If American citizens need to travel quickly and can’t wait for a regular passport, you can apply for an emergency passport through a passport agency or an expeditor such as Ambassador Passport & Visa. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to get a US emergency passport.
What Is a US Emergency Passport?
A U.S. emergency passport is available for those U.S. citizens who need an immediate passport quickly and cannot wait for the regular passport process. If you need to travel within 3 days or on the same day due to urgent travel, you can apply for this US temporary passport that allows you to cross the border quickly.
When Can I Apply for a US Emergency Passport?
Not everyone can get a U.S. emergency passport. If you want to obtain a U.S. emergency passport within three days, you must meet the requirements. Your immediate family member outside the United States:
- Has died
- Is dying, or
- Has a life-threatening illness or injury
The immediate family member should be a parent or legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling or grandparent.
Emergency Passport Application Routine in 2024
If you meet the above criteria, you can follow the emergency passport application process.
- Obtain proof of life or death: You should show supporting documents, such as hospital letters, death certificates, and mortuary statements. Documents must be issued by credible institutions with official letterheads. The document should be translated into English by reliable translation services if it is issued from a non-English country.
- Book a flight ticket: You must show a ticket and other itinerary at the state passport office, proving that you will leave the country in three business days.
- Complete a passport application: You must prepare the required documents, make an emergency passport appointment and submit the passport application as in a regular application.
What Documents Do I Need for Emergency Passport Application?
Before applying for an Emergency Passport, you must prepare the required documents according to various needs. Here you can check the list of required documents below.
Basic documents regardless of the type of passport:
- Proof of life or death
- A flight itinerary
For New Applicants
If you do not have a passport before and are at least 16 years old, you should present the following documents:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate
- Proof of identification, such as a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo I.D
- A complete DS-11 form
- A passport photo
Renew your passport
If you previously held a passport, you can obtain an emergency passport by renewing your most recent passport. Your passport must be in good condition, issued 15 or less years ago. The documents required are:
- The previous passport
- A complete DS-82 form
- A recent passport photo
Name Change Before You Apply for a Passport
If you have changed your name, you must present name change documents to apply for a emergency passport renewal. Here you can obtain a passport by showing the following requirements:
- A complete DS-11 form
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identification
- A passport photo
- Name change documentation
Minors under 16
Minors must apply for an emergency passport as a new applicant, even if the minor has previously held a passport. Their parents or guardians should accompany their minors in this process or they need to show the notarized consent of the missing parents or guardians. Here they must show the original required documents:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- A complete DS-11 form
- Proof of parent/ guardian relationship, such as birth certificate
- Parental or guardian ID
- A passport photo.
Damaged or Lost or Stolen Passports
If you need an emergency passport due to damaged, lost or stolen passport documents, you must prepare the following documents:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identification
- A complete DS-11 form
- A passport photo
- Completed Form DS-64 (lost/ stolen) or Statement (damaged).
How to Take a Passport Photo Fast?
You must prepare a passport photo that complies with your emergency passport as soon as possible. It may take longer to take a photo in photobooths because you need to make an appointment or wait in line at the opening hours. However, you can take a photo at home by yourself and upload it to passport photo makers to get a passport-compliant photo in seconds. Here you can follow the steps below and take a photo at home.
- Find a white wall with enough light.
- Set your camera or smartphone at a distance of 1.2 meters from the wall. You can put the camera on the tripod or ask your family to take a photo.
- Dress in dark-colored everyday clothes.
- Maintain neutral or serious facial expressions.
- Face the camera directly and take a photo.
After you take a photo, you can upload it to AiPassportPhotos passport photo maker. With AI technology, it will automatically detect the face, remove unwanted background and make it meet passport photo requirements. Here you can follow the simple steps below and obtain a biometric photo with guaranteed compliance.
- Click “Upload a photo” to select and upload the photo to AiPassportPhoto from the device.
- Wait for the AI to process your photo, such as resizing the photo, changing the background, and making it compliant. It may take you a few seconds.
- Once done, you can download the printable template.
If you need the physical version, you can print it at the nearest photo booth.
Emergency Passport Fee
You must pay for emergency passport fees. However, the fee may depend on your age, the type of passport, the position you are applying for, and how quickly you want the passport. You can also use the passport fee calculator to calculate the fee you need by answering a few questions. Here you can check the chart below to find out how much you need to pay.
| Passport type | You are applying for the first time as an adult over 16 years old | You are renewing a passport as an adult over 16 years old | Apply for a passport for a child less than 16 years old |
| passport book | $130 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee | $130 | $100 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee |
| passport card | $30 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee | $30 | $15 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee |
| passport book and card | $160 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee | $160 | $115 for the application fee and $35 for the acceptance fee |
Since there are different shipping way available, you need to pay for various fees, such as $60 for expedited service, or $19.32 for 1-2 days delivery, or $150.00 for file search.
How long does it take to get an emergency passport?
If you need a passport due to death emergencies, you can obtain an emergency passport within 72 hours (3 business days). The travel state government also issues a passport within 24 hours if you want to speed up the process with an additional payment.
How to get an emergency passport in one day?
If you want to obtain an emergency passport in one day, you must have an emergency reason such as serious illness, injury, or death in the immediate family. You must show the required documentation such as a death certificate or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional to the Department of State. You also need to pay an extra fee for the expedited service.
US Emergency Passport Restrictions
The U.S. emergency passport helps you cross the border in a timely manner, but it has some drawbacks. For example, the validity of the U.S. emergency passport is only one year. It doesn’t have an embedded electronic chip, so it can’t be examined by machine. Some countries may not accept a US emergency passport, so it is possible to be refused to cross the border, such as Thailand, United Arab Emirates, India, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that you confirm the accepted travel documents with the embassy or consulate of the specific country before you travel.
FAQ
📌How long is an emergency passport valid for the USA?
If your emergency purple passport is approved, the validity of an emergency passport is usually one year.
📌What does the emergency passport look like?
The emergency passport has a blue-purple passport cover with “EMERGENCY PASSPORT” written on it and the country of issue “United States of America”.
📌Can I extend or renew my emergency passport?
No, you are not allowed to extend or renew your emergency passport. This passport is limited to one year or less. When it expires, you must apply for a normal passport.
Conclusions
All in all, if you need a temporary passport within 3 days, you must submit the supporting documents and application fee during business hours at the Embassy or Consulate in person. In addition, you need to check whether the country you are visiting accepts the U.S. emergency passport.