# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Obtain an American Emergency Passport

If you're an American citizen without a United States passport who has to leave the U.S. for an emergency, you will need to obtain an American emergency passport. Normal passport application processing can take up to six weeks, but the government can issue an emergency passport in less than 48 hours. To ensure a smooth and expedited process, furnish all required information with your application.

Identification
Proof of citizenship
Checkbook

Instructions

- 1
  Contact the nearest U.S. passport office or acceptance facility to schedule an immediate appointment.Tell the agent about your extenuating circumstances in order to obtain the first available appointment. If the scheduled available time doesn't meet your need, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 for further assistance and instructions on how to expedite the process.
- 2
  Shoot a passport photo. Many local copy shops and drug stores provide on-the-spot passport photos. Furnish two identical, color photos with your application that are two inches wide and two inches tall.
- 3
  Complete a new passport application (DS-11) before your scheduled appointment. Obtain an application from the passport or acceptance office or download the application from the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html. This application can be submitted online; however you must print your completed application and still present it in person.
- 4
  Photocopy one form of identification and one piece of citizenship proof. Copy documents on one side of an 8 ½ x 11 white piece of paper. For citizenship verification, a previous passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship are acceptable. Acceptable forms of identification are naturalization certificate, previous passport, driver's license, military or government I.D.
- 5
  Present completed application, necessary paperwork, identification and photos during your appointment. Along with your application and photos, provide original proof of citizenship and identification.
- 6
  Pay passport fees. In addition to nonrefundable standard processing fees (approximately $100 for an adult passport), you must pay an expedited $60 service fee. If you are paying at a passport agency, major credit cards and personal checks are accepted. If you are paying at an acceptance facility you may only pay with a personal check. Also, $25 of the regular processing fee must be paid in a separate check at the acceptance facility.