I always tell my clients to check their passports before a big trip,
And this week I had to take my own advice in a hurry. I realized my passport was going to expire too soon, and since I am heading on a Virgin Voyages cruise next month (yes, a True Crime themed sailing!) I needed to make sure mine was valid for at least six months past the travel dates. Many countries, including the Dominican Republic where our ship will dock, will not let you in if your passport is about to expire. Add to that the fact that I need a valid passport for work as a flight attendant, and suddenly I had no choice but to get this fixed fast.
So off I went to downtown Chicago for an expedited renewal appointment. The process is pretty straightforward, but I will be honest, it is not the most glamorous travel errand. First, you need to schedule your appointment online through the State Department site and bring the confirmation number with you. When you arrive, you go through security and check in, and from there it is a matter of handing over the right forms and documents. I used the online form filler to complete Form DS-82, brought my old passport, my Global Entry card as my ID, and proof of upcoming travel. In my case that was my cruise itinerary.
Of course, no passport renewal is complete without a photo. Let me just say, mine is terrible. I had high hopes of losing a few pounds and maybe treating myself to a nice hair day before sitting for the photo, but life got in the way. Walgreens it was. Quick, easy, and seventeen dollars later I had two copies in hand. Only one gets submitted, but trust me, it is not the picture I will be showing off any time soon. Then again, bad passport photos are practically a rite of passage.
The one thing that bummed me out was that they did not issue the passport the same day. Some people get lucky and walk out with a brand new booklet in hand, but I was told to come back the next day for pickup. Not the most convenient, but at least I know it will be ready before I set sail.
Make an appointment online at your local passport agency - Make your appointment here
Fill out Form DS-82 using the official form filler and print it
Bring proof of travel within 14 days such as a flight, hotel, or cruise reservation
Bring your current passport and a valid ID
Have two passport photos that meet the guidelines (you can take your own if you follow the instructions on the official site)
Be ready to pay the fees with a card or touchless payment
If your name has changed, bring your original or certified documents to show proof
The fees are currently $130 for a passport book, $160 if you add the card, and $60 for expedited service.
Not everyone can pop into a passport agency like I did in Chicago, but you still have options if you need your passport quickly.
✨ Expedited by Mail
You can request expedited service when renewing by mail. Just mark “EXPEDITE” on the envelope, include the additional $60 fee, and pay for overnight delivery both ways. Processing usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, faster than the standard wait time.
✨ Use an Authorized Passport Expeditor or Courier
There are private companies approved by the State Department that can submit your application on your behalf. They often charge an additional service fee, but they can sometimes get you a passport in just a few days if you provide proof of travel.
✨ Expedited at a Passport Agency (What I Did)
This is the fastest option if you have travel within 14 days or need a visa within 28 days. You must make an appointment online and bring proof of travel. Depending on demand, you may get your passport the same day or the next day like me.
If you have a trip coming up, my best advice is to check your passport now rather than waiting until the last minute like I did. It will save you the stress of scrambling for appointments, paying extra fees, and sitting with that less-than-perfect photo for the next ten years.
In the meantime, I will be counting down to my Virgin Voyages True Crime cruise and looking forward to putting my shiny new passport to good use.
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I'm Amneris (or you can call me Neri... all my friends do), a travel advisor and flight attendant who curates unforgettable trips across Europe and beyond. From solo getaways to romantic escapes and luxury cruises, I help busy professionals and adventure seekers travel well—with less stress and more joy. Ready to plan your next journey? Let’s chat.