The overview

Kat’s youth passport (good for only 5 years) is expired. Because she’s a minor, this is treated as a new application — Form DS-11, in person, with both parents consenting. Standard expedited service costs an extra $60, processes in 2–3 weeks, and does not require proof of upcoming travel. (The “urgent travel” agency-appointment track that requires flight itineraries is a separate, faster track we’re not using.)

Where to go

Any USPS passport acceptance facility in NYC — most large post offices, some libraries, some county clerks’ offices. Book online via the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler:

https://tools.usps.com/rcas.htm →

These appointments are usually available within a few days.

What to bring

• Kat’s expired passport (yes, bring it — it serves as proof of citizenship)
• Kat’s certified birth certificate (backup proof, also required by the form)
• A new US passport photo, 2″×2″ — not the Canadian 50×70mm photo. Different specs, different photo. Most CVS/Walgreens can do this one.
• Stephanie’s photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• A photocopy of Stephanie’s photo ID, front and back, on plain paper
• Kat herself — she must appear in person
• Both parents’ consent: ideally Kat’s other parent appears in person too. If they can’t, Stephanie brings:
  • A notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent), signed by the absent parent
  • A photocopy of the absent parent’s photo ID

Fees

• $100 — application fee (check payable to “U.S. Department of State”)
• $60 — expedite fee (added to the same check)
• $22.05 — Priority Mail Express return shipping (added to the same check)
• $35 — execution fee (separate payment to the acceptance facility, paid at the appointment by card or cash)

Total: ≈ $217

Write “EXPEDITE” clearly on the outside of the envelope when submitted by the acceptance facility staff.

Timeline

• Appointment booking: a few days
• Processing at State Department: 2–3 weeks
• Return mail: 1–3 days (with the $22.05 expedited return)
• Total: about 3–5 weeks door to door

What not to do

Skip the third-party “expediter” services (HelloGov, RushMyPassport, Staples-branded services, etc.). They charge $300–600 on top of government fees but cannot bypass the proof-of-travel requirement for the truly fast track. For Kat’s situation, they add no real value.