Regional Passport Agency

A regional passport agency offers comprehensive passport services whether you’re applying for or renewing a passport or need assistance with international travel documents. Regional passport agencies are also located in the United States for processing expedited passport applications.

Requirements

When applying for an expedited passport via the Regional Passport Agency, you must show proof of international travel showing you are traveling within three business days due to the pandemic. Staffing is minimal at all passport agencies around the United States.

Life or Death Emergencies

You may qualify for an emergency appointment if you need to travel internationally within 3 business days to be with your immediate family member who is in critical condition outside of the United States:

• Has Died
• In Hospice Care or Dying
• Life-Threatening Illness or Injury

Who is An Immediate Family Member?

In order to qualify for life-or-death emergency service, the eligible family members include:

• Parents
• Legal Guardians
• Children
• Spouses
• Siblings
• Grandparents

The passport agency does not consider aunts, uncles, cousins, or any other relatives to be eligible for immediate family member status when it comes to life-or-death emergency service.

Additionally, please be aware that if you are traveling to another country for medical services or to obtain medication, you will not qualify for life-or-death emergency service.

Regional Passport Agencies

Most regional passport agencies are in major cities such as Miami, Houston, and San Diego. These agencies process passport applications non-jurisdictional. Therefore, a resident of Texas can have his or her passport application processed at the New York Passport Agency.

Difference Between Passport Agencies and Passport Offices

Do you have questions about passport agencies and how it differs from passport offices? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions we receive about these two:

If you’re applying for a new passport or wish to renew your existing one, there are a few different steps you can take. You can either choose to go through a Regional Passport Agency or a Passport Office.

Regional Passport Agency 

Regional Passport Agencies often have locations in most major cities around the United States. These entities exist purely to process the passport applications of United States citizens. It’s important to note that some Regional Passport Agencies require an appointment, so always check before you go.

Passport Offices

Passport Offices are also located throughout the United States and are present in most United States Post Office buildings. Other locations where you are likely to find a Passport Office include County Clerk Offices, Court Buildings, and other types of government buildings in your area.