If you’re wondering how long does it take to get a passport in Florida in 2026, you’re not alone. Many residents face uncertainty about processing times, fees, and the necessary steps to obtain or renew their passports. Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing, or need expedited processing for urgent travel, understanding the process can save you time and frustration. In Florida, passport services are available through numerous passport acceptance facilities, including county clerk’s offices and regional passport agencies. This guide will walk you through the essential passport requirements, application steps, and options to expedite your passport to meet your travel dates. If your travel date is in less than 6 weeks, you should consider expedited service, as routine processing may not be fast enough. By applying early and knowing what to expect, you can ensure a smooth experience and avoid last-minute stress.
Key Takeaways
- Standard passport processing in Florida typically takes 7 to 12 weeks, with expedited service available for an additional fee.
- Passport acceptance facilities, such as county clerk’s offices, provide convenient locations to submit your passport application form.
- Expedited processing reduces wait times to 2-3 weeks but requires an additional fee and proof of urgent travel.
- Proper documentation, including a government-issued ID, proof of citizenship, and passport photos, is essential for a successful application.
- For urgent travel within 14 days, appointments at regional passport agencies are necessary, with Miami and soon Orlando offering these services.
How to Get a Passport in Florida in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather Required Documents
Collect your passport application form (DS-11 for new applications), proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate, or previously issued passport), government-issued ID (like a driver’s license), and passport photos that meet State Department specifications.
2. Complete the Passport Application Form
Fill out the application form in black ink, but do not sign it until instructed by the acceptance agent at the passport acceptance facility or agency.
3. Visit a Passport Acceptance Facility
Locate a nearby passport acceptance facility, which may be a county clerk’s office or other authorized location in Florida. In some counties, the circuit court or Clerk of the Court is responsible for accepting passport applications and processing related fees. Bring your completed form, original documents, photocopies, and payment for passport fees and execution fees.
4. Pay Passport Fees
Pay the required passport fees, including the $35 execution fee payable to the clerk’s office and the passport book or card fees payable to the U.S. Department of State. Payments can typically be made by check or money order.
5. Submit Your Application
At the acceptance facility, an acceptance agent will review your documents, witness your signature, and submit your application to the U.S. Department of State.
6. Track Processing Time and Delivery
Standard routine service takes approximately 7 to 12 weeks, while expedited processing reduces this to 2 to 3 weeks. Mailing time can add additional days, so apply early to accommodate your international travel date. Your new passport and supporting documents will arrive separately by mail, and mailing times can affect when your documents arrive.
7. Renew or Replace If Needed
For passport renewals, you may be eligible for online renewal, which can save time. Lost or stolen passports require additional forms and procedures, so report them promptly to avoid delays.
Passport Service Options in Florida: Comparison Table
Service Type | Processing Time | Additional Fee | Suitable For | Locations Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Routine Service | 7 to 12 weeks | None | Standard applications | Passport acceptance facilities |
Expedited Service | 2 to 3 weeks | $60 | Faster processing needed | Acceptance facilities, agencies |
Urgent Travel Service | Within 14 days | Varies | Life-or-death or urgent travel | Regional passport agencies (Miami, Orlando) |
Passport Agency Services in Florida: When and How to Use Them
If you’re facing urgent international travel plans or a last-minute emergency, Florida’s passport agency services can help you obtain a passport much faster than routine processing. Unlike standard passport acceptance facilities, which handle routine service with processing times of 7 to 12 weeks, a passport agency is designed for applicants who need expedited service—often delivering a new passport in as little as 2 to 3 weeks.
The Department of State operates regional passport agencies in major Florida cities, including Miami, with plans to expand to Orlando and other locations. These agencies are specifically set up to assist travelers who have proof of urgent travel, such as a booked international flight within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency abroad.
To use a passport agency, you must first schedule an appointment—walk-ins are not accepted. On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to appear in person and bring all required documents: a completed passport application form (such as DS-11 for new applicants), proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate or previously issued passport), a government-issued photo ID, and compliant passport photos. The agency’s staff will review your paperwork, witness your signature, and submit your application directly to the Department of State for expedited processing.
Keep in mind, passport agency services are reserved for situations where routine service won’t meet your travel date. If you qualify, this is the fastest way to obtain a passport in Florida, ensuring you’re ready for your international travel plans without unnecessary delays. Always check the latest requirements and appointment availability on the Department of State’s website before you go, and gather all necessary documents to streamline your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does expedited processing take in Florida?
Expedited processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, excluding mailing time. An additional $60 fee applies, and you must provide proof of urgent travel if applying at a regional passport agency.
Can I apply for a child’s passport at the same time as an adult’s?
Yes, but both parents or guardians must be present when applying for a child’s passport, or a notarized consent form from the absent parent must be provided. If only one parent is available, a Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) from the non-applying parent is required.
What forms of payment are accepted for passport fees?
Passport fees can be paid by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State, and execution fees are paid to the clerk’s office, often accepting cash, check, or credit cards with a service fee.
What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
Report your lost or stolen passport immediately to the U.S. Department of State and submit a new application with the required forms, including a statement about the lost or stolen passport.
Are passport cards accepted for international air travel?
No, passport cards are only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. A passport book is required for international air travel.
Can I renew my passport online in Florida?
Eligible applicants can renew passports online through the U.S. Department of State website, which can save time compared to mailing a renewal application.
What are federal holidays’ effects on passport processing times?
Federal holidays can delay processing and mailing times, so plan accordingly when applying around these dates.
There are approximately 272 facilities in the state that accept passports typically take 7 to 12 weeks to complete standard processing at the post office or county clerk. The 4-6 week expedited option is available for an extra $60. On the other hand, currently, the regional passport agency is only available in Miami.
As of June 18, 2024 State travel Department’s press release, it is planned to expand the regional passport agency network in Florida as there will be a new passport agency in Orlando after Miami, FL.
What Paperwork Do I Need in Florida to Obtain a Passport?
Whether you apply at a passport facility or agency the documentation almost remains the same. It consists of;
- One picture from your passport.
- The genuine copy of your citizenship documentation or the original (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.)
- A copy of your citizenship documentation (front and back if there is writing on both sides)
- A legitimate photo identity document, such as a driver’s license.
How to Expedite Passport in Florida
Straightforwardly, local acceptance facilities aren’t a practical option when it comes to some emergency circumstances. Apply in person at a regular acceptance facility if your application is less urgent, but be prepared to pay an additional $60 expedite fee for a 3-5 weeks TAT..
For the regional agency, remember that you cannot arrange an appointment unless you require a passport for departure before two weeks or a passport within four weeks to acquire a visa for travel to another country. You cannot use the service solely to hasten the delivery of your passport.
So what is the Best Value for Time & Money
Choose the reliable Private Expediting Service Like PassportsAndVisas.com. In a nutshell, we offer;
- One click accessibility
- As quick as 3 days with no buts and ifs
- Smooth operations makes it easy for all
Documentation and Process:
- Obtain a copy of Form DS-11, either physically at the acceptance facility that best suits your needs or electronically through the State Department website. The State Department’s search engine will help you find the nearest of Florida’s 261 acceptance facilities.
- Fill out the form, but don’t sign it—a PassportsAndVisas.com employee must attest to your signature.
- Verify that you have the required paperwork. You must show proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. You must also provide identifying documentation, such as a current driver’s license, military ID, or another official document. Make a copy of the paper you intend to utilize with a camera.
- Get a passport photo that satisfies all State Department criteria. It would help if you gazed directly at the camera with a neutral expression in the color shot. Your head must be no higher than 1 3/8 inches, no lower than 1 inch, and two by 2 inches.
- Make sure you have the money to pay the new passport fee in step 5. The price of a new passport book is $130 plus a $35 processing fee. The additional $60 cost is required to expedite your application. Debit and credit cards, cheques, money orders, and bank draughts are all acceptable forms of payment for the organization. You should make checks, bank draughts, and money orders payable to the “Department of State.
- Call 844-804-6223 to schedule an appointment at PassportsAndVisas.com. Bring your completed application form, identifying documents, photocopies, and passport photos to your position, and be on time. On-site issuance of a new passport is possible.
