24 Hour Passport Service (2026): How to Get a Passport in 1 Day?

If you need a U.S. passport within 24 hours, you may qualify for emergency or urgent passport processing through a regional passport agency. Same-day and next-day passport services are typically reserved for travelers with immediate international travel plans, medical emergencies, or urgent life-or-death situations. Most applicants must provide proof of travel within 72 hours and attend an in-person appointment.

Can You Really Get a Passport in 24 Hours?

Yes, in certain situations it is possible to receive a passport within 24 hours. The U.S. Department of State offers urgent processing appointments at regional passport agencies for travelers who need a passport immediately.

24-hour passport service is generally available for:

• International travel within 72 hours
• Life-or-death emergencies abroad
• Urgent business travel
• Lost or stolen passports before travel
• Last-minute passport renewal needs

Processing times are never guaranteed, but many travelers receive their passport the same day or the next business day after their appointment.

Who Qualifies for 24 Hour Passport Service?

You may qualify for emergency passport processing if you have:

Urgent International Travel

You are traveling internationally within 14 days.

Foreign Visa Requirement

You need a foreign visa within 28 days.

Life-or-Death Emergency

An immediate family member outside the United States has:

• Died
• Is in hospice care
• Has a life-threatening illness or injury

Lost or Stolen Passport Before Travel

If your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged shortly before an international trip, you may still qualify for expedited emergency processing.

Documents Needed for Same-Day Passport Processing

Bring the following items to your appointment:

• Proof of international travel
• Passport application form
• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Passport photo
• Payment for government fees
• Appointment confirmation

Depending on your situation, you may need:

• Form DS-11 for new passports
• Form DS-82 for passport renewals
• Form DS-64 for lost or stolen passports

How to Get a Passport in 1 Day?

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

You must usually schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency.

Appointments are limited and often fill quickly.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Bring all required forms, photos, travel proof, and identification documents.

Missing paperwork can delay processing.

Step 3: Attend the Passport Agency Appointment

During your appointment:

• Documents are reviewed
• Fees are collected
• Eligibility is verified
• Your passport request is processed

Some travelers receive passports later the same day, while others may return the next business day.

Step 4: Receive Your Passport

If approved, your passport may be:

• Printed the same day
• Available for next-day pickup
• Overnight shipped in some situations

What Does NOT Qualify for 24-Hour Passport Service?

The following situations usually do not qualify:

• Vacation travel several weeks away
• No proof of travel
• Wanting faster routine service only
• Incomplete passport applications
• Missing identification documents

If your trip is not immediate, standard expedited processing may be the better option.

Same-Day Passport vs Expedited Passport

How Much Does 24 Hour Passport Service Cost?

The total cost depends on:

• Application type
• Government fees
• Expedited fees
• Optional courier or expediting services

Common fees may include:

• Passport application fee
• Execution fee
• Expedited processing fee
• Overnight shipping charges

Private passport expediting companies may charge additional service fees.

Can You Use a Passport Expediting Company?

Yes. Many travelers use private passport expediting companies to help:

• Secure appointments
• Review documents
• Submit paperwork correctly
• Reduce delays

However, expediting companies cannot guarantee approval or bypass government requirements.

Regional Passport Agencies

24-hour passport services are typically handled at regional passport agencies located throughout the United States.

Major locations include:

• New York
• Miami
• Los Angeles
• Chicago
• Houston
• Atlanta
• San Francisco

Travelers should locate the nearest regional passport agency before scheduling their appointment.

Tips to Avoid Delays

To improve your chances of same-day processing:

• Bring printed proof of travel
• Double-check all forms before arrival
• Use updated passport photos
• Arrive early for your appointment
• Bring copies of important documents

Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons for delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport in one day?

Yes, some travelers qualify for same-day or next-day passport processing through a regional passport agency.

Is 24 hour passport service guaranteed?

No. Processing depends on appointment availability, eligibility, and document verification.

Do I need proof of travel?

Yes. Most emergency passport appointments require proof of international travel.

Can I walk into a passport agency without an appointment?

Most regional passport agencies require appointments. Walk-in service is generally limited.

Can I renew my passport in 24 hours?

Yes, if you qualify for urgent processing and meet renewal requirements.

Can a child get a passport in 24 hours?

Yes. Children may qualify for emergency passport service if immediate travel is scheduled.

What happens if my passport is lost before travel?

You may still qualify for emergency processing by submitting Form DS-64 and proof of travel.

24-hour passport service can help travelers facing urgent international travel situations. While same-day processing is possible, travelers should prepare documents carefully, schedule appointments early, and understand that processing times are not guaranteed.

If your travel is approaching quickly, start the emergency passport process immediately to improve your chances of receiving your passport in time.