How to Schedule an Emergency Passport Appointment

Where to book an emergency passport appointment

You book an emergency passport appointment directly with the U.S. State Department's passport agency in your region, not through a third-party service. The fastest way is to call the passport agency that serves your area — you can find the phone number and location on the State Department's website under "Passport Agencies and Centers." When you call, tell them you need an emergency appointment and explain why: travel within the next 72 hours, a family death or medical emergency, or a non-emergency situation where you need a passport sooner than routine processing allows.

Some passport agencies also accept walk-in appointments for emergency cases, though availability varies by location and time of day. If you cannot reach the phone line or prefer not to call, you can visit the agency in person during business hours and request an emergency appointment at the window. Bring your completed passport process (Form DS-11), proof of citizenship, a government-issued ID, and a passport photo — the same documents you would need for any passport appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Emergency passport appointments are scheduled by calling your regional State Department passport agency directly, not through an online booking system.
• You must explain your reason for needing an emergency appointment — travel within 72 hours, a death in the family, or another urgent circumstance — when you call.
• Some passport agencies accept walk-in emergency appointments during business hours, though wait times and availability depend on the location.
• Bring your completed Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, government ID, and a passport photo to your appointment.
• Emergency passport processing typically takes one to two business days, but you pay an additional expedite fee on top of the standard passport fee.

What counts as an emergency reason

The State Department recognizes two categories of emergency: situations where you must travel within 72 hours, and situations where you need a passport for a death or medical emergency. If your flight is in three days or less, that qualifies. If a family member has died and you need to travel for the funeral, that qualifies. If a family member is hospitalized and you need to be there, that qualifies.

Non-emergency situations — such as a job starting in two weeks or a wedding in a month — do not count as emergencies for the purpose of same-day or next-day appointments. However, you can still request expedited processing, which takes about two to three weeks and costs more than routine processing. The passport agency staff will ask you to explain your situation when you call, so be specific about your travel date or the reason you need the passport urgently.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your completed Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the agency. You also need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), and a passport photo that meets State Department standards — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background.

If you are renewing a passport rather than explore for your first one, bring your most recent passport instead of a birth certificate. If you are explore for a child's passport, bring the child's birth certificate and the IDs of both parents or guardians. Bring payment for the passport fee plus the emergency processing fee — the State Department accepts cash, check, or card, depending on the agency location. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your specific agency accepts.

How long emergency processing takes

An emergency passport appointment typically results in a passport issued the same day or the next business day. If you have your appointment in the morning and all your documents are in order, you may walk out with a passport the same afternoon. If your appointment is later in the day or if the agency needs to verify any information, you may pick it up the next morning.

The exact timeline depends on how busy the agency is and whether your documents raise any questions. The State Department does not hold emergency passports for mail delivery — you must pick it up in person at the agency where you had your appointment. Bring a form of ID when you pick it up, even if you brought one to the appointment.

Cost of an emergency passport

An emergency passport costs more than a routine one because you are paying for expedited processing. As of 2024, a standard adult passport book costs $130, but adding emergency processing adds an extra fee on top of that amount. The exact additional cost varies slightly by agency and whether you are explore for a passport book, passport card, or both, so call your regional agency to confirm the total cost before your appointment.

You also pay a execution fee if this is your first passport or if your previous passport was lost or stolen. Bring enough cash or have a card ready to cover the full amount — some agencies do not accept all payment methods, so confirm when you call to schedule.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you miss an emergency passport appointment, you lose that time slot and may not be able to book another emergency appointment for several days, depending on how busy the agency is. Call the passport agency as soon as you realize you will miss the appointment to cancel it and ask about rescheduling. If your travel date is still within 72 hours, explain that to the staff — they may be able to fit you in later that day or the next morning.

If you cannot reach the agency by phone, go in person during business hours and explain the situation. Showing up in person is often faster than waiting on hold, and staff can sometimes accommodate you on the spot if space is available.

Alternatives if you cannot get an emergency appointment

If your regional passport agency has no emergency appointments available, you have a few options. Some passport acceptance facilities (post offices and libraries that process passports) can schedule expedited appointments, though these are less common than emergency appointments and still take longer than same-day service. Call your local post office or library to ask whether they offer expedited appointments.

If your travel is not within 72 hours, expedited processing through the mail takes about two to three weeks and costs less than emergency processing. You can also contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you are already abroad and need a passport replacement — they can issue emergency passports to U.S. citizens traveling outside the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an emergency passport appointment online?

No. Emergency passport appointments must be scheduled by calling your regional State Department passport agency directly. The State Department's online appointment system does not offer emergency slots — those are reserved for phone and walk-in requests only.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail, but some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee. If your travel is within 72 hours, call the passport agency and ask what alternative documents they will accept — in rare cases, they may accept other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or a previous passport.

Do I need an appointment if I just walk in?

Walk-in emergency appointments are available at some agencies during business hours, but you may wait several hours. Calling ahead to schedule a specific time slot is faster. If you do walk in, bring all the same documents you would bring to a scheduled appointment.

Can someone else pick up my emergency passport?

No. You must pick up your passport in person and show a government-issued ID. The State Department does not release passports to anyone else, even with a signed letter of authorization.

What if I need a passport for a country other than the U.S.?

You need to contact that country's embassy or consulate in the United States. They handle visas and travel documents for their own citizens. The U.S. State Department only issues U.S. passports.