When applying for or renewing a U.S. passport, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to choose routine or expedited service.
The main differences are processing time and cost. However, the timeline shown by the U.S. Department of State does not include mailing time, so choosing the right option requires a little more planning than simply counting the weeks before your trip.
Here is what you should know before submitting your passport application.
Routine vs. Expedited Passport Processing
As of July 2026, the U.S. Department of State lists the following processing times:
| Service | Processing Time | Additional Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine | 4–6 weeks | No additional fee | Travel more than 6 weeks away |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks | $60 | Travel less than 6 weeks away |
These estimates apply to both new passport applications and eligible passport renewals.
However, processing time begins when the application reaches a passport agency or processing center—not necessarily on the day you submit or mail it.
Mailing Time Is Not Included
One of the most important things to understand is that the published processing times do not include mailing time.
The U.S. Department of State advises applicants to allow additional time for:
The application to arrive at a passport agency
The completed passport to be mailed back
Supporting documents to be returned separately
Mailing time may add up to approximately four weeks to the entire process—up to two weeks for the application to arrive and up to two more weeks for the new passport to reach you.
This does not mean every application will take that long. However, you should not book international travel based only on the listed processing time.
When Should You Choose Routine Service?
Routine service is generally the best option when:
Your international trip is more than six weeks away
You do not have confirmed travel plans
You want to avoid the additional $60 fee
Your passport is not needed for another urgent purpose, such as a visa application
Routine processing currently takes approximately four to six weeks, plus mailing time.
If your trip is several months away, there is usually no need to pay for expedited service. Still, applying early is always safer, especially before busy travel seasons.
When Is Expedited Service Worth It?
Expedited service may be the better choice when:
Your international trip is less than six weeks away
You need your passport for an upcoming visa application
You are uncomfortable with the routine processing timeline
A delay could affect nonrefundable travel plans
Expedited processing currently takes approximately two to three weeks and costs an additional $60 per application.
Remember that expedited service speeds up the government’s processing of your application. It does not automatically include faster mailing.
Can You Pay for Faster Passport Delivery?
Yes. You may pay an additional fee for faster return delivery of your completed passport book.
The current fee for 1–3 day return delivery is $23.36. This optional service can be added to the payment submitted to the U.S. Department of State.
This service:
Applies only after the new passport has been issued
Is available for passport books
Is not available for passport cards
Does not speed up the actual passport review process
If you are applying in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, you may also be able to pay for faster delivery of your application to the processing center. That shipping charge is separate and varies by location.
Can You Expedite an Online Passport Renewal?
No. Online passport renewal currently offers routine service only.
To qualify for online renewal, you must generally have no international travel planned for at least six weeks after submitting the application.
If you need expedited service, you should renew by mail and add the $60 expedited service fee. If your international trip is within 14 days, you may need an appointment at a passport agency instead.
What If You Are Traveling Within 14 Days?
If your international departure is within 14 calendar days, regular expedited processing may not be fast enough.
You may qualify for an urgent travel appointment at a U.S. passport agency or center. You will need proof of international travel, such as:
A flight itinerary
An airline ticket
A hotel reservation showing international travel
A cruise itinerary
Appointments are required and availability is not guaranteed.
Passport agencies do not charge a separate fee simply to schedule an appointment. Be cautious of third-party companies that ask you to pay for access to an appointment.
For applicants in New Jersey, the New York Passport Agency may be one of the closest locations. It is located at 376 Hudson Street in New York City and operates by appointment only.
What If You Already Applied but Now Need the Passport Faster?
If you originally selected routine service but your travel plans changed, you may be able to request an upgrade to expedited service.
You can contact the National Passport Information Center and request:
Expedited processing for an additional $60
1–3 day return delivery for the applicable fee
Submitting a request does not guarantee that the upgrade will be completed. You should make the request as soon as your travel plans change.
If you are traveling within 14 days and have already submitted your application, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They may contact the agency processing your application or help arrange an urgent appointment if necessary.
Does Expedited Service Guarantee a Delivery Date?
No. Expedited service provides faster processing, but it does not guarantee that you will receive your passport by a specific date.
Processing may be delayed if:
The application is incomplete
Your photo does not meet passport requirements
Required documents are missing
The information on your application does not match your supporting documents
The passport agency requests additional information
You should avoid making nonrefundable international travel arrangements until you have confirmed that your passport will arrive in time.
Routine or Expedited: A Simple Way to Decide
Here is a quick guide:
Travel more than eight weeks away: Routine service will usually be sufficient.
Travel six to eight weeks away: Routine may work, but expedited service provides a safer buffer.
Travel two to six weeks away: Choose expedited service.
Travel within 14 days: Look into an urgent travel appointment.
No immediate travel plans: Choose routine service and avoid the extra fee.
Although the Department of State recommends routine service for travel more than six weeks away, I would personally allow additional time whenever possible because mailing time is not included.
Final Thoughts
Routine service is the most affordable choice when you have plenty of time before your trip. Expedited service costs an additional $60, but it may be worth paying when your travel date is approaching or when you want more room for possible mailing delays.
The most important step is to count backward from your departure date and include both processing and mailing time.
Passport processing times and fees can change. Before applying, check the latest information on the official U.S. Department of State website.
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