Before traveling abroad, you must ensure that you have a valid passport. If you find out that yours have expired or are going to expire before or during your trip and you’re leaving soon, you can probably still get your documents on time by taking a few extra steps.

Passport processing times have increased during the pandemic, but currently remain at four to six weeks for routine service and up to two weeks for round-trip mailing. (The option of renew your passport online takes some of the time and hassle of applying, although this is only available for routine service.) If you are traveling in less than six weeks, you can pay to expedite your passport, which will return your documents to you. in about a month, but maybe less.

Depending on the time frame you are facing and the reasons for your trip, you have a few avenues to explore. Let’s go through them all.

How to expedite your passport

If you can’t risk waiting for routine processing, you can pay an additional $60 fee to expedite your application or renewal. The State Department says expedited service takes two to three weeks, plus up to two weeks for mailing, so prepare for the total time to be about a month.

There are two ways to expedite your passport: by mail if you are renewing, or at a passport acceptance center if you are applying for the first time.

How to expedite by mail

To speed up your passport renewal by mailyou must complete and print form DS-82. You will need your current passport (and passport card, if applicable), a photo ID, and a check or money order for the application fee plus $60. All of this should be placed in an envelope with “EXPEDITED” written on the outside and mailed to the National Passport Processing Center:

National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90955
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19190-0955

You can also pay an additional $21.36 for one to two day delivery, reducing processing center shipping time once your passport is ready, and/or use an express mail service to send your application more quickly.

How to speed up in an acceptance center

If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you may receive expedited service at a passport acceptance center, such as a post office, library or local government center. Enter your zip code to find locations in your area.

Follow instructions from the Department of State to prepare an initial application in person. You will need to complete Form DS-11 and pay the $60 expedited fee with your application when you go to an acceptance center.

How to expedite your passport if you have already applied

If you’ve already submitted an application for your first passport or renewal, but need your documents faster than you thought, you can always add expedited service. Call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to request the change and get instructions on how to pay the $60 fee.

How to get a passport for urgent travel

Emergency service may be available if you are traveling internationally in less than two to three weeks. This option requires an in-person appointment at a passport agency or center, reducing mailing time and potential delays incurred at an acceptance center. You will need to have proof of travel, such as a ticket or itinerary, and pay the $60 expediting fee when you arrive for your appointment.

If you have not yet submitted your passport application, you can make an appointment online. If you have already made a request but now need urgent service or need to change your appointment, call 877-487-2778 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday or Sunday.

You cannot enter a passport agency without an appointment and availability is not guaranteed.

How to get an emergency passport

The State Department is also expediting passport processing for travel of less than 14 days in the case of “life and death emergencies. ” You are eligible for this service only if an immediate family member (a parent or legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, or grandparent) outside the United States has died, is in palliative care or suffering from a life-threatening illness or injury.

To apply for an emergency passport you will need a death certificate, mortuary declaration or hospital letter and proof of planned travel. You can then make an appointment online at a passport agency. If no appointment is available or you have already applied for a passport before needing emergency treatment, call 877-487-2778 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday (or 202-647-4000 at any time outside of these hours).