Where you apply depends on when you need your U.S. passport.
Please Note: The instructions below are for those applying inside the United States. For information on how to apply for a U.S. passport outside the United States, please visit Apply Outside the United States.
| My Travel Date | My Reason for Travel | Service I Should Select | My Processing Times | Next Steps? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right now | I have a life-or-death emergency | Life-or-Death Emergency Service | Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (or 3 business days) of travel.
|
See our "Life-or- Death Emergencies" page to learn if you are eligible. You can schedule your appointment up to 2 weeks before your international travel but the date of your appointment must be within 3 business days of your international travel. |
| Less than 5-7 weeks from today | I have urgent international travel plans within 2 weeks, or need a foreign visa within 4 weeks. | Expedited at an Agency or Center | Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (or 3 business days) of travel. If you need a foreign visa, the appointment can be within 10 business days of travel. | A limited number of appointments are available. Restrictions apply and we cannot guarantee you can make an appointment. |
| In the next 5-7 weeks | (No reason needed) | Expedited | 5-7 weeks (does not include mailing times) | Expedite at an acceptance facility or expedite a renewal by mail |
| More than 8-11 weeks from today | (No reason needed) | Routine | 8-11 weeks (does not include mailing times) | Apply at an acceptance facility or renew by mail |
