Using a Passport Courier Company

What you need to know before using a third party

Do research and avoid scams

• Courier and expeditor companies do not operate as a part of the U.S. Department of State. Only some companies are registered with us to submit applications and pick up passports on behalf of applicants at our agencies. 
• Some companies may appear to be affiliated with the U.S. government because they use logos that look like official government seals. Check the list of courier companies to see if a company is registered with us.
• Always research companies first. You will be sharing your most sensitive information and documents with them. Read the fine print on each website. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your local chamber of commerce may help you decide about a company.
• The only place to renew your passport online is opr.travel.state.gov. Any other website that claims to offer online passport renewal should be considered a scam. 

Know where to apply and be prepared to pay extra fees

• Using a courier company won’t get you your passport faster than applying at our passport agencies. The most common times customers use a courier company is if they have urgent travel and cannot get to a passport agency.
• You cannot submit an application online through a courier company. All passport applications submitted by a courier company must be printed out and signed in ink. You must also provide original, physical documents when submitting your application through a courier company. 
• Courier companies charge extra fees for their services. 
• We do not charge a fee to fill out a passport form or to make an appointment at a passport agency or acceptance facility. 
  • We may need fees from you if your courier company did not pay us.
  • We do not refund fees paid to courier companies.
  • We may need fees from you to process or expedite your application.
  •  If someone asks you to pay for the passport form or an appointment with us, consider the request to be fraudulent. 
  • We are not affiliated with any third-party appointment booking services. We may not be able to honor appointments booked via third parties. Do not attempt to book 2 appointments.
• If you are applying using Form DS-11, you still must appear in person at an acceptance facility. You will also need to provide extra information, such as proof of urgent international travel. 

Report fraud 

If you believe your personal information has been compromised, report the incident  or contact your state's consumer protection office. 

If you shared sensitive information on an unofficial site, you are at risk of identity theft. Visit Identity Theft for help and resources. 

Check the BBB for tips and information on avoiding and reporting passport scams. 

If you were a victim of a crime, contact your local law enforcement agency. 

Disclaimers

• We are not responsible for a courier company losing or damaging your documents.
• We do not refund fees paid directly to a courier company.
• We do not get involved in a customer's dispute with a courier company. Contact your local law enforcement office if you are a victim of a crime.