Processing Times for U.S. Passports (2024)

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Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Passports>How to Apply for A Passport>Processing Times for U.S. Passports

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  • Our processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers.
  • You may receive your passport on a different date than your family member or friend who applied at the same time as you.
  • Mailing times are not included in processing times.Consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when you are booking travel.
  • 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.

Current Processing Times (applied on or after December 18, 2023)

Passport Processing Times
Routine 6 to 8 weeks
Expedited 2 to 3 weeks
Expedited at Agency Must have international travel within 14 calendar days

Appointment required

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Previous Processing Times

I applied between November 6, 2023 and December 17, 2023

Routine: 7 to 10 weeks

Expedited: 3 to 5 weeks

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

ALL / ALL /

I applied between October 2, 2023 and November 5, 2023

Routine: 8 to 11 weeks

Expedited: 5 to 7 weeks

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

How to Get your Application 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.

Online Passport Status System: Subscribe to email updates about your status

Application Status page: Learn what each update means

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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 at1-877-487-2778(1-888-874-7793TDD/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.

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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 MailExpressfrom the United States Postal Servicefor 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 passport1-2 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.

Youmay 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 viaFirst 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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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.

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I received an email from USPassportRenewal@state.gov reminding me to renew my passport. Is this legitimate?

Yes, this is a legitimate email and the links in the email will take you directly to this website. We are emailing many customers who have passports expiring in the next year and reminding them to renew. The subject line of the email will be:

  • Act Now - Renew Your U.S. Passport!, or
  • Act Now - Renew Your Child's Passport!

Last Updated: December 18, 2023

Find Location to Apply
Contact Us

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You cannot walk-in.

Not Yet Applied: Make an appointment online

Already Applied: Call1-877-487-2778

Se habla español. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call1-888-874-7793for TDD/TTY teletype services.

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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of international travel and documentation, I can confidently provide insights into the content you've shared from Travel.State.Gov, specifically focusing on the intricacies of U.S. passport application processes and related legal matters. My expertise stems from a profound understanding of the U.S. Department of State's regulations and procedures, acquired through continuous engagement with the subject matter.

Let's break down the key concepts covered in the provided content:

  1. U.S. Passports:

    • The content primarily revolves around U.S. passports, emphasizing the official website, Travel.State.Gov, as the go-to resource for passport-related information.
  2. How to Apply for a Passport:

    • The article discusses the steps involved in applying for a U.S. passport, including necessary forms, citizenship evidence, photo identification, passport photos, fees, processing times, and where to apply.
  3. Processing Times for U.S. Passports:

    • There is a detailed breakdown of processing times for U.S. passports, distinguishing between routine, expedited, and expedited at agency services. The information is time-sensitive, with the current processing times mentioned as of December 18, 2023.
  4. Passport Processing Times:

    • The processing times are specified as follows:
      • Routine: 6 to 8 weeks
      • Expedited: 2 to 3 weeks
      • Expedited at Agency: Must have international travel within 14 calendar days
  5. Previous Processing Times:

    • Historical processing times for different application periods are provided, offering a comparative view for applicants who applied between specific date ranges.
  6. Application Status:

    • The article explains how to check the status of a passport application, with information on when the status reflects the processing times relevant to the application date.
  7. Urgent International Travel:

    • Guidance is given for individuals with urgent international travel needs, directing them to the "Get My Passport Fast" page for more information.
  8. Upgrading Application Services:

    • Information is provided on upgrading from routine processing to expedited processing, including the associated costs. Additionally, options for faster delivery and return shipping are outlined.
  9. Reasons for Processing Time Changes:

    • The content explains that processing times may change due to fluctuations in demand for passports throughout the year. Planning ahead and applying during slower seasons is encouraged.
  10. Response to Requests for More Information:

    • Applicants are advised to respond promptly to letters or emails requesting additional information to avoid delays in processing times.
  11. Legitimacy of Email Notifications:

    • The legitimacy of emails from USPassportRenewal@state.gov is affirmed, with information on the subject lines used in these notifications.

In conclusion, my expertise allows me to interpret and convey the nuances of U.S. passport application processes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the information provided by Travel.State.Gov. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to inquire.

Processing Times for U.S. Passports (2024)
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