Expedited passport service explained
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Short answer
Expedited service adds $60 per application and moves your application into the faster processing queue; adding $19.53 for 1–2 day return delivery speeds only the mailing of the finished passport.
Key takeaways
- Expedited processing fee: $60 per application, book or card.
- Optional 1–2 day return delivery: $19.53, books only.
- Write EXPEDITE on the outside of the envelope and use trackable outbound mail.
- Expedited service is not the same as an emergency appointment at a passport agency.
What expedited service changes
Expedited applications are processed ahead of routine applications. The government publishes current routine and expedited estimates, and those estimates start when your application arrives — not when you mail it.
You can add expedited service to a mail renewal (DS-82) or to an in-person DS-11 application at an acceptance facility.
Expedited vs. fast delivery
These are two separate purchases. Expedited processing shortens the government's review; 1–2 day delivery shortens the return trip in the mail. Buying delivery alone does not speed up processing.
Outbound mailing speed is your choice — a trackable service confirms the government received your paperwork.
When to skip expedited service
If you are traveling internationally very soon, a regional passport agency appointment can be faster than any mail option. If your trip is months away, routine service usually costs less and arrives in time.
Check the current published processing estimates before deciding.