passport photo services. Call ahead to confirm availability.

    5. Travel Agencies:

       • Some travel agencies provide passport photo services.

    6. Colleges and Universities:

       • Some campus services may offer passport photos, especially for international students.

    7. Public Libraries:

       • Some libraries offer passport photo services; check with your local library for availability.

    8. Online Services:

       • Websites like Snapfish and Shutterfly allow you to upload a photo and have passport photos printed and mailed to you.

    9. Self-Service Kiosks:

       • Some places have self-service kiosks where you can take your photo and get it printed immediately.

    When getting your passport photo, make sure the photo meets the U.S. passport photo requirements, such as size, background color, and expression.

• Completed Application Form: Fill out Form DS-11 (if applying for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (if renewing by mail). You can fill it out online and print it or print it and fill it out by hand.

• Payment: The fee for a passport book is $130 for adults. Acceptable payment methods include:

  • Check

  • Money order

  • Credit/debit card (may vary by location)

4. Arrive Prepared

On the day of your appointment, arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid any delays. Bring all your documents, payment, and any additional items that may be required based on your specific situation.

5. Expedited Service

At the agency, make sure to request expedited service for your passport. If you qualify, you can get your passport on the same day, we had to wait about 3 hours for the passport to be done.Make sure to get approval before you leave. Speak with the passport office to confirm that you have every single document you need, and be sure to bring backups. I brought two forms of everything, just in case one was rejected, and you'll need originals of these documents too. I kept them all in a folder that I guarded with my life, especially since our flight was scheduled for 6 a.m. the next day.

6. Pick Up Your Passport

If approved, you can receive your passport on the same day, but some agencies may require you to return the next day to collect it. Be prepared for any additional instructions from the agency.

I hope this blog helps anyone who finds themselves in a pinch and needs a passport quickly. Navigating last-minute travel can be stressful, but with the right preparation and a bit of patience, it's possible to get what you need in time. Remember to stay organized, gather all your necessary documents, and double-check everything with the passport office before your appointment. It's always better to be over-prepared in these situations. Safe travels, and may your next trip be filled with adventure!