If your trip is days away and you don't have a valid passport, you still have options — but you need to move fast and know which lane applies to you.
In-person appointments
Travelers with imminent international travel can sometimes secure an in-person appointment to apply and receive expedited handling, generally with proof of travel like a flight itinerary.
Life-or-death emergency provisions
A separate, narrower provision exists for genuine life-or-death emergencies requiring international travel on very short notice — this has its own documentation requirements and is not the same as "my vacation is soon."
Private expediting services
Companies that specialize in expediting can help navigate appointment scheduling and paperwork for a service fee, in addition to standard government fees. This can be a practical option when time is genuinely tight.
Always confirm details officially
Emergency and in-person processes have specific documentation rules that change — confirm exactly what's required at travel.state.gov before you show up.