If you need a U.S. passport quickly, you'll usually face two main options:
1) using an expedited passport service or
2) booking a passport agency appointment.
Both can work - but they are not equal in speed, availability, or reliability. In many urgent travel situations, choosing the wrong option can cost you time, money, or even your trip.
Here's a clear breakdown of which option is actually faster, when each makes sense, and what most travelers don't realize until it's too late.
What Is a Passport Agency Appointment?
A passport agency appointment is an in-person appointment at a U.S. State Department Passport Agency.
Key Requirements
- Proof of international travel within 14 days (or 5 days for life-or-death emergencies)
- Appointment availability (often extremely limited)
- In-person visit at a designated passport agency location
Typical Timeline
- Same day or next business day after your appointment
- But appointments are notoriously hard to secure, especially in major cities
The Biggest Drawback
Availability. Many travelers refresh the appointment system for days, or weeks, without success.
What Is an Expedited Passport Service?
An expedited passport service is a private courier service that works directly with passport agencies to submit and retrieve applications on your behalf.
This option allows you to:
- Avoid hunting for appointments
- Use professional couriers familiar with agency processes
- Submit applications faster and with fewer errors
Typical Timeline
- As fast as 24–72 hours in urgent cases
- Often faster than waiting for a government appointment to open up
Which Is Actually Faster?
In Theory
- Passport agency appointment: Fastest if you can get one
- Expedited service: Slightly slower on paper, but far more accessible
In Reality
For most travelers, expedited passport services are faster overall, because:
- You don't lose days trying to find an appointment
- Couriers already have agency access
- Applications are reviewed for errors before submission
Speed isn’t just about processing - it’s about how quickly you can start the process.
Why Passport Agency Appointments Often Fail Travelers
Many travelers assume government appointments are the best or official route. But common issues include:
- Appointments fully booked nationwide
- Long-distance travel to the nearest agency
- Rejection due to paperwork errors
- No flexibility if your travel date changes
Missing even one document can mean starting over.
When an Expedited Passport Service Makes More Sense
An expedited service is usually the better choice if:
- You're traveling in less than 14 days
- No passport agency appointments are available
- You can’t travel to a passport agency location
- Your passport is expired, lost, or damaged
- You need same-day or weekend turnaround
- You want help avoiding costly mistakes
For emergency or last-minute travel, control and certainty matter more than theory.
Cost Comparison: Is Expedited Service Worth It?
Yes, expedited services cost more than standard government processing - but missed flights, canceled trips, and rebooking fees cost far more.
You're paying for:
- Speed
- Expertise
- Reduced risk
- Time savings
For urgent travel, the added cost is often minimal compared to the potential loss.
Final Verdict: Which Is Faster?
If you already have a confirmed passport agency appointment:
That can be the fastest option.
If you don't:
An expedited passport service is almost always faster, more reliable, and far less stressful.
In urgent travel situations, the fastest option is the one that gets your application submitted immediately, not the one with the best theoretical timeline.
Need a Passport Fast?
USPassport.com specializes in:
- 24–72 hour expedited passports
- Same-day and emergency passport services
- Lost, expired, and damaged passport replacements
- Guidance through complex or urgent situations
When time matters, experience matters even more. Call us today to get started on 1-800-545-0000 or book an appointment.
