National Passport ServiceThe Passport & Visa Company
National Passport Service
Getting your passport after the Oath Ceremony is a big step for new citizens. You can apply for an expedited passport once you’ve completed the Oath Ceremony and have your citizenship certificate in hand. Plenty of folks wonder what comes next and how to get that passport as fast as possible.
If you need to travel soon or just want your passport quickly, speeding things up matters. Here’s what you need to know about the expedited application, who can qualify, and a handful of tips to make it all a bit easier.
The Oath Ceremony is the final step before you officially become a United States citizen and can apply for a passport. You’ll take the Oath of Citizenship, which marks your transition from permanent resident to citizen.
At the Oath Ceremony, you recite the Oath of Citizenship—a formal promise to follow United States laws and fulfill your civic duties. A citizenship judge or official usually leads the ceremony.
You’ll need to bring your ceremony notice and permanent resident card. The oath is spoken out loud, sometimes in both English and French. Afterward, you’ll get your citizenship certificate. Sometimes family and friends can watch, but that depends on the ceremony.
Some ceremonies happen in person, while others are online. Virtual ceremonies use video calls, but the process stays pretty similar.
The Oath Ceremony is the legal moment when you become a United States citizen. You can’t get a citizenship certificate or passport without completing it. The citizenship certificate you receive is necessary for any next steps, like applying for a passport.
This step gives you rights like voting and access to a United States passport, but it also comes with new responsibilities, such as jury duty and following United States laws.
For families, the ceremony means children included in the application become citizens too. It’s a key event for travel, work, and being fully part of the United States society.
After the Oath Ceremony, you can apply for an expedited passport if you meet the requirements. You’ll want to act quickly and have your documents ready to avoid hiccups.
Once you finish the Oath Ceremony, you’re eligible to apply for a United States passport. Start by gathering all the necessary forms and head to a passport office—ideally one that offers walk-in or urgent pick-up services.
If you need your passport fast—for travel, emergencies, or other reasons—expedited service is available. You’ll need to state your reason and might have to show proof, like travel bookings or medical documentation. Availability can differ depending on the office, so check ahead before you go.
Bring these documents when you apply for an expedited passport:
Originals are required for verification—no photocopies. If you’re missing anything, your application could get delayed.
Applying for an expedited passport means paying attention to details—documents, fees, and timing. You’ll need to know where to go, what to bring, and how long things might take.
Start by filling out the right form. If you’re a first-time applicant or replacing a lost or stolen passport, use Form DS-11. For renewals, use Form DS-82.
Gather your proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate or citizenship certificate), photo ID, and a recent passport photo. You’ll also need to show why you need expedited service—travel reservations or urgent reasons are typical.
Pay the standard application fee plus the expedited processing fee. Depending on the center, you can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Submit all documents in person at an acceptance facility or passport office. Double-check everything for accuracy to avoid setbacks.
You can submit expedited requests at a few places. Most people use a passport acceptance facility, some post offices, clerks of court, or government offices. If you have urgent international travel in 14 days or less, go to a passport agency or center.
Passport agencies require an appointment, which you should book online or by phone. Walk-ins won’t work at these locations. Bring all your documents and your appointment confirmation. Some private courier services are out there, but be careful and check if they’re legit.
Here’s a quick table on where to apply:
| Location Type | Who Can Apply | Requires Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Acceptance Facility | General applicants | No |
| Passport Agency/Center | Urgent travel or life-threatening emergencies | Yes |
| Private Expediting Service | Anyone, for additional fees | Varies |
Official expedited service usually takes 5 to 7 weeks. If you’re at a passport agency because you have urgent travel, processing can be as quick as three business days. Times shift depending on demand, season, and application type.
Private courier services might get you a passport faster, but they charge more and there’s no guarantee. Always check the latest processing times on the official government website before applying—they change a lot.
If you need it even faster, you’ll have to provide proof of emergency or travel. Bring airline tickets or medical letters when you ask for urgent processing.
Getting your expedited passport without hiccups comes down to details. Most delays happen because people forget paperwork or make small mistakes.
Folks often forget to sign their forms or use an old version. Make sure all forms are signed, dates are right, and personal info is current.
Passport photos get rejected a lot—shadows, wrong size, bad quality. Go to a professional photo service and follow the official guidelines.
Payment issues are another stumbling block. Double-check the fee, and use a payment method accepted by the passport office, like a certified check or money order.
Quick checklist of mistakes:
If you want expedited service, you need to prove you’re traveling soon. This could be a flight itinerary, booking confirmation, or a letter from your employer for work trips.
Make sure your documents clearly show your name and exact travel dates. Print out digital bookings. For family emergencies, you’ll need an official letter or legal document.
Bring originals and copies when applying in person. If you’re mailing your application, send copies only. Having the right proof ready can really speed things up.
After you submit your expedited passport application, keep tabs on your status and be ready to act if something stalls. It’s smart to check for updates and respond fast to any issues.
You can track your passport status online using the government website. You’ll need your application number and some personal details like your name and date of birth.
Status updates usually show up 2-3 days after you submit your application. Check often, especially if you’re using expedited service, to catch missing documents or requests right away.
If you prefer, you can call the passport office for updates. Keep your confirmation emails and written records—just in case you need them later.
If you run into delays, check your status online or by phone to find out what’s wrong. Missing documents or signatures are common culprits.
Once you spot the problem, fix it as soon as possible by sending in whatever’s needed. If you need your passport urgently, go to the nearest passport office with your proof of travel, like flight tickets.
If you lose any documents, contact the office right away. Keeping copies of everything you submit and all receipts makes sorting things out much easier.
People have all sorts of questions about timelines, steps, costs, and how to speed up the passport process after their citizenship oath. Here are some answers that might help you plan your next moves.
Most people can apply for a passport the same day they take the oath, as long as they get their Certificate of Naturalization. The fastest way is to visit a passport agency with proof of urgent travel.
After the oath, bring your Certificate of Naturalization, a passport photo, and a filled-out Form DS-11 to a passport acceptance facility. Submit these in person and pay the required fees.
Same-day service is offered only at U.S. Department of State passport agencies. You’ll need an appointment and proof of immediate travel within 14 days. Check the official U.S. Department of State website for locations and requirements.
Expedited service by mail usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. At a passport agency, you might get a passport the same day if your travel is urgent. Processing times can change depending on demand and staffing.
You can upgrade to expedited service by contacting the National Passport Information Center. You’ll probably need to show proof of urgent travel. Paying the extra fee can speed things up.
Starting in 2025, you’ll pay an extra $60 expedite fee on top of the usual renewal cost if you want your passport faster. Sometimes, you might need to cover express shipping too. For the most current fees and how to pay, it’s best to check the State Department website.
John C
03 May 2025