You found out, like many Angelinos before you, that your passport has expired and you have a trip coming up. What now? Try these last minute passport services to increase your chances of getting your passport renewed in time:
Last Minute Passport Services: Emergency & Urgent Passports
When real emergencies arise, local government agencies help cut the red tape and expedited passport renewals. In LA county, the Los Angeles Passport Agency (not to be confused with the Passport Office down the street) is your best option for a last minute passport.
These are the types of last-minute appointment the Los Angeles Passport Agency can help you obtain:
1. Life-or-death Emergency Appointments
You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel internationally in 3 business days because your immediate family member outside of the United States:
- Has died, or
- Is dying (hospice care), or
- Has a life-threatening illness or injury
MomTip#1: Even in case of an emergency, you will still need to call and make an appointment. The agency does not accept walk-ins.
2. Urgent Appointments
If your flight is less than 14 days away, you can request an urgent appointment, even if it’s not an emergency.
Keep in mind, the call center is a National service. If there are no appointments in Los Angeles, they may offer you appointments that are out of the city or even out of state.
MomTip#2: Still hopeful you can show up there without an appointment? Read people’s most current experiences at the agency on Yelp for up-to-date information. Your best bet? Keep calling. Appointments are known to open up on a regular basis.
Last Minute Passport Services: Expedited Services
If you still need to get your passport issued but don’t not qualify for the two types of appointments above, these are your options:
1. Private Expediting Services
These agencies provide middle-man services that help get your passport application processed quicker. They can either help you book an emergency/urgent appointment in a matter of days or issue expedited passports in around 5-14 days.
Do keep in mind that the service is expensive with a price tag of hundreds of dollars per request.
MomTip#3: If you’re looking to issue your child first passport and don’t have a birth certificate, you will need to complete a few initial steps before you can apply.
2. State Passport Services
Many post offices, libraries and a number of City Halls in LA County provide expedited passport services. The U.S. Department of State website recommends using this service if you have at least 11 weeks before your flight.
Find an acceptance facility near you or view this list of all acceptance facilities in LA County.
MomTip#4: While acceptance facilities state that drop-in appointments are not available in most places, some applicants have had luck getting a spot when arriving early with a good attitude, payment in order, and completed paperwork.
Once you begin the process you can track your application online.
MomTip#5: If your expedited processing seems to have stalled and your flight date is approaching, you can reach out to your local congress person’s office for help. They can make an inquiry on your behalf, which can help speed up the process.
As it turns out, there are many last minute passport services in Los Angeles that can help you get you on your international flight as planned.
Taking kids with you on this international flight? Read LAX transportation with a Car Seat? The Complete Guide to explore your best option for getting your kids to the airport safely.