Processing Times

Our processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. Mailing times are not included in processing times. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. 

It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after we print it.

Consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when you are booking travel.

Passport Processing Times
Routine 10 to 13 weeks
Expedited 7 to 9 weeks
Expedited at Agency Must have international travel within 14 calendar days

Call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment

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Previous Processing Times

I applied between February 6, 2023 and March 23, 2023

Routine: 8 to 11 weeks

Expedited: 5 to 7 weeks

Expedited at Agency: Must have international travel within 14 calendar days

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I applied before February 6, 2023

Routine: 6 to 9 weeks

Expedited: 3 to 5 weeks

Expedited at Agency: Must have international travel within 14 calendar days

How to Check your Status

Your status will display what our processing times were on the day we received your application in our system, or the day you upgraded to expedited service.

Applied in Person or Renewed by Mail

Go to the Online Passport Status System to check your application status.

Renewed Online

Go to your MyTravelGov account or check your email for your application status. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have urgent international travel?

See our Get my Passport Fast page for more information. 

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I need my passport sooner than I thought. What should I do?

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.

If you applied in person or renewed by mail, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) and ask to upgrade your application service type. You’ll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth. The National Passport Information Center will email you additional information about how to upgrade your application to expedited service or 1-2 day delivery.

If you renewed online, you can login to your MyTravelGov account and upgrade to expedited service or pay for 1-2 delivery service of your completed passport book. You can pay for these additional services in your account up until the time that your application is approved.

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Can I pay for faster delivery and return shipping?

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

  • Delivery to us: Purchase Priority Mail Express from the United States Postal Service for faster shipping of your application to us. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
  • Return to you: Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport 1-2 days after we send it. Include the fee with your passport fee in your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for fastest return shipping. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and the supporting documents submitted with your application in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

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Why do your processing times change?

We regularly change our processing times as demand for passports varies throughout the year. From late winter into summer, demand for passports is generally higher than other periods of the year. We encourage you to plan ahead and apply during our slower season from October through December when processing times are generally faster. 

 

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Will processing times change again in 2023?

We anticipate making additional changes to our processing times later this spring or early summer. We are monitoring record-high demand for passports, and project to see that demand continue to increase through the spring and remain high throughout the summer. We will post updates on our site when we change our processing times.

Our processing times are a range, and you may receive your completed passport on a different date than your family member or friend who applied at the same time as you.

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What happens to my processing times if I receive a letter or email requesting more information?

If you receive a letter or email requesting more information to complete your application, respond as soon as possible. Your processing times may be delayed if you receive this letter or email. Follow the instructions in the letter or email, and go to our Respond to a Letter or Email page for more information.    

Last Updated: March 24, 2023