48 Hour Passport Service Pledge

Fast U.S. Passport Service for New Adult Applicants

Need a new U.S. passport for upcoming international travel?

48HourPassport.com helps first-time adult applicants and other travelers who must apply using Form DS-11 prepare their applications correctly and coordinate urgent Courier submission to a U.S. Passport Agency.

Our urgent service is designed to achieve approximately 2–3 days of Passport Agency processing, plus return shipping time.

Who Uses This Service?

This service is generally appropriate if you:

  • Are applying for your first U.S. passport
  • Had your previous passport issued before age 16
  • Had your previous passport issued more than 15 years ago
  • Cannot submit your previous passport for an eligible DS-82 renewal
  • Have another situation requiring Form DS-11
  • Need a passport for qualifying urgent international travel

If you qualify to renew using Form DS-82, use our Passport Renewal service instead.

Applicants Age 16 or 17

Applicants age 16 or 17 use Form DS-11 when applying for their first adult-validity passport.

A passport issued at age 16 or older is normally valid for 10 years.

The applicant must show that at least one parent or legal guardian is aware of the passport application.

Identification requirements for 16- and 17-year-old applicants differ from the requirements for children under age 16.

Form DS-11

New adult passport applicants generally apply using:

Form DS-11 — Application for a U.S. Passport

Complete the form using the U.S. Department of State online Form Filler, then download and print the completed barcode form.

Do not sign Form DS-11 before your Acceptance Agent appointment.

The Acceptance Agent must witness the required signature.

The Acceptance Agent Appointment

DS-11 applicants must appear in person before an authorized Passport Acceptance Agent.

Acceptance Facilities may be located at:

  • U.S. Post Offices
  • Clerks of Court
  • Public libraries
  • Municipal or county offices
  • Other authorized facilities

The Acceptance Agent reviews your application and supporting documents, verifies your identification, administers the required oath, witnesses your signature, and executes the application.

For the 48HourPassport.com Courier process, the required application materials are placed into a Sealed Government Envelope.

What You Will Need

A new adult passport application normally requires:

  • Completed unsigned Form DS-11
  • Original or certified evidence of U.S. citizenship
  • Valid identification
  • One passport photograph
  • Government passport payment
  • Acceptance Facility payment
  • Proof of international departure for urgent processing
  • Legal Passport Letter of Authorization
  • Any additional documentation required by your individual situation

Your Passport Specialist will provide instructions for your particular application.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Applicants using Form DS-11 must provide acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Examples may include:

  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • Previously issued U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Bring the original or certified document required for your application.

Passport Identification

You must also establish your identity.

A fully valid driver’s license is one of the most common forms of identification.

Applicants who cannot provide acceptable primary identification may need supplemental identification.

Citizenship evidence and identification are separate requirements.

Government Fees

Adult applicants age 16 or older currently pay a $130 passport-book application fee to the U.S. Department of State.

Form DS-11 applicants also pay a separate $35 Acceptance Facility fee.

Expedited government processing and expedited return delivery involve additional government fees when requested.

Your current order instructions will specify the payment required for your urgent passport application.

Urgent Travel Requirement

Urgent Passport Agency processing normally applies when international travel is within two weeks.

If your destination requires you to obtain a foreign visa before traveling, qualifying travel may be within four weeks.

Most applicants use the normal two-week urgent-travel window.

Proof of international departure is required.

How the 48HourPassport.com Process Works

1. Confirm Your Passport Situation

A Passport Specialist confirms that Form DS-11 is the correct procedure and reviews your urgent travel date.

2. Prepare Your Application

Complete the required form and gather the supporting documents specified for your situation.

3. Attend the Acceptance Agent Appointment

Appear personally before an authorized Acceptance Agent.

Do not sign Form DS-11 until instructed.

4. Receive the Sealed Government Envelope

The Acceptance Agent executes the application and seals the required documents.

Keep the Sealed Government Envelope sealed.

5. Ship to the Courier

Ship the Sealed Government Envelope via overnight FedEx to the Courier address provided with your current order.

Retain your tracking number and confirm delivery.

6. Courier Submission

The Courier submits the properly prepared application through the U.S. Passport Agency process.

7. Passport Agency Processing

The U.S. Department of State reviews the application and makes the final decision regarding passport issuance.

Our urgent service is designed to achieve approximately 2–3 days of Passport Agency processing, plus return shipping time.

What Does “48 Hour Passport” Mean?

“48 Hour Passport” describes our urgent passport-expediting program.

It does not mean that every applicant receives a passport exactly 48 hours after placing an order.

The total process can include:

  • Application preparation
  • Acceptance Agent appointment
  • Overnight shipping to the Courier
  • Courier submission
  • Passport Agency processing
  • Return shipping

The approximately 2–3 day timeframe refers specifically to the Passport Agency processing portion of a properly prepared urgent application.

Why Preparation Matters

A fast application must also be a correct application.

Common problems that can delay a new passport include:

  • Wrong government form
  • Missing citizenship evidence
  • Identification problems
  • Incorrect passport photograph
  • Incorrect government payment
  • Missing signature
  • Signing DS-11 too early
  • Acceptance Agent errors
  • Missing proof of international travel

Our goal is to identify preventable problems before the application reaches the Passport Agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do first-time adult applicants use Form DS-11?

Yes.

First-time adult applicants generally apply in person using Form DS-11.

Can I renew if my old passport was issued when I was under age 16?

No.

A passport issued before age 16 cannot be renewed using Form DS-82. You generally apply using Form DS-11.

What if my passport was issued more than 15 years ago?

You generally cannot renew that passport using Form DS-82 and must apply again using Form DS-11.

Do I have to appear in person?

Yes.

Form DS-11 applicants must appear personally before an authorized Passport Acceptance Agent.

Can I sign DS-11 before the appointment?

No.

Sign Form DS-11 only when instructed by the Acceptance Agent.

Do I need an Acceptance Agent if I am 16 or 17?

Yes.

Applicants age 16 or 17 applying for their first adult passport use Form DS-11 and apply in person.

Is the Acceptance Agent the person who approves my passport?

No.

The Acceptance Agent executes the application. The U.S. Department of State decides whether the passport will be issued.

Does the Courier issue my passport?

No.

The Courier coordinates qualifying expedited submission. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. passports.

Does the 2–3 day processing period include shipping?

No.

Shipping and other preparation steps are separate.

How soon must I be traveling?

International travel normally must be within two weeks for urgent Passport Agency processing.

If you need a foreign visa before travel, qualifying travel may be within four weeks.

Related Resources

  • New Passport Instructions
  • Acceptance Agent Appointment Overview with Instructions
  • Supplemental ID
  • Passport Photo Requirements
  • Sealed Envelope Process
  • Common Passport Mistakes
  • Passport Processing Times Explained
  • Passport Tracking Guide

Start Your New Passport Application

If you need a new U.S. passport for urgent international travel:

Call 833-220-0002

Email: service@48hourpassport.com

Tell the Passport Specialist your age, whether you have previously held a U.S. passport, and your international departure date.

We will help determine the correct next step.


48HourPassport.com is a division of Legal Passport LLC.