Regional Passport Agency

A Regional Passport Agency is a specialized U.S. government office that provides urgent and expedited passport services for travelers who need a passport quickly due to immediate international travel or life-or-death emergencies.

Unlike standard passport acceptance facilities, Regional Passport Agencies offer in-person processing and can issue a passport in as little as same day or within a few business days, depending on eligibility and appointment availability.

These agencies operate under the authority of the U.S. Department of State and are designed to handle time-sensitive passport cases that cannot wait for routine or expedited mail processing.

What Is a Regional Passport Agency?

A Regional Passport Agency is a federal passport office that serves travelers who:

• Have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days
• Need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days
• Have a life-or-death emergency involving an immediate family member abroad
• Require same-day or next-day passport issuance

Regional Passport Agencies do not accept walk-ins. All services require a confirmed appointment, except in rare emergency situations authorized by the Department of State.

Who Is Eligible to Use a Regional Passport Agency?

You may qualify for service at a Regional Passport Agency if one or more of the following apply:

• You are traveling internationally within 14 days
• You must obtain a foreign visa within 28 days
• You are facing a life-or-death emergency involving:
  • Parent
  • Child
  • Spouse
  • Legal guardian
• You need to replace a lost or stolen passport urgently
• You must correct a critical passport error before imminent travel

Proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel confirmation, or employer letter) is mandatory.

How to Make an Appointment at a Regional Passport Agency

Appointments are scheduled through the official passport appointment system operated by the U.S. Department of State.

Appointment Requirements:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Completed passport form (DS-11, DS-82, or DS-64)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Proof of urgent international travel
• Passport photo
• Applicable government fees

Availability is limited, and appointments often fill quickly—especially in peak travel seasons.

List of U.S. Regional Passport Agencies

How Fast Is a Regional Passport Agency?

Processing times at a Regional Passport Agency are the fastest available:

• Same-day passport (in select cases)
• Next business day
• Within 2–3 business days

Timing depends on:

• Travel date
• Application type
• Document completeness
• Appointment availability

Fees at a Regional Passport Agency

Fees include:

• Standard passport application fee
• Expedited processing fee
• Same-day service fee (if applicable)

All fees are set by the U.S. Department of State and must be paid at the time of appointment.

Can Someone Else Go to the Appointment for Me?

In most cases, no. Applicants must appear in person, except:

• Minors (with parents/guardians)
• Medical emergencies (authorized representatives with documentation)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Regional Passport Agency?

A Regional Passport Agency is a U.S. government office that issues passports quickly for travelers with urgent international travel needs.

How soon can I get a passport from a Regional Passport Agency?

You may receive a passport the same day, the next day, or within a few business days, depending on eligibility.

Do Regional Passport Agencies accept walk-ins?

No. Appointments are required unless a rare emergency exception is granted.

Can I go to any Regional Passport Agency?

Yes. You are not restricted by state or city of residence.

What proof of travel is required?

You must provide proof of international travel within 14 days or a visa within 28 days.

Is a Regional Passport Agency the same as a passport office?

No. Passport acceptance facilities handle routine cases. Regional Passport Agencies handle urgent cases only.