Courier companies, also known as “passport expeditors,” are private companies, some of which are allowed to submit passport applications on behalf of customers.
No. Some companies may appear to be part of the U.S. government because they use logos that look like official government seals. These companies are not part of the U.S government or government contractors and do not operate as a part of the U.S. Department of State.
No. All passport applications must be printed out, signed, and submitted with original documents to the U.S. Department of State for passport processing.
No. Passport applications are available free-of-charge on the U.S. Department of State's Passport Forms page. There is also no fee for making an appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a Department of State Passport Agency or Center.
Not necessarily. However, we do advise that you practice due diligence by researching courier companies you plan to use since you will be sharing with them your most sensitive identification information and documents. In addition to standard consumer research, the Better Business Bureau and local/regional/state Chambers of Commerce may be helpful resources.
Be sure to read the "fine print" when visiting these companies' websites.
You can expedite your application directly with Passport Services. For details, please see Get a Passport in a Hurry.
