Is There A Way To Expedite Passport Renewal?

You have a few options. You can apply in person at any of the 13 passport agencies nationwide-in Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Aurora (Colorado), New York, Norwalk (Connecticut), Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. It's best to make an appointment. Doing so will minimize the time you spend in line, but you're still likely to wait a few hours. Bring your airline tickets or other proof of departure, proof of citizenship (your old passport or birth certificate), and the renewal form, which you can get at the agency or download from travel.state.govjpassportl forms.html.

Passports can be turned around within three business days for a $60 rush fee, plus the charge of $97 for a new passport or $67 for a renewal. You can also go to a post office or courthouse that processes passports, fill out the form, and send the documentation via overnight mail to a passport agency. If you include a return overnight mailer, the process should take a total of seven to ten business days. If the circumstances are urgent, same-day renewal service may be possible, but it can be done only in person at a passport agency. If you want information from a human instead of a recording, call the National Passport Information Center (877-487-2778). Commercial expediters can do all the work for you but usually charge a hefty fee. Look for them in the Yellow Pages, under passport and visa services.