How Passlane works

1) We explain your options first

Passlane is an independent private company. We are not the U.S. Department of State, not the National Passport Information Center, not USCIS, and not an embassy or consulate. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by any government agency.

Our job is to help you understand the real process before you decide what to do. We show the common routes, typical timelines, and the difference between government fees and any private expediter service fee. You can review typical timing on timelines and fees.

We do not issue passports or visas. We do not process government applications. We do not give legal or immigration advice. If you have a legal or immigration problem, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.

We also make clear that you can always apply directly with the government yourself at no service charge. For example:
- Many adults can renew by mail with Form DS-82 if they qualify
- First-time applicants usually apply in person with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility
- Children under 16 generally need both parents or guardians present
- A passport card is usually valid for land and sea travel, but not for international air travel

2) If you want help, we match you with a private expediter

If you want extra help moving a passport renewal, new passport request, or travel visa application along faster, you can use Passlane to get matched with an independent, private expediting service. These companies may help by reviewing instructions, preparing shipping steps, and couriering or hand-carrying applications where the official rules allow.

This matching service is free to you through Passlane. If you choose to hire a private expediter, that company may charge its own service fee. That service fee is separate from the official government application fee and any government expedite fee. Confirm current government amounts on the official government website.

We do not promise approval or a specific timeline. Only the government can issue a passport or visa, approve an application, or set appointment availability. We use careful language like typical, usually, and estimate because processing times can change.

As a general guide, routine U.S. passport service is often around 4 to 6 weeks, and government expedited service is often around 2 to 3 weeks for an added official fee. Travelers with urgent travel within about 14 days, or certain life-or-death emergencies, may have additional official options through the government, depending on availability and eligibility.

3) You stay in control of your information

We keep the website simple. We ask for basic contact details and what kind of help you need so we can point you in the right direction. We may ask things like:
- Your name and contact information
- Your preferred language
- Whether this is a renewal, first passport, child passport, or visa help request
- When you plan to travel
- Whether you want to apply yourself or speak with a private expediter

For your safety, do not submit sensitive identity documents on this site. Our forms are for contact and request details only. We do not ask for your Social Security number, passport number, or scanned passport documents on the website.

You decide what happens next. You can read more about Passlane, apply directly with the government on your own, or ask to be matched with a private company. The choice is always yours.