Upvote:0
It appears that you cannot. Every reference I could find to applying at a passport agency uses the phrase "in person" and says nothing about sending a friend or other agent. Also, it says here that you have to show identification at the passport agency, so your friend can't go and pretend that she is you.
Upvote:3
You have to go in person. However, you can hire a courier to act on your behalf. The State Department website implies they have no special relationship or permission, but they do - a courier has to be registered with the US State Department.
This article has a very good explanation.
Given your time frame, it sounds like your best bet is to hire a registered courier.