As someone who is excited to travel the World, you’re bound to have quite a few questions on your mind.
One of these is bound to be, “How long does it take to get a passport?”
You’re not alone in wondering about the processing times for passports as this is a common question by our readers. So, we did our best to answer and explain it in full here in this article.
Usually, the processing time depends on many factors such as what type of passport you need? Was your passport lost or stolen? Are you applying for a child passport?
Many people forget about getting a passport right before a trip. Procrastination can cause some panic if you’re planning to leave in a few days. Luckily, there are several options for obtaining a passport, each a little faster, but at a cost. If you can remember to get your passport eight to ten weeks before your trip, you’ll save yourself money.
But knowing there are quick options to getting a new or renewed passport is helpful to the busy traveler with a “just in time” schedule. Here is a clear picture of the choices you have to process your application form. You will also get a better understanding of where these services are available and the cost.
Routine & Expedited Passport Processing Times
When talking about how long it takes to get a passportin the US, there are two major times that you need to concern yourself with.
If you apply for a US passport through normal means, you can expect to wait between four to six weeks from submitting your application until the time in which you receive your passport in the mail. If you choose to go through the passport agency for rushpassport processing, the time can be cut down to around one to eight business days depending on the passport agency. Below we would break down in detail a routine or expedited passport expected to wait for time.
Passport Processing Time
- Regular Passport Process: 4 to 6 Weeks
- Expedited with Post Office: 2 to 3 Weeks
- Passport Agency: 1 to 8 Business Days
- Private Expediting Companies: 1 Day to 3 weeks
First Time Application Process
Getting a passport for the first can be challenging and exciting at the same time. Just the idea of getting your travel document gives you a boost in travel plans.
Now, let’s focus on the process you must undergo to acquire this vital document.
As a first-time passport applicant, adult or minor, you must complete Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport. In addition to the form, supporting documents, and the fees put together to complete the application package. Do not sign the application until the day you submit your application.
Once you complete gathering all the documents, you can visit a passport acceptance facility to submit them. At these facilities, you will encounter different processing options to get a new passport.
The choices are according to how soon you need your travel document. The processing time can be from 6 -weeks to 1 day for an expedited passport and 6 weeks for routine processing.
The Standard Renewal Process
If you have your old passport and it is still legible, all you need is the passport and a completed DS-82 Passport Renewal Form.
If your passport is lost or mutilated, you’ll need to apply for a new passport with a DS-11 form, “Application for a U.S. Passport.” You will also need a passport photo to apply for a new passport and a copy of your birth certificate.
If your name has changed since your last passport application, you’ll need a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other court document showing your old and new names.
Where to Apply for a Passport Renewal
If you meet some criteria, you can apply by mail, but this takes the longest to get your passport back, usually four to six weeks. To apply by mail:
- Your passport must not be damaged and legible
- Your passport must have been issued when you were at least 16 years old and within the past 15 years
- Your passport is in your current name, or you have certified copies of the above documents to prove the name change
If your passport is lost or mutilated, you have to apply in person. The renewed passport can only be mailed to U.S. or Canadian addresses. All of the certified documents and your old passport have to be mailed in. Since there is some risk of losing it in the mail, this could be a risky way to renew.
Applying at the Post Office
How long does it take to get a passport at the post office would depend on a number of factors? You will need the application DS-82 form completed, you can visit post offices that handle passports.
Not all post offices have this service, and those that do may have specific hours or require an appointment.
At the post offices, some certified agents will review your materials with you and help you submit them. Expect four to six weeks for routine processing time and expedited services between two to three weeks.
Prior to going to the post office, you will need to get a passport photo.
Applying at a Passport Agency
State Department Regional Passport Agencies can also help you if you need to renew your passport sooner than the four to six-week average. Many larger cities have one of these facilities.
You will need an appointment and take all of your material with you.
You will also:
- Show proof of your upcoming travel at most of the agencies (but not all)
- Pay an additional fee for the quicker processing of your renewal
You could receive your new passport the same day with this option.
Applying at a Private Passport Expeditor
Working with a private passport service, you could have your new passport within one to eight days.
These companies work with the regional passport agencies to get you an expedited passport in as short a time as possible. You will need all of your other material plus proof of travel, or a family emergency showing why the urgency.
It is safe and the quickest way to renew your passport.
How long does it take to get a passport?
So, here’s the tl;dr with getting a passport:
- If you are looking to renew a passport or maybe a child, the processing time with the post offices are usually 4-6 weeks
- If you are looking to have the process expedited with the post offices then the waiting time is usually 2-3 weeks
Anything faster and you’ll need to use a service.
Where to Get a U.S. Passport?
When the time comes to apply for your United States passport, you have a few critical options with regards to where to go. It is essential to understand that you can submit a new or renewal passport application at any passport acceptance facility in the country, which includes most United States Post Office locations and places like embassies.
If you find that your trip is coming up sooner than you expected and you don’t have time to wait four to six weeks for processing, you also have another option available to you. You can choose to use an expedited passport courier service in your area to cut the wait time down significantly.
These companies are trusted partners who will come to your home and collect all of the appropriate forms, passport photos, and fees and submit them on your behalf. Depending on the area of the country where you live, and the time of year in which you are applying, these expedited services can have your new passport in hand in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
FAQs
Why US passport process is so slow? ›
This is due to the number of passports that are backlogged. Luckily, you can avoid long passport processing times if you choose Swift to obtain your passport. We can help you get a new passport in 7-10 business days and a passport renewal in as little as 7-10 business days.
How long is it taking to get a passport in the US right now? ›Routine service takes 8 to 11 weeks, and does not include mailing times which may add several weeks on to the door-to-door time it takes to receive your passport. Apply at an acceptance facility or renew by mail.
What happens if my passport doesn't come in time? ›Our processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply for a passport at a local acceptance facility. If you did not receive your passport in this time period, you can request a refund of the $60 expedited service fee.
How do I know if my passport is being processed? ›Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to us.
Why is my passport application on hold? ›Applicants, who had submitted their applications at PSKs but are kept On-Hold due to insufficient/incomplete documentation, are requested to visit PSK in Person with all relevant original documents along with copies only on the scheduled date and time printed on Acknowledgement Letter.
How can I speed up my passport processing time? ›- Ensure your paperwork is correct.
- Allow enough time for your application.
- Speed up the process by using 'Fast Track' or 'Premium' options.
- For more information, contact the Passport Office Adviceline:
You can upgrade your application from routine processing to expedited processing for an additional $60. You may also choose to add a 1-2 delivery service of your completed passport book for an additional $19.53. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.
How long are passports taking 2023? ›Therefore our crowd sourced average gives a much more accurate indication of how long it takes to get a passport in the US. Updated February 18th 2023: Average U.S passport processing time for a first adult application is 41.85 days.
Can I get my passport on the same day in USA? ›Can you get your passport on the same day? Of course, you can! If you are in an extreme rush, emergency or just last-minute panic, then you can get your passport expedited with 24 Hour Passport and Visas and receive it in as soon as 8 hours.
Can I get my passport in one day? ›Processing Times
Same-day issuance is available for applications that are complete and straightforward. In some cases, however, we may be required to refer to the Department of State; therefore, some cases may take longer.
Can I travel while waiting for my passport? ›
You cannot travel while your U.S. passport application is still in pending or in process. The only way you can get a passport issued sooner is by applying in person at a regional agency. These agencies require an appointment. Your appointment date must be within 3 business days of your travel date.
Can I travel internationally without a passport? ›All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used. If you were not born in the United States, you can use your original Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.
Can I track my U.S. passport online? ›If you renewed online, you must log-in to your MyTravelGov account to check your application status. Before you may enter your personal information to get a passport application status check, you must review the Department of State's Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts Notices and Disclaimers.
How will I know if my passport is denied? ›The State Department will notify you in writing, if the State Department denies your U.S. passport application or revokes your U.S. passport.
How long does it take to get a passport once the application has been approved? ›Processing times in the UK
You should allow up to 10 weeks from when we receive your old passport and any supporting documents. There are different turnaround times if you're applying from another country.
Anyone applying for a passport who was born on or after January 26, 1989 must show their birth certificate as identification in accordance with the Passport Rules of 1980.
Can the IRS put a hold on your passport? ›Upon receiving certification of seriously delinquent tax debt, the U.S. Department of State may revoke your passport or limit it to return travel to the U.S. They also will deny passport applications. If they take any of these actions, they will notify you in writing.
What happens if passport takes longer than 10 weeks? ›HMPO has said it would prioritise applications that have taken longer than 10 weeks, where the applicant can prove that they are due to travel within the next fortnight, at no additional cost. Applicants can also use HMPO's fast-track services to speed up the process, although there are additional charges for this.
Is 1 week fast track passport guaranteed? ›The Fast Track service is a guaranteed 7-day service. However, if we receive a customer's application after our cut-off time, it will be a guaranteed 8-day service. This service is only available by appointment at an APC. Customers may apply for Fast Track Collect and get their passport from an APC.
Can I go to the passport office to speed up my application? ›Note that applicants don't need to go to the passport office dealing with their application, they can go to their nearest passport office if that's closer, which can request a transfer of their documents.
Can I travel if my passport expires in 3 months? ›
In general, many countries that require a visa to enter will require at least six months validity on your passport when entering the country, so make sure you find out whether your passport has long enough before it expires before you travel.
Can I travel with less than 6 months on my passport? ›Rules state that your passport should be valid for at least 30 days from the date of exit, but it's recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires.
How many days does it take to get passport 2022? ›Q4: How long will it take to get a Tatkaal passport? A: After successful application form submission, with final status as "Granted", you can expect your passport to be dispatched on third working day excluding the date of submission of application - without waiting for the Police Verification Report.
What is the price of a US passport 2023? ›The passport application fee is $110.00 per person if you are 16 years of age or older, and $80.00 per person if you are under the age of 16. This fee must be paid by check, cashier's check or money order, and is made payable to U.S Department of State.
Can I take a passport photo with my phone? ›Yes, you can use your iPhone, Android device, or other smartphone to take your passport photo. Make sure you follow all guidelines when taking the photo to include a white background, good lighting, and a friend for assistance (selfies are not allowed).
How many days is rush passport? ›Regular processing costs P950.00 and takes 12 working days. Special processing costs P1,200.00 and takes six working days (within Metro Manila) or seven working days (outside of Metro Manila) to be completed.
Can I go to passport office without appointment? ›You must book an appointment for an urgent passport application before you call or visit a centre. Use the normal service if you do not need a passport urgently.
Can you travel with an expired passport while waiting on new one? ›You cannot travel abroad nor apply for a travel visa with an expired passport. If your passport has passed the expiration date and you need to travel internationally for any reason, you will need to get it replaced. This leaves travelers with two options: apply for a passport renewal or apply for a new passport.
Where can US citizens travel without a passport? ›...
Top 7 Islands - These are Places to Travel Without a Passport
- US Virgin Islands. ...
- St. John Island. ...
- St. Croix Island. ...
- St. Thomas Island. ...
- Puerto Rico. ...
- Guam Island. ...
- Northern Mariana Islands.
For the purpose of flying into as well as out of Mexico, a Passport is always required for cancun as well. Technically, It must be a legitimate passport book and not just an ordinary passport card, as the card isn't valid to travel internationally. The passport book should have validity for the period of your stay.
Can I use my birth certificate to go to Mexico? ›
To clarify, U.S. citizens entering Mexico must present proof of citizenship (such as a certified copy of a birth certificate), photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. A passport and visa are not required of U.S. citizens entering Mexico for tourism or for transit for stays of up to 90 days.
Is a driver's license proof of citizenship USA? ›A driver's license, social security card, or a voter registration card does not constitute proof of citizenship.
How much is a US passport? ›| Product | Form | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Book | DS-11 | $130 |
| Passport Card | DS-11 | $30 |
| Passport Book & Card | DS-11 | $160 |
A passport book is always required to travel internationally. The only exception is that you may use a passport card in order to enter the United States by a land border crossing or at a sea port-of-entry. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? ›Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.
If you receive an “In Process” message, your application has been received and is under review. If your status says your passport has been mailed, but you have not received it after ten business days, you need to contact the National Passport Information Center to fill out a form stating you haven't received it.
How long does it take to print a passport once approved? ›In case of renewals, the passport can be printed and dispatched as fast as one day and in case of other issues it takes upto 3 weeks.
How long after passport approved does it ship? ›| Routine | 8 to 11 weeks |
|---|---|
| Expedited | 5 to 7 weeks |
| Expedited at Agency | Must have international travel within 14 calendar days |
The number you should call depends on the day and time: From 8am-8pm ET, Mon-Fri (excluding federal holidays), call 1-877-487-2778. Se habla español. Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.
Can you fast track a processing passport? ›1 week Fast Track
Your new passport is delivered to your home within one week of your appointment. Someone might need to be in to sign for it. You can use this service to: renew an adult or child passport.