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EmailHow Long Will it Take to Process a Passport Application?
At this time, we are processing routine applications in less than four weeks from the time of application. We are processing requests for expedited service within three weeks.
If you are traveling or need your passport in order to get a visa within the next 2 weeks:
Please call us at the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) to schedule an appointment to apply in person at a Passport Agency (please see note below).
If you have already applied but will not need your passport within the next two weeks:
There should be no need to contact us at this time. Our goal is to make sure that no one misses a trip. We have added staff and are working overtime across the country to achieve this goal.
Based on current projections, if you have already applied for the U.S. passport card:
We expect to begin production of the passport card in June and be in full production in July. We will continue to provide updates about passport card production on Travel.State.Gov.
Checking the status of your application: You can check the status of your application online. Currently, it is taking 5-7 days for applications to be tracked online. It may take less time if you paid for Expedite Service and sent your application via overnight delivery. Currently, the status of passport card applications cannot be checked.
| If you apply today | And Choose |
What to expect |
| At a Passport Acceptance Facility* or By Mail (for renewal, additional pages, and amendment) |
Routine Service | We will process your application in less than 4 weeks from the time of application |
| Expedited Service** Plus Overnight delivery service for: Sending your application and Returning your passport to you |
We will process your application within 3 Weeks (door-to-door; see note below) |
*There are over 9,300 facilities accepting passport applications, such as your local post office, municipal office, courthouse, library. Please see Where to Apply for Passports Nationwide for information on the locations of Passport Acceptance Facilities near you.
**Expedite Service: If you apply for your passport today and request Expedited Passport Processing, you can expect to receive your passport within 3 weeks. The 3 week estimated timeframe for receipt of your passport takes into consideration the additional time it may take to receive your passport application at a Passport Agency/Center when you apply for Expedited Passport Processing through a designated Passport Acceptance Facility and for the passport to be mailed to you. It may take longer for customers who apply for a renewal by mail without "Expedite" marked on the mailing envelope. Effective August 16, 2007, the Department’s standard for expedited passport processing completion, as defined in 22 CFR 51.56, is ten business days from either: 1) receipt of your passport application at a Passport Agency/Center; or 2) if the passport application is already at a Passport Agency/Center, the date your request for expedited passport processing is approved. Expedited passport processing is considered complete when the passport is ready to be picked by an applicant or when it is put in the mail to the applicant.
Customers are advised to continue to check this website. Passport demand is seasonal in nature with peak periods falling between January and July. We recommend applying outside these times whenever possible.
NOTE:
- THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT A PASSPORT AGENCY. CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT PAY ANYONE OR ANY BUSINESS MAKING SUCH A CHARGE.
- Passport Agencies assist customers with urgent travel needs (generally if you are traveling within 2 weeks).
- Passport Agencies are open by appointment only and require proof of travel date or need for foreign visas. See List of Regional Passport Agencies .
- If you haven’t received your passport and are traveling within the next 7 days , please call the National Passport Information Center.
