Can you get a same-day passport? We break down your options for a last-minute renewal or replacement
Some travel mistakes are minor and can be solved pretty easily. Others — like an expired passport — can ruin your vacation before it even starts. Most countries will not allow you to travel with a soon-to-expire passport, so you could be out of luck if yours is close to the expiration date.
Related: When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
Of course, our No. 1 tip is to do whatever is necessary to avoid this dilemma in the first place. Here at TPG, we are big fans of calendar reminders that alert you when it's time to renew your passport. That said, you probably wouldn't be reading this if you weren't worried that your upcoming trip could be jeopardized.
Regardless of your exact circumstances, we have some tips for your predicament. Here's what you need to know to get a same-day passport — and save your vacation.
Passport entry requirements
Each country has its own passport validity requirements, but according to the U.S. Department of State, several countries say that your passport should not be within six months of expiring at the time of entry. Just to be safe, it's best to renew your passport before it hits that six-month mark, regardless of where you plan to travel.
Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance
First-time adult passport applicants must apply in person after gathering and preparing their passport application documents. Those renewing their passports can do so via mail or online, though the online passport renewal system is currently limited to a certain number of applicants each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, the passport application or renewal process takes up to two months, even if you renew online. Current passport processing times can take between six to eight weeks for routine processing and two to three weeks for expedited processing.
If you can't wait two to eight weeks for your passport, you may be able to get an urgent passport appointment as long as you have international travel booked within the next 14 calendar days, need a foreign visa within four weeks or have a life-or-death emergency.
Can you get a same-day passport?
In short, yes, but it may not be easy.
Same-day passport processing can only be done in person at one of the State Department's 26 passport agencies and centers. If you have not completed your passport application (required for new applicants and renewals), you should visit the Online Passport Appointment System to determine if you qualify for a same-day passport appointment. If you qualify, you'll be directed to enter your email address and phone number to verify your identity. From there, you can search a list of passport agencies and their appointment availability.
If you have already applied, you can call 1-877-487-2778 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time on Mondays through Fridays or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time to request an appointment.
Related: 5 things I learned when renewing my passport for the first time
Either way, same-day appointments (or even appointments a few days out) are extremely limited, and you may have to travel a significant distance to secure one.
If no appointments are available, you can explain your circumstances to a State Department customer service agent, and they should be able to arrange a walk-in window at a passport agency. The agency could be an hourslong drive or more from your home, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
You'll need to bring the following:
- Your completed passport application or renewal form
- Your current passport (for renewals)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Proof of booked travel
- A valid passport photo
- Your payment, including the $60 passport expedite fee
When you do arrive, be prepared for a lengthy wait. You will likely not be the only person who needs a same-day passport, so bring your headphones or a book and take a spot in line. When it's your turn, a clerk will review your application or renewal form and give you a time to return and pick up your passport later that day.
When you do return, you could face a second wait to pick up your passport, but it's still better than missing out on your trip.
Bottom line
Although getting a same-day passport is possible, we do not recommend putting yourself through the stress. Be aware of your passport's expiration date, and make sure you allow ample time for processing, whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing your current passport.
Getting a same-day passport can save your vacation — but it’s not a great way to start your trip. Still, it’s good to be prepared for a worst-case scenario.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.