My passport expired and I need to leave for vacation in two weeks. I know there are expedited procedures but I'm not really sure how they work or how much they cost. Is it actually possible to get it really fast or do I have to cancel my trip?
An urgent request is really your best option and it's totally doable in two weeks. You need to go directly to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your place of residence with all your documents (current ID, proof of residence, ID photos, application form). The key is not to drag your feet - the longer you wait, the more you stress for nothing. Urgent processing times are generally 3 to 5 business days, so you're well within the timeline.
As for the fees, be prepared to pay a bit more than a standard application. There are extra charges for expediting (about fifty euros on top of the standard fee), but honestly it's a reasonable price to avoid canceling your vacation. Check with your prefecture about opening hours and which days they handle urgent requests, because it's not every day. Some places even have specific time slots for that.
I'd recommend calling ahead to verify exactly what you need to bring and whether you need to book an appointment. Seriously, spending a half-day now saves you regrets later. Good luck with your vacation!
You can definitely get it in two weeks, no need to cancel. The expedited procedure definitely exists and it works pretty well if you do it right. The important thing is to go to the prefecture or sub-prefecture with ALL your documents at once - expired passport, recent proof of address, ID photos that meet the standards, birth certificate extract, and if possible a letter justifying the urgency (plane ticket, hotel reservation, etc.). Without that you'll just be making the trip for nothing.
The cost is the same as for a regular passport, except you have extra fees for the acceleration - usually around 30-45 euros more, but it varies by region. The urgent timeline is often 5-7 business days, sometimes less if you ask nicely and your file is complete. The wait on site can be long, so go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Friday.
One trap people forget: you really have to check your prefecture's opening hours (they often close in the afternoon) and call ahead if possible to see if they can see you quickly. Some even require an appointment now. And be careful to make sure your photos meet the new standards - old passport photos from 5 years ago often don't pass anymore. If you have any doubts, buy new photos at the pharmacy, it's quick and cheap.
Contact your local prefecture's passport office directly tomorrow to check what emergency appointment slots are available - lots of people forget that spots often open up last-minute or there are extended hours in summer. Two weeks is plenty of time if you move fast, and honestly the expedited process isn't complicated, you just need to have all your ID documents and a current proof of residence. Your vacation isn't in jeopardy.
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