How Much Does an Emergency Passport Cost?

An emergency passport costs more than one you get by routine processing. You probably expected that. The question is how much more? The answer is that it depends. Since you are in a hurry (You are in need of an emergency passport, aren't you?), I will try to be brief.

First there is an application fee. For a new passport or to replace a lost or stolen one, the  fee is $110 for adults and $80 for minors. Unless you only need to get a passport card. Then, the fees are $30 for an adult and $20 for minors.

The application fee for a renewal is $110. Minors cannot renew a passport so this does not apply to them. Added visa pages now costs $82. There is no fee for a name change if it is requested within the first year following its issuance. Otherwise, the applicant has to pay the renewal fee of $110.

There is an execution fee for new passports. It is $25. This is paid to the agent at the application acceptance facility. Since you are requesting an emergency passport, it is necessary to pay the expedited service fee of $60.

If you are sending your application by mail, there is the added expense of an express mail delivery method.

Now, if you need to visit a regional passport agency or use a professional expediter, there are even more expenses. Regional agencies are located in only 18 major cities and serve American citizens who must get a passport in less than two weeks. Traveling to the agency will cost both money and time. You will need to pay for transportation and probably food since it will take most of the day. If you drive, parking will be another expenses.

As you can see, going to the regional agency to get your passport expedited can cost you quite a bit. It may be less expensive to have a competent expediting service submit your application for you. Fees for this service start at $65 and go up to $299 for same day passport processing.

New York Passport Renewal

New York residents can get a passport renewal by mail if they do not require expedited services within two weeks and meet the criteria established by the U.S. Department of State Consular Services. What are the requirements for getting a passport renewed?

First of all, you must be in possession of your most recently issued passport and it cannot be damaged. Travelers who have lost their passports or whose passports have been damaged cannot apply by mail. Also, the passport had to be issued no more than 15 years ago and you had to be age 16 or older when you received it.

Anyone who meets the criteria listed above can submit the passport renewal application form DS-82 along with their most recent passport, two passport photos and payment of fees to the address on the application by mail.

Unless you request expedited service, your application will take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Expediting a passport renewal by mail can get your travel document delivered to you in 2 to 3 weeks. Need to get it faster?

New York residents can obtain emergency passport renewals as quickly as the same day if they can submit proof of urgent travel plans. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. Either you set up an appointment and visit the New York Passport Agency or submit the application through a reliable expediting service provider.

Both routes have a cost. The DIY route will cost you quite a bit of time - calling to set up an appointment (usually it takes numerous attempts), traveling to the regional agency, parking (if you drive), waiting in line, food (it may take a while) and did I mention waiting. The agency is not open on weekends or late in the evening which might mean you have to miss a day of work so factor that in, too.

Expediters' fees run from about $65 for getting your passport in 10 business days to $299 for same day service. There are other options available. Only you can decide if it is worth it or not. Calculate your expenses for doing it yourself. Don't forget to determine a value for your time. It is worth something, right? Then compare with what an expediting service charges. This will give you a more accurate idea of which is the better deal.

If you opt for a professional expediting service, I recommend It's Easy Passport. They are located in New York and are the only service I know of that has had zero complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau.

For more information about emergency passport renewals, visit It's Easy Passport.