48-Hour U.S. Passport Processing Explained

48-hour processing refers to the service-processing period after the application has been accepted and submitted by the Courier. It is not the total time from placing an order to receiving a passport. The Acceptance Facility step, when required, and outbound and return shipping are separate.

When Our 48-Hour Service Applies

  • Your international departure is generally within 14 calendar days.
  • If a foreign visa is required before departure, qualifying travel may be within 28 days.
  • Your application and supporting documents must be complete and correct.
  • DS-11 applicants must complete the required Acceptance Agent appointment before Courier submission.
  • The Courier must receive the required application package in time for Passport Agency submission.

Agency Processing + Shipping Time

The 48-hour service-processing period begins after the application has been accepted and submitted by the Courier. Acceptance Facility steps and outbound and return shipping take additional time.

View Expedited Passport Services

Daily submission slots are limited

Choose Your Passport Service

Start with the service that matches your situation.

Secure your place in our limited daily processing schedule. Call (833) 220-0002 to begin immediately

Apply for new U.S. adult passport with same-day expedited processing
Adult passport renewal service — expired passport expediting nationwide

New Adult
Passport

Adult Passport Renewal

Applying for the first time or your last passport was issued before age 16? We fast-track new passport applications with same-day courier submission. Traveling within 2–3 weeks.

Passport expired in the last 5 years? Renewing is faster — and our courier service gets your renewal to the agency within hours of receipt. No agency visit required.

New Adult Passport
Adult Renewals

We specialize in urgent situations:

Traveling in 14 Days or Less? Act Now.

The U.S. Passport Agency only accepts appointments for travelers with international departures within 14 calendar days (or 28 days if a visa is required). Every hour matters. Call (833) 220-0002 now — our team is standing by to secure your submission slot before today’s courier cutoff.

We provide expedited passport assistance nationwide, including, View your city page for local guidance and instructions.
WHAT MAKES 48HOURPASSPORT DIFFERENT Speed Inside the System — Not Just Faster Shipping Most services focus on shipping speed. We focus on how fast your application reaches the U.S. Passport Agency.
Fill out and Print your Documents and Applications
Courier Submission to the Passport Agency

Speed inside the system, not just faster shipping — Most expediting services focus on how fast they ship to you. We focus on how fast your application reaches the agency. Same-day courier submission is the difference.

Guaranteed agency processing: A credit-card reservation reserves a Courier slot and guarantees that your application will be placed on the DS-4283 Manifest and submitted to the Passport Agency on the scheduled calendar date. Submission is usually within two hours after we receive your materials. This guarantee covers scheduled submission; the Department of State makes the decision on approval and issuance.

Limited daily slots, real availability — We cap daily submissions to ensure every application gets personal attention and no document is missed. Call now to confirm today’s availability.

Nationwide coverage — We serve customers across the country with local photo and FedEx drop-off locations in major metros. Check your city page for local submission instructions.