07/11/2021
Allow 12 to 18 weeks for passport applications.
U.S. Passport Processing Frequently Asked Questions (June 2021)
Q: How long will it take for me to get my new passport?
A: Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Q: If I choose expedited service, how long will it take to receive my passport?
A: Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Q: What else can I do to get my passport faster besides pay for expedited service?
A: You can send your application to us via trackable mail, and pay an extra $17.56 for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport.
Q: I sent my application weeks ago but when I check my passport status it says: “Not Available.” What’s going on?
A: It may take up to 6 weeks from the day you submit your application until your status is “In Process.” During these 6 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, before your application is entered into our system. Even if your passport status update says, “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to us.
Q: I’ve tried calling your call center. I can’t get through. What’s happening?
A: Our call center is experiencing extremely high call volumes with longer-than-usual wait times. You can get your questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools online. What you see online is the same information that call center representatives can share with you by phone. Passportstatus.state.gov
Q: When should I apply for my passport?
A: Apply at least six months before planned travel. Due to very limited availability, we cannot guarantee you can receive in-person service at a passport agency for urgent travel. We are prioritizing customers with life-or-death emergencies. Visit our passport agency page to learn more: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html
Q: I just need to renew my passport. How can I do that?
A: We urge you to renew by mail if you are eligible. Adults with undamaged, 10-year passports can renew by mail instead of appearing in person.
Q: I’m applying for my child’s passport- can I do that by mail?
A: No. Children under age 16, all first-time applicants, and applicants who have a lost or damaged their passport must apply in person. We recommend using a passport acceptance facility. These locations include post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
Q: Can I apply by mail?
A: Yes, if eligible. We encourage you to apply by mail when possible because it is a safe, contactless option for certain services. There is no need to be physically present at an acceptance facility, passport agency, or passport center for any of the following services:
- Renew your U.S. passport
- Change your name in a U.S. passport
- Correct an error in your U.S. passport
- Apply for your first U.S. passport card if you already have a U.S. passport book
- Apply for your first U.S. passport book if you already have a U.S. passport card
- Replace a limited-validity (valid for less than 10 years) passport
- Report a passport lost or stolen (Note: You cannot replace a lost or stolen passport by mail, but you can report it as lost or stolen.)
Q: How do I know if I can use the mail system to apply for passport services?
A: Learn if you are eligible to apply by mail. Get started: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
Q: What if I have a Life-or-Death Emergency and need a passport immediately?
A: In-person appointments at our passport agencies are extremely limited. We are prioritizing customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days) due to a qualified life-or-death emergency. If you need this service due to a life-or-death emergency, you must call us at 877-487-2778.
Q: I have to travel urgently, but I need my passport first. What can I do?
A: Some passport agencies are offering extremely limited appointments for customers who have urgent travel in the next 72 hours (3 business days) for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency. To make an appointment, visit our Online Appointment System first. The date of your appointment must be within 3 business days of your international travel. If you need a foreign visa, the date of your appointment must be within 10 business days of your international travel.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask when I come for my in-person appointment?
A: We ask that you come prepared and bring a mask or face covering to your appointment. While public health guidance has changed during the pandemic as more U.S. citizens are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, some of our agencies and centers are located in buildings that have different policies for wearing masks and face coverings than our lobby and waiting areas. Follow the signs posted in the building and the lobby of our agency or center which will display the most up-to-date mask and face covering requirements.
Q: I’ve already submitted my passport application for routine service, can I upgrade it for expedited service?
A: Yes. Expedited service costs an additional $60. If you applied and have not received your passport, you may call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 and request to expedite your passport. Please keep in mind that call volume is high.
Q: Are passport agencies and centers open?
A: All agencies and centers are processing applications. Visit our Passport Agency and Center page to learn more about the type of in-person services available at each agency and center, and how to make an appointment if you have urgent travel. Please note demand for appointments is high and the number of appointments available varies from week to week.
Q: When will you return to your normal service times?
A: We continue to work to reduce processing times for both routine and expedited service, while protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers. We will re-evaluate the processing times on a rolling basis and will adjust them downward as resources allow.
Q: Can I get a refund of the fee I paid for expedited service?
A: If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you can request a refund of this fee. You can learn more about how to request a refund of the expedited passport fee on our Refunds page.
Q: I had to cancel my trip because I didn’t receive my passport in time, can I get reimbursed for the money I’ve lost?
A: We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you missed your trip. You can learn more about how to request a refund of the expedited passport fee on our Refunds page. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/refund.html
Q: Is it safe to travel internationally?
A: Conditions vary depending upon location. We continue to recommend U.S. citizens exercise caution when traveling abroad due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. Check our country-specific information pages to make an informed decision about your travel.
Q: I’m living overseas and need to apply for a passport, what should I do?
A: For passport services abroad, please contact the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you. usembassy.gov
