Quick answer

There are four ways to get a U.S. passport: apply in person at an acceptance facility, renew by mail, book an urgent appointment at a passport agency, or send your application through a registered passport courier like us. The right one depends on how soon you travel and whether you're applying for the first time or renewing.

The four ways to get a passport

  • At an acceptance facility

    For
    First passports, children under 16, lost, stolen or damaged passports.
    How long
    About 4 to 6 weeks routine, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay to expedite.
    Cost
    The $130 government fee for an adult book, plus an acceptance fee and optional expedite fee.
    Effort
    An appointment at a post office, clerk's office or library.
    Step by step ↓

  • Renew by mail

    For
    Adults whose last passport meets the renewal rules.
    How long
    About 4 to 6 weeks routine, or 2 to 3 weeks expedited, plus mailing time.
    Cost
    The $130 government fee for an adult book, plus the expedite fee if you choose it.
    Effort
    Low. Fill in Form DS-82 and mail it.
    Step by step ↓

  • At a passport agency

    For
    Travel within 14 days, or a foreign visa needed within 28 days.
    How long
    Often the same day to a few days.
    Cost
    $190 for an adult book, including the $60 expedite fee.
    Effort
    High. You need an appointment, which can be hard to get, and you must go in person to one of the agencies, which may be far away.
    Step by step ↓

  • Through a registered courier (us)

    For
    Anyone who needs a passport fast without an agency trip.
    How long
    As quick as 4 business days, counted from when your documents reach us.
    Cost
    The government fee ($190 for an adult book, expedited) plus our service fee, from $195.
    Effort
    Low. We review your documents and hand-carry your application to a passport agency for you.
    Step by step ↓

For a full breakdown of government fees, see How much does a passport cost?

Which way is right for you?

Your situationBest route
Travel more than a couple of months away, and you're renewing?Renew by mail. It's the least expensive way.
First passport or a child's passport, with time to spare?Apply at an acceptance facility.
Leaving within 14 days, and you can get to a passport agency?Book an urgent agency appointment. It's the only way to get a passport the same day.
Leaving soon, but can't get an appointment or can't travel to an agency?Use a registered courier. We take your application to a passport agency for you.

Not sure? Enter your travel date in our travel-date checker to see which options can still make it.

Passport processing times

The State Department sets two speeds for applications sent by mail or through an acceptance facility: routine, about 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited, about 2 to 3 weeks, for an extra fee. Those times start when the State Department receives your application, so mailing time comes on top. Urgent appointments at a passport agency are for travel within 14 days.

Through us, our service levels take as quick as 4 business days, counted from when your documents reach us. Documents that reach us by 10 AM Pacific Time start processing that day.

Current official times: the State Department’s processing times.

Each option, step by step

Option 1 · In person

Apply at an acceptance facility

  1. Fill in Form DS-11, but don't sign it until the acceptance agent asks you to.
  2. Gather your documents: proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity, each with a photocopy, and one passport photo.
  3. Book an appointment at a post office, county clerk's office or library that accepts passport applications. Some offer walk-in hours.
  4. Apply in person, pay the fees, and choose routine or expedited service.

Your city page lists acceptance facilities near you. Official instructions: apply for your adult passport.

Option 2 · By mail

Renew by mail with Form DS-82

You can usually renew by mail if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name, or you can document a name change.

  1. Fill in and sign Form DS-82.
  2. Include your most recent passport, a new passport photo, and payment.
  3. Mail it to the address the State Department gives for your situation. Choose expedited service and faster return delivery if you need it sooner.

Official renewal rules and addresses: renew your passport by mail.

Option 3 · At a passport agency

Get an urgent appointment at a passport agency

  1. Check that you qualify: international travel within 14 days, or a foreign visa needed within 28 days. Life-or-death emergencies have their own rules.
  2. Book an appointment through the State Department's online system or by phone. Appointments are limited and can go quickly.
  3. Bring proof of your trip, plus the same documents as at an acceptance facility, or your renewal documents.
  4. Go in person to the agency on your appointment day. Depending on your travel date, the passport may be ready the same day or within a few days.

Official appointment information: make an appointment at a passport agency.

Option 4 · Through Allstate

Send your documents to us

  1. Choose your service level and place your order.
  2. We review your documents with you before anything is submitted.
  3. Send them by FedEx with the prepaid label we provide, or drop them off at our Redmond office (no appointment needed). Ship by your local FedEx cut-off (usually 4 PM) to reach us the next business day.
  4. We hand-carry your application to a passport agency and return your new passport by FedEx.

First-time and child applicants still apply in person at an acceptance facility first, and then we expedite the application. Most renewals come straight to us. We're a registered passport courier, not a government agency.

Find local help

Passport options near you, including acceptance facilities, the nearest passport agency and where to get a birth certificate, are on your state's page and your city's page.

Questions

Only at an in-person appointment at a passport agency, for travel within 14 days. No courier or acceptance facility can issue a passport the same day.