Top 10 Tips for Getting an Expedited Passport

Twenty-three years is a long time to watch people make the same mistakes with their passport applications. Here’s what actually speeds things up, based on how Sameday Passport & Visa has handled this in Los Angeles since 2003.

1. Know your actual timeline before you call

The single biggest factor in how much you’ll pay is how fast you need it. The fastest option is 4 to 7 business days for $399. If you’ve got more time, there’s 10 to 14 days for $299, 21 days for $249, or the standard 4 to 6 weeks for $199. Knowing your real travel date upfront means you’re not overpaying for speed you don’t need, or underpaying and missing your flight.

2. Call before you show up

A five-minute phone call tells you exactly what to bring, so your first visit is your only visit. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling first at (310) 402-1619 means nothing gets missed at the counter.

3. Don’t assume “same-day” means same-day

This one trips up more people than anything else. As of 2021, federal rule changes ended true same-day passport issuance nationwide, for every business, not just this one. What’s actually possible is fast filing and expedited processing, as quick as 4 to 7 business days. Anyone promising a passport in your hand that same afternoon isn’t being straight with you.

4. Have your documents checked before they’re filed

Most delays don’t come from the government, they come from a form filled out wrong or a document that’s missing. Having everything reviewed in person before submission is what actually prevents the back-and-forth that eats up weeks.

5. Go somewhere that files directly

There’s a real difference between a service that files directly with the U.S. Department of State and foreign consulates, and one that’s just another layer of paperwork in between you and the government. Direct filing relationships are what actually shave days off the process.

6. Bring your travel dates, not just your documents

Your actual departure date changes which service tier makes sense. Telling the office your real dates upfront, rather than just showing up with paperwork, is how they figure out which of the four processing speeds fits your situation.

7. Use weekend hours if weekdays don’t work

A lot of people don’t realize passport help is available outside a standard 9-to-5. The Los Angeles office is open all seven days, Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 3 PM, and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM. If your job doesn’t give you weekday flexibility, that matters more than people expect.

8. Get your photo taken at the same visit

Passport and visa photos are $20, taken and ready in minutes, right in the office. Combining your photo and your application into one trip instead of two is a small thing that saves real time.

9. Verify who you’re actually dealing with

Because “expedited passport” is a heavily searched term, there are other businesses in the Los Angeles area using similar names online and in ads. Before paying anyone or handing over documents, confirm you’re contacting the office through its official number, (310) 402-1619, and its official address at 11022 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 100.

10. Ask questions instead of guessing

Twenty years of doing this means most questions have a fast, honest answer. Whether it’s what a specific fee covers or whether your timeline is realistic, asking directly beats guessing and getting it wrong on your own.

Real Questions People Actually Ask

Can I really get a passport the same day I walk in? No, and any business claiming that isn’t being accurate. The fastest legitimate option is 4 to 7 business days.

How much does the fastest option cost? $399 for 4 to 7 business days, on top of the government’s own fee.

Do I need an appointment? No. Walk in any day of the week, though calling ahead means you know exactly what to bring.

Is this actually connected to the government? No. It’s a private service authorized to expedite applications, not a government office itself.

Before You Go

Twenty years of doing this comes down to a simple pattern: know your date, call ahead, bring the right documents, and don’t fall for same-day promises that aren’t legally possible. Call (310) 402-1619 with your travel date, and you’ll know exactly where you stand before you ever walk in.

This article reflects the passport expediting process at Sameday Passport & Visa’s Los Angeles office as of 2026. Call to confirm current pricing and requirements before your visit.