Des Moines Main Post Office
USPS Passport Acceptance1165 2nd Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–12pm
Downtown Des Moines
Appointment Required
Appointment required. Confirm photo services when booking.
Emergency & Expedited Passport Services in Des Moines, IA
Passport expired before your trip? Need an emergency passport fast? We help Des Moines and central Iowa travelers get their expedited passports as quickly as 24 hours. A+ BBB rated. No office visit required.
Start My Expedited Passport4.9 / 5
A+ BBB Rating
20+ Years
Registered State Dept. Courier
Processing Times
Expedited Passport Processing Options in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines and central Iowa travelers have several options for getting an expedited passport. Here's how they compare — and why most Polk County residents choose a registered U.S. Department of State passport courier agency to handle their emergency passport needs.
3 Ways to Get a U.S. Passport
Option 1
Registered Courier
Urgent
2–9 Days
Standard
3–5 Weeks
The U.S. Department of State created the registered courier program to give travelers another option. For urgent travel, registered couriers have daily submission availability that can deliver passports in as little as 2–9 days. For travelers with more time, a 3–5 week service provides personalized support throughout the entire process.
Option 2
Post Office / Mail-In
1–2 Months
The DIY route is the option most travelers know. Apply at a local acceptance facility or renew by mail or online when eligible. It's often the lowest-cost option and works well if you have plenty of time before your trip. If an issue is discovered after submission, you'll be notified by USPS and your application will be placed on hold until the problem is resolved by mail. Not recommended within 30 days of departure.
Option 3
Regional Agency
24 Hours
Emergency-only in-person visits at a U.S. Department of State Passport Agency. Requires a confirmed NPIC appointment and documented urgent travel with proof. Applicants should expect to spend most of the day at the agency and may be instructed to return the following business day to pick up their passport.
Recommended
Most Popular2–9
Business Days
Fast Passport Center
- Registered U.S. Department of State Courier
- Reserved agency submission
- Predictable turnaround
- Ideal for upcoming trips
- Document review included
- Dedicated agent assigned to your case
- Daily status updates — never left guessing
- Not affected by government shutdowns
Standard Expedited
3–5
Weeks
Fast Passport Center
- Registered U.S. Department of State Courier
- Reserved agency submission
- Faster than self-service
- Good for planned travel
- Document review included
- Dedicated agent assigned to your case
- Daily status updates — never left guessing
- Not affected by government shutdowns
Slowest
1–2
Months
Self-Service (Post Office)
- No courier access — standard mail only
- Workload & wait times shift with shutdowns and budget fights
- In-person clerk appointment required
- No document review — errors cause rejection
- No dedicated agent — you are on your own
- Updates only by physical mail letter
- No phone or email contact for your case
- Can't upgrade speed after submission
- Not suitable if travel is within 10 weeks
Emergency Only
24
Hours*
Regional Agency Processing
Des Moines and central Iowa travelers face a 340-mile drive to the Chicago Passport Agency (about 5 hours via I-80). Winter storms frequently close I-80 through Illinois — a blizzard cuts off Des Moines from Chicago for 24+ hours. Our courier service eliminates this drive entirely.
- Appointment required — no walk-ins allowed
- Life-or-death emergencies only
- Drive 340 miles to Chicago via I-80
- Expect to wait all day or return next day
*Processing speed depends on eligibility and documentation. Not all applicants qualify for Regional Agency Processing.
Our Services
Expedited Passport Services in Des Moines
Every passport service you need — available remotely for Des Moines and central Iowa travelers. No office visit required.
Emergency Passport
24–72 hour processing for life-or-death emergencies and urgent travel from Des Moines.
Get Emergency HelpPassport Renewal
Fast renewal for adult passports issued within the last 15 years. Start online from Des Moines.
Renew My PassportNew Passport
First-time application guidance with step-by-step support for Des Moines first-time applicants.
Apply for New PassportLost or Stolen
Replace a lost or stolen passport quickly. DS-64 form guidance included for Des Moines travelers.
Replace Lost PassportChild Passport
Passport services for minors under 16. Parental consent guidance for Des Moines families.
Child Passport HelpName Change
Update your passport after marriage, divorce, or legal name change. Fast processing from Des Moines.
Update NamePassport Card
Wallet-sized U.S. Passport Card for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.
Get Passport CardDamaged Passport
Replacement for water-damaged, torn, or mutilated passports no longer valid for travel.
Replace Damaged PassportSecond Passport
Second valid U.S. passport for frequent international travelers who need overlapping visas.
Get Second PassportService Area
Expedited Passport Services for Des Moines & Central Iowa
Whether you are in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, or anywhere in Polk, Dallas, or Warren counties, Fast Passport Center makes emergency and expedited passport processing simple.
Fast Passport Center — Serving Des Moines & Central Iowa
Remote expedited passport services for Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties
Serving all of Polk, Dallas, Warren, and Jasper counties
Courier pickup available throughout central Iowa
After signing up online, choose what works best for you: courier pickup from your home or office, ship with our prepaid label from any UPS/FedEx location in Des Moines, or schedule a drop-off.
Start My Expedited PassportStart 100% Online
No office visit required to begin. Complete your expedited passport order from home or work in Des Moines in minutes.
Ship Your Documents
Use overnight shipping to send your documents directly to us — we handle the emergency passport submission.
Expert Document Review
Every expedited passport application is reviewed by our team before submission to reduce errors and delays.
Reserved Agency Access
We hold reserved submission slots at the regional passport agency — no public appointment needed for your emergency passport.
Cities & Communities We Serve Near Des Moines
Des Moines
50301–50340West Des Moines
50265–50266Ankeny
50021–50023Urbandale
50322–50323Johnston
50131Clive
50325Waukee
50263Altoona
50009Pleasant Hill
50327Norwalk
50211Indianola
50125Grimes
50111Bondurant
50035Polk City
50226Carlisle
50047Runnells
50237Anywhere in central Iowa — start online, ship overnight from Des Moines, and we handle the rest. No need to drive to the Chicago Passport Agency.
Nearby Cities With Expedited Passport Service
Why Travelers Choose Fast Passport Center
Real Reviews
What Des Moines Travelers Say
Iowa travelers trust Fast Passport Center for their most urgent passport needs.
"I found out my passport was expired three weeks before a work trip to Germany. Fast Passport Center got me sorted in 5 days. I shipped from the Des Moines UPS Store and had my passport back before I knew it."
Jennifer K.
West Des Moines, IA
Expedited Renewal
5 days
"My daughter needed her first passport for a school trip to France. I had no idea where to start. Fast Passport Center walked us through the acceptance clerk visit at the Johnston post office and handled everything after that."
Marcus T.
Ankeny, IA
New Passport
7 days
"Emergency situation — my passport was stolen two days before my flight to Mexico City. I called in a panic and they had a plan for me within an hour. Got my emergency passport the next day."
Sarah L.
Des Moines, IA
Emergency Replacement
24 hours
Passport Acceptance Clerks
Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Des Moines, IA
First-time applicants must apply in person at a passport acceptance clerk, and all locations require an appointment. This is the self-service option, typically chosen by those on a tighter budget with at least 1–2+ months before travel.
If you want to use a registered U.S. Department of State courier to receive your passport in as little as 3 days, you must sign up with Fast Passport Center before going to the clerk. Once you apply at the clerk, your documents are sent through the standard route, and we cannot intervene afterward.
Merle Hay Station Post Office
USPS Passport Acceptance4343 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Northwest Des Moines
Appointment Required
Northwest Des Moines option. Call ahead to confirm passport acceptance hours.
Urbandale Post Office
USPS Passport Acceptance7900 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Urbandale (~6 mi west of downtown)
Appointment Required
West Des Moines metro option. Confirm appointment and photo availability.
Ankeny Post Office
USPS Passport Acceptance1201 N Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Ankeny (~10 mi north of downtown)
Appointment Required
Northern suburb option. Call to confirm passport services and appointment requirements.
Polk County Clerk of Court
County Clerk Passport Acceptance500 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm
Downtown Des Moines
Appointment Required
Polk County acceptance option. Confirm appointments and accepted payments before visiting.
West Des Moines Post Office
USPS Passport Acceptance1725 60th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
West Des Moines (~8 mi west of downtown)
Appointment Required
West Des Moines option. Appointment required. Confirm photo services when booking.
Last chance — sign up now, before your clerk visit
If you need your expedited passport fast, sign up with Fast Passport Center before you walk into that clerk appointment. Once your documents go through the standard route, there is no pulling them back.
Emergency Passports
Chicago Passport Agency vs. Fast Passport Center
If you need your passport within two weeks, the Chicago Passport Agency (230 S Dearborn St, Suite 380, Chicago, IL 60604) is your nearest do-it-yourself option — about 340 miles from Des Moines, a 5-hour drive via I-80. Getting an appointment there is rarely straightforward. Fast Passport Center gives you a faster, simpler path without the uncertainty.
Iowa has ZERO passport agencies. The nearest is Chicago — 340 miles away.
Feature
Chicago Passport Agency
Fast Passport Center
Appointment Required
Yes — limited availability, often weeks out in Chicago
No appointment needed to start
In-Person Visit
Required — drive to Chicago Passport Agency (~340 mi, 5 hrs via I-80)
Most travelers ship documents overnight
Processing Speed
Urgent travel only — strict eligibility with proof of travel
As fast as 24 hours — multiple speed options
Document Review
None — errors cause rejection and delay
Professional review to reduce processing delays
Courier Access
Not available to the public — agency serves emergencies only
Reserved daily submission availability as registered courier
Predictability
Appointments can be cancelled or unavailable — no guarantee
Predictable processing based on selected speed option
Who Can Use It
Strict eligibility — urgent travel only with proof of departure date
Most U.S. citizens with required documentation
Cost vs Resellers
Government fees only — but you handle all shipping and logistics
Best price guarantee — 30-100% less than FedEx, Staples & resellers
Des Moines-Specific Guidance
Generic — no Iowa insurance corridor or Principal Financial expertise
Full Des Moines/Chicago courier/Iowa corporate knowledge built in
Start My Expedited Passport
Chicago Passport Agency — 230 S Dearborn St, Suite 380, Chicago, IL 60604 — About 340 miles from Des Moines via I-80
Avoid Delays
Common Mistakes Des Moines Travelers Make
These are the top errors we see from Iowa applicants that cause passport delays and rejections.
01
Waiting Too Long to Start
Many Des Moines travelers assume 6–8 weeks is enough time. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), routine processing can stretch to 13+ weeks. Start your expedited application at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
02
Bad Passport Photos
The #1 reason for rejection. Photos with shadows, glasses, wrong background color, or incorrect size. Use a professional photo service in Des Moines and double-check against official requirements.
03
Visiting the Clerk Before Signing Up
If you need expedited service, you MUST sign up with Fast Passport Center BEFORE visiting the acceptance clerk. Once your documents enter the standard system, they cannot be retrieved for courier submission.
04
Wrong Name on Documents
Your passport application name must match your ID exactly. If you recently changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring legal documentation. Mismatched names cause instant delays.
05
Not Checking Passport Validity
Many countries require 6 months of validity beyond your travel date. Des Moines travelers flying to Europe, Asia, or South America should check requirements early — renewal is easier than emergency replacement.
06
Forgetting Parental Consent for Minors
Both parents typically must appear or provide notarized consent for children under 16. Des Moines families planning international travel should start child passport applications early to avoid last-minute issues.
The Process
How Fast Passport Center Works for Des Moines
Six simple steps from your home in Des Moines to your passport in hand.
1
Sign Up Online
Complete your order in minutes from anywhere in Des Moines. No office visit required to begin.
2
Get Your Checklist
We send you a personalized document checklist based on your passport type and situation.
3
Get Your Photo
Visit any CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Store in Des Moines for compliant passport photos.
4
Ship Overnight
Send your documents via overnight courier using our prepaid label or drop-off instructions.
5
We Review & Submit
Our team reviews everything for accuracy, then submits through our reserved courier access.
6
Receive Your Passport
Your passport arrives via secure delivery. Track the entire process from Des Moines.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Expedited Passports
Everything Des Moines and central Iowa travelers ask us most often about emergency and expedited passport services.
Through Fast Passport Center, expedited passport processing can be as fast as 24 hours depending on your eligibility and the processing option you select. Standard government processing through a post office or acceptance clerk in Des Moines can take 6–13 weeks.
Still have questions about expedited passports? Our team is here to help.
Call 877-253-0084Local Resources
Helpful Resources for Des Moines Travelers
Getting your passport ready involves more than just the application. Here are local Polk County resources to help you gather everything you need before your next international trip.
Passport Photos
Passport Photo Locations Near Des Moines
Your passport application requires two identical 2"×2" passport photos taken within the last 6 months. Popular passport photo locations in the Des Moines metro include:
Tip: Wear a plain white or off-white top, no glasses, neutral expression. Photos must meet strict U.S. State Department specifications — ask the technician to confirm compliance before you leave.
Vital Records
Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records — Polk County
Birth Certificate
Request certified birth certificates from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records. Online, mail, or in-person at the Lucas State Office Building in Des Moines.
Get RecordsDeath Certificate
Obtain certified death certificates through Iowa HHS Vital Records. Required for estate and legal matters in Polk County.
Get RecordsMarriage Certificate
Request marriage license records from the Polk County Recorder. Certified copies available for name changes and passport applications.
Get RecordsDivorce Decree
Obtain certified divorce records through the Polk County Clerk of Court. Required for name change passport corrections.
Get RecordsDriver's License & State ID
Iowa DOT & Polk County — DMV Services
Iowa DOT — Des Moines
6200 Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50321
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Driver licenses, REAL ID, and vehicle registration. Appointment recommended.
Polk County Treasurer — Motor Vehicle
111 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Vehicle registration and title services for Polk County.
Airports
Airports Serving Des Moines Travelers
DSMLocal
Des Moines International Airport
About 5 miles south of downtown
5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Iowa's busiest airport with connections to international hubs including Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis.
DSM Airport WebsiteMSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport
About 3.5 hours north via I-35
4300 Glumack Dr, St. Paul, MN 55111
Major international hub for long-haul flights. Many Des Moines travelers use MSP for direct international departures.
MSP Airport WebsitePassport required for all international flights. If your departure is within two weeks, standard processing won't make it in time — expedited processing through Fast Passport Center is your most reliable option.
Service Network
Emergency & Expedited Passport Services Near You
Fast Passport Center provides emergency passport and expedited passport processing in Iowa. We also serve travelers in nearby states including Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri. Click a state below for local acceptance facilities, processing times, and fast passport options.
Ready to Get Your Expedited Passport in Des Moines?
Do not let an expired passport cancel your trip. Start your emergency or expedited passport application today and travel with confidence.
A+ BBB Rating · Registered State Department Courier · 20+ Years Experience