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U.S. Passport Application Status

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U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

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You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

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Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or online, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

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If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

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How to Check the Status of a Passport Application

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To a frequent traveler, a passport is like a magical key that opens doors to other cultures and far-off destinations. Unfortunately, living out bucket-list dreams in other countries isn’t possible without one.

Applying for a new passport or renewing one can take longer than you might expect — which could cause stress to those who can’t wait to jet off somewhere new. Fortunately, it’s possible to track your passport application status while it’s processing, allowing you to keep an eye on its progress.

Here’s how to check your passport status and what to do if it hasn’t arrived before your trip.

How to check passport application status

Whether you applied in person or renewed a passport by mail, you can check the status of your passport by subscribing to email updates through the U.S. Department of State. Because your application is sent to an intake facility for payment processing before it’s forwarded to a passport center, it may take up to two weeks for the passport renewal status to be updated.

There are two main ways to check your passport's status: Online or by phone. Email can only be used to cancel an appointment at a passport agency or center.

This method will likely be the fastest and easiest for most individuals. To check the status of a passport online, you’ll need to provide the following:

Date of birth.

The last four digits of your Social Security Number.

It's worth noting that passport tracking isn't available if you've applied for a special issuance passport. The following types of passports are considered special issuance passports:

Diplomatic passports.

Official passports.

Service passports.

No-fee regular passports.

Regular fee passports issued by the Special Issuance Agency.

You can also check your passport's status over the phone by calling 877-487-2778. Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. The call center is closed on federal holidays.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use the teletype line at 888-874-7793.

It’s not possible to check your passport status by email; however, if you need to cancel an appointment at a passport agency or center, you can do so by emailing [email protected] .

» Learn more: Why you need a passport six months before your trip

What do U.S. passport status updates mean?

Once you locate your pending application, you can enroll in U.S. passport tracking updates by entering your email address. If you see one of the following status updates, here’s what it means.

Not available: This status update means your passport hasn’t arrived at a passport center yet. It can take as long as two weeks for arrival. This update also can appear in case of a technical issue with the website.

In process: Your passport application has reached a passport center and is being reviewed.

Approved: Your application has been reviewed, and your new passport book is being printed.

Passport mailed: Your passport is in the mail to the address you provided on your application. To get the tracking number, enter your information on the U.S. passport application status page .

Supporting documents mailed: Your supporting documents, such as an old passport, a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate, have been mailed back to you. These documents are mailed separately from your passport book.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

How long does passport processing take?

If weeks have passed since you mailed your passport application, you might wonder where your passport is.

At the time of writing, the U.S. Department of State estimates it will take 10 to 13 weeks for routine passport service and seven to nine weeks for expedited service. Mailing time isn't included in the estimate, so you’ll have to add that to the total time it takes to receive a passport.

If you receive a letter or an email requesting additional documents, your processing time might be increased. To speed it up, reply as soon as possible.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

If you haven’t received your passport

If your passport is marked as “mailed” in the system and you don't receive it within 14 days, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778. You’ll then need to fill out a DS-86 form stating that you haven’t received your travel document. Make sure to fill out the form within 90 days of the passport issue date or you’ll have to reapply for a new passport and pay the fee again.

Note that if the passport arrives after you report it missing, it’ll be canceled and you won’t be able to use it for travel.

If your passport hasn’t arrived within the time frame specified on the Department of State website and you have upcoming travel within 14 calendar days, you should call the National Passport Information Center, which will then contact the processing passport agency on your behalf.

Depending on your travel date, you might need to make an appointment at a passport center and request urgent travel passport service.

» Learn more: How to get a passport in one day

How to track your passport status, recapped

You can track your passport status online or by phone. It may take 10 to 13 weeks for your passport to be processed, or seven to nine weeks if you requested expedited processing.

If you haven’t received your passport and it’s been more than two weeks after it was mailed, contact the National Passport Information Center. If your travel date is coming up soon, you might need to visit a passport center in person to apply for a new document.

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How to Check the Status of Your Passport Application

Find out how long it will take to get a new passport.

Have you ordered a new passport and are wondering when you'll receive it? There are a few ways to check your passport application status — including online and by phone. To check your passport progress, you will need personal information including your last name, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. With this information in hand, you can easily find out the status of your passport application.

The entire passport issuing process can take up to two months or more, so allotting enough time for it to arrive is key to avoid a stressful wait. In addition to expediting passport renewal, there are options for emergency and urgent travel for those who must travel in three weeks or less.

Check Your Passport Status Online

If you applied for your passport in person or by mail, you can check the status of your passport application on the State Department's Passport Status website . Updates are typically available 14 days after you apply or renew your passport.

Your application status will be listed as "Not Available," "In Process," "Approved," "Passport Mailed," or "Supporting Documents Mailed," which could include your passport, a birth certificate, or a naturalization certificate.

You can sign up for automatic email updates by entering your email address. If you applied online, you can check your status on your MyTravelGov account.

Check Your Passport Status by Phone

You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to check on your status. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays. You can also expedite your passport after applying for it over the phone.

What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Passport

If your passport has been issued, but you have not received it after at least two weeks, you should call the National Passport Information Center and fill out a DS-86 form , which is a signed statement that you did not receive the issued passport.

You must file the form to report the undelivered passport within 90 days from the date it was issued. Otherwise, you will have to reapply and pay the processing fees again.

What to Do If You Just Can’t Wait

Passport processing times can be over eight weeks because the processing time does not include the time it takes to mail the issued passport. But if you just can't wait, you can pay an extra fee to expedite the application and have it processed within two to three weeks. (Visit the State Department website to view the most current processing times.)

If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel within two weeks, you can make an appointment for the emergency passport service . The same service is available to those with urgent travel occurring within three weeks.

You can book an appointment online or visit the State Department's Passport Agency Appointment website to find the closest agency and its specific website. Note that these centers are different from typical facilities that accept passport applications such as the post office.

What to Do If You Applied Outside the U.S.

If you are residing abroad or traveling long-term you can apply for a new passport with the nearest embassy or consulate . However, the application process varies by country and you will either have to apply in person or by mail. Often, consulates will have specific instructions about what mail service provider to use. If you've already applied, you will need to contact the consulate or embassy directly about the status of your application.

Related Articles

Easy ways to check your passport application status

With Fourth of July travel behind us, we're looking ahead to the rest of summer and beyond.

If you are heading abroad during the remainder of this summer or in the fall, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to renew their U.S. passport a minimum of six months in advance.

As of July, current passport processing times are the same as they were in March — 10 to 13 weeks for routine service and seven to nine for expedited, not including processing and mailing times.

If you've already applied, we encourage as much patience as possible, but you can always check the status of your passport online for updates.

How to check your passport application status online

Once you apply for your passport, it'll take seven to 10 business days for your application to be trackable online via the online passport status system .

From there, enter your last name, date of birth, Social Security number and security code.

Before that time frame, the only updates you will see are either "Not Found," which means it is in transit to a passport agency, or "In Process," which means it is with the U.S. State Department and will be reviewed by staff.

Additionally, you can provide your email address to receive automatic email updates on your passport status.

How to check your passport application status via phone

An alternative to the online tool, you can also inquire about your passport status via phone by calling the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (or 888-874-7793 if you're hard of hearing).

Phone hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.

Current processing times

As mentioned, both new applicants and those renewing can expect to receive their passports within 10 to 13 weeks for routine service, costing $130. For more immediate travel, the U.S. Department of State provides the option for expedited service within seven to nine weeks for an additional $60.

Note those time frames do not include mailing times, so be sure to factor in an additional two weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center and up to two weeks for an applicant to receive a completed passport in the mail.

Bottom line

In addition to processing times, remember that many countries, including most of Europe, require your passport to be valid for at least six months at the time of entry, so factor that into when you plan to submit your passport application.

As of July, online passport renewal is currently unavailable , though the U.S. Department of State expects to roll that out later this year.

Related reading:

• Now up to 13 weeks: Why you should renew your passport for summer travel now
• Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?
• Guide to taking your passport photo at home
• This trick could help you bypass long waits for passport renewals
• 5 things I learned when renewing my passport for the 1st time

Additional reporting by Mimi Wright and Samantha Rosen.

Tracking Your Passport Status Updates: A Step-By-Step Guide

• Sheldon Soper

You can’t travel abroad without a valid passport. Once you apply, the waiting game begins. You’re left checking your mailbox wondering if your passport will arrive in time for your upcoming international adventure or that critical business trip. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Being able to locate and understand your passport application status is crucial in planning your journey with confidence and keeping your travel plans on track. What’s more, it’s easy.

This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the process of checking your passport application status, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or applying for your first passport, this guide will give you the information you need to figure out where your new passport is and when you can expect it to arrive.

Overview of the Passport Application Process

Applying for a passport feels like a journey in itself. It requires patience and an understanding of the process. Here’s what you need to know:

• Application Submission: The journey begins with submitting your passport application. This can be done in person at a passport acceptance facility (if you are applying for a new passport) or by mail (if you are renewing a passport). Ensure your application is complete and accompanied by the necessary documents to avoid delays.
• Processing Timeframes: The processing time for a passport application can range from weeks to months. Currently, the process takes from 7 to 10 weeks for routine service and 3 to 5 weeks for expedited service. These timeframes can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
• Application Status Check: About 7-10 days after submitting your application, you can start checking its status. This is where our guide comes into play, offering you step-by-step instructions on how to track your application’s progress.
• Receipt of Your Passport: Once processed, you’ll receive your passport via mail. If you’ve opted for expedited service, you may also receive it through expedited shipping, depending on the delivery service you selected.
• Post-Application: After receiving your passport, it’s important to check all the details for accuracy. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately.

For complete, step-by-step help with the passport application process, be sure to check out our guides to passport renewals and getting a new passport .

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specifics of how to check your passport application status, what different status updates mean, and what steps to take if you encounter issues. As always, our goal is to provide you with a clear, step-by-step guide, ensuring you’re equipped with all the information you need for a smooth and stress-free passport application experience.

Detailed Guide to Checking Passport Status

Checking your passport application status can be straightforward if you know where to look and what steps to follow. This section provides a detailed, user-friendly guide to help you track your passport application’s progress.

1. Checking Your Passport Status Online

The most convenient way to check your passport status is online. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1 – Visit the Official Website: Go to the U.S. Department of State’s passport status website .
• Step 2 – Enter Your Information: You will need to provide your last name (including suffixes), date of birth (in the format MM/DD/YYYY), and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
• Step 3 – View Your Status: After entering your details, your current passport status will be displayed. The status may be ‘ Not Found ‘, ‘ In Process ‘, ‘ Approved ‘, or ‘ Mailed ‘.
• Pro Tip: For added convenience, sign up for automatic email updates on the status of your application. You will get notified electronically any time the status of your application changes.

2. Checking Your Passport Status by Phone

If you prefer to check your status by phone or need additional assistance, here’s what you can do:

• Step 1 – Call the National Passport Information Center: Dial 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY). The center operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.
• Step 2 – Prepare Your Information: Have your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number ready.
• Step 3 – Follow the Prompts: An automated system will guide you through the process. If needed, you can also speak to a customer service representative for more detailed inquiries.

3. Checking Your Status Through a Passport Expediter

If you need a passport as fast as possible , a passport expediting service can help. Not only can these professional courier services speed up your wait for a travel document, but they can also help with the application process—including providing regular status updates.

If you expedite your passport application with an expediter’s help, the expediter becomes your point of contact for checking up on your application’s status. You should be provided with both contact information and a reference number or code by your expeditor to make this process as simple as possible. Be sure to keep these details somewhere safe so you have them when you need them.

For more, consult our Ultimate U.S. Traveler’s Guide to Passport Expediters . This guide, based on over 20 years of helping readers like you get their passports quickly and easily, will help you understand what professional passport expediters do, how to find a reputable service, and more of our advice and recommendations about how they can help you get your travel documents fast.

 Understanding Your Passport Application Status

There are 4 common status updates you can get from the U.S. Department of State:

• Not Found: This status typically appears if it’s been less than 7-10 days since you submitted your application or if there was an error in the information you provided. If you just submitted your application, be patient. You should get an update soon.
• In Process: Your application was received and is being reviewed. This is the most common status and can last until the final processing stages. Know that you will not be able to get any additional clarity about how the process is going beyond this. Calling or submitting additional status requests won’t provide any additional information while the application is being processed.
• Approved: Your application has been processed successfully, and your passport is being prepared for mailing.
• Mailed: Your passport has been dispatched to the address you provided. This status usually includes a tracking number for your convenience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

There are several types of problems passport applicants may encounter along the way. Here are several of the common problems and their practical solutions.

1. Delayed Application Status

• Scenario: Your passport application status hasn’t been updated for an extended period.
• Solution: Verify the information you provided. If correct, contact the National Passport Information Center for assistance. Keep your application number handy for reference. Know that you will likely receive the “In Process” status for the majority of the time you are waiting for your new passport to be issued.

2. Incorrect Information on Passport

• Scenario: You receive a passport with errors in your personal details.
• Solution: Report any discrepancies immediately to the U.S. Department of State. From there, you will need to follow these steps to correct passport errors . You can avoid having to pay additional fees for a corrected passport if you report the issue(s) promptly.

3. Lost or Stolen Passport

• Scenario: Your passport is reported as mailed, but your passport has not been received. You suspect it is lost or stolen.
• Solution: Even if you have not received your new passport, if it was issued and mailed, it’s a valid passport. So, if it is missing, you need to treat it as if it was lost or stolen in transit. Contact the National Passport Information Center immediately. You may need to complete Form DS-64 to report the lost or stolen passport. Then, follow these step-by-step guides to both replace your lost passport and protect yourself from passport-related identity theft .

Navigating the passport application process and understanding how to check your passport status is straightforward if you know what to do and what information you can expect to receive.

Remember, the key to a stress-free passport application process is preparation and staying informed. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared for your next international adventure or important trip.

Be sure to keep up with all the latest news and advice about passports, visas, and international travel. Subscribe to our blog for all the latest updates. We will keep this article updated to reflect any changes in the passport status tracking process.

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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How to check the status of your passport application

 service standards.

See how long it may take us to process your application under normal circumstances.

Avoid waiting on the phone and get the status of your application online.

Answer the questions below to find out how you can check your application status.

Where did you apply?

How did you apply?

How long ago did you apply?

• 4 business days or less
• 5 business days or more
• 9 business days or less
• 10 business days or more
• 19 business days or less
• 20 business days or more

Applied in person: 4 business days ago or less

We suggest you wait to check your application status.

Your application may not be in our system yet, and the processing time is still within our service standards .

However, you can try using our online tool if you’d like.

Check the status of your application (opens in a new tab)  

If you need a passport within 10 business days, learn how to get urgent or express passport services   (opens in a new tab) .

Applied in person: 5 business days ago or more

To check your application status, you can use our online tool.

Our agents answer calls Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. your local time (9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador). They do not answer calls on statutory holidays .

Reach us at either of the numbers below.

Toll-free number: 1-800-567-6868

Direct number: 1-819-997-8338

Use our TTY service

If you’re hearing impaired or have a speech impediment, use our TTY service.

1-866-255-7655

Go to a passport office

Use walk-in service at a passport office to request the status of your application.

Find a passport office and check walk-in wait times .

Applied by mail in Canada or the US: 9 business days ago or less

Your application may not be in our system yet, and it is still within our service standards .

Applied outside Canada or the US: 19 business days ago or less

Wait to contact us. Your application is still within our service standards .

If you need urgent help while abroad,  request emergency assistance   (opens in a new tab) .

Applied outside Canada or the US: 20 business days ago or more

Contact the Government of Canada office where you applied.

Applied by mail in Canada or the US: 10 business days ago or more

If you need a passport within 10 business days, learn how to get urgent or express passport services (opens in a new tab)  

Office closures for statutory holidays

Passport offices and Service Canada Centres will be closed on these dates in 2024 :

• June 24 (Quebec only)
• August 5 (except Quebec)
• September 2
• September 30
• November 11
• December 25 and 26

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If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled for interview appointment. When your passport is available at selected location you will receive an email that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”.

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If you are a nonimmigrant applicant, you may check your DS-160 and visa application status online  here  by entering your interview location and your DS-160 barcode number.

For your convenience, you have several options to choose from to track the location of your passport.

Instant:  Enter your passport number below to check on the status of you’re application. You should pick up your passport within 14 calendar days from your selected location. If you do not pick up your passport, after some time it will be returned to the Embassy. You can only pick your passport after the Embassy contacts you with directions for how to pick it up. You must bring the email regarding collection of your passport sent by the Embassy.

Note: Please ensure that you provide the correct email address and also check your mail box regularly for notification.

Email:  Send an email to  [email protected]  and in the subject and/or body enter a valid passport number exactly as it was entered at the time the appointment was scheduled. Do not include any additional text e.g. signature. You will receive an automatic response with the status.

Online:  You can track your passport online  here .

Telephone:  You can track your passport via our 24X7 IVR.

To view locations and timings, click  here .

Please check the Website  RedBanner  for the latest information on document delivery centers.

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How to check the status of your passport for applications and renewals

“Where’s my passport?” It’s a question many people ask as they endure the long passport application process. The bad news: Passport applications and renewals take weeks, if not months. The good news: Tracking your passport status is easy. Here’s how to check the status of your passport in just a few simple steps.

In this post

How do I check on my passport status?

What do i do if my status is not available, first passport or renewal: is the processing time different, how long will my passport status be “in process”, how to proceed in case of emergency, where can you travel while waiting for your new passport.

It’s exceptionally easy to perform a passport status check, which is the same for new applications and renewals. All you have to do is go online or call the National Passport Information Center. There are five possible statuses: in process, approved, passport mailed, supporting documents mailed or not available. Here, you can also subscribe to email updates about your passport status.

3 steps to check online where your passport is

• Visit passportstatus.state.gov .
• Enter your last name, date of birth and last four digits of your social security number.
• See your passport’s current status.

Check your passport status by phone

You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY). The opening hours are as follows: 

• Mondays through Fridays 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Eastern Time
• Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Eastern Time.
• Closed on federal holidays.

Your passport status may be listed as “not available” for three reasons:

• Your passport is still in transit to the passport agency. This may take up to two weeks, plus additional time for processing payment.
• The system is experiencing technical issues. Try checking your status again in a few hours.
• You’ve mistyped your name when you searched for your passport status. If your name has a hyphen, try typing your name with and without it on the passport status tracker website. Also, be sure to add any suffixes to your last name.

No. New applications for passports and passport renewals take the same amount of time to process. The steps for tracking your passport status in either case are the same.

The short answer: about a month to three months. But it depends on which type of processing you’ve selected.

The usual processing times

• Routine: 6 to 8 weeks
• Expedited: 2 to 3 weeks

Expert Tip : Processing times do not include shipping time, which can add up to 4 weeks to the timeline from application submission to receipt. You can, however, pay for expedited shipping.

What does “in process” mean for a passport?

“In process” means that your passport application or renewal has been received by the processing center and is undergoing review. The length of time in this stage depends on the service you selected and the current processing times .

If you must travel abroad after submitting your passport application or renewal, you must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY). If you are traveling in more than 14 days, you can upgrade routine service to expedited service for a fee. If you are traveling in less than 14 days, you may be able to make an in-person appointment to receive your passport immediately, but availability for these appointments is limited.

While you’re waiting for your passport to process, you can travel anywhere within the U.S ., including Alaska and Hawaii. You can also travel to U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico , the U.S. Virgin Islands , Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Bottom line

Checking your passport status is easy to do online. Just keep in mind that the “in process” status might take several weeks or months. If you need to expedite your passport application or renewal after you’ve submitted it, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY).

How KAYAK knows what to put in this guide

I’m a travel writer, so having a valid passport is essential for my job. As such, I’m well-versed in the logistics of applying for and renewing passports. For this guide, I deeply researched the most up-to-date information, on the different government websites related to the topic, about checking your passport status.

The foregoing article was last updated on the 19th of August 2024. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information. Sources: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/status.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/passports.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html

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The Vacationer • Travel Guides

How to Check Your Passport Application Status & Renewal Status Online in 2024

Passport demand is down, which is great news if you need a passport for an upcoming international trip. Current passport processing times are as long as 8 weeks, but that is before accounting for shipping.

Assuming you have already completed your new passport application or renewal, here is how to check the status.

Table of Contents

Checking Your Passport Application or Renewal Status Online (Mail & In-Person)

Checking your application or renewal status online is easy. Go to https://passportstatus.state.gov/ . Currently, this link only shows statuses for applications completed by mail or in person.

From there, click the box stating you have read the notices and disclaimers; Hit submit. Enter the following information on the next screen.

• Your Last Name
• Your Date of Birth
• Your Social Security Number

Screenshot: passportstatus.state.gov

After typing in the security code, click submit to be taken to a page showing your passport’s status. You will see one of four different statuses.

• Not Available
• In Progress

Please note, it can take up to 14 days for your status to show “in progress”.

Those Renewing Online Must Use a Different Status Link

While the online renewal pilot program is currently closed, many people still have pending applications. Those applicants should log in to their MyTravelGov account at https://mytravel.state.gov/ for status updates. After logging in, you will see one of four different statuses.

• Approved/Printed
• Mailed/Shipped

Other Ways to Check Your Application Status

In addition to the above URLs, you can check your status using the following methods.

Sign Up for Email Updates

Those who applied by mail or in person can activate email updates after finding their pending application at https://passportstatus.state.gov/ . Enter your email address, and you will begin receiving automatic updates.

Those who renewed online should automatically receive updates.

By Calling the National Passport Information Center (If Within 14 Days of Travel)

Screenshot: travel.state.gov

Only those traveling internationally within 14 days should call the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778). Depending on how far out your travel date is, the center will either attempt to expedite your passport’s processing (6 to 14 days) or schedule you for an in-person appointment at an agency (5 days or less).

Unfortunately, neither of those methods is guaranteed to get your passport to you in time for your trip. Regardless, you should call the number if you are within 14 days of international travel.

In-person appointments at passport agencies and centers are limited, which means you could be out of luck. If nothing is available at your local agency, ask about other locations near you. While you may have to take a long drive or hop on a short flight, it may be the difference in getting your passport in time.

Current Processing Times Are Down – Regardless, Apply or Renew as Early as Possible

We cannot stress this enough; You must submit your new passport application or renewal as soon as possible.

For new applicants, do it as soon as you know you will be traveling intentionally.

For renewals, do it 9 to 12 months before your passport’s expiration date. Unfortunately, some countries will not let you in if your passport expires less than six months after your arrival or exit date. Be prepared, and check the country’s rules.

Here are the current processing times as of December 18, 2023.

• Routine: 6 to 8 Weeks
• Expedited ($60 fee): 2 to 3 Weeks

Remember, those times do not include shipping . That includes the time it takes for the processing center to receive your application. It also includes the time it takes for your passport to be shipped to you. Shipping times both ways can easily add 2 to 4 weeks to your total time. That means a routine passport could take 12 weeks to get to you after mailing your application. Even the expedited option could take as long as 7 weeks.

Mail your application using Priority Mail Express to ensure it gets there quicker. You also have the option of paying $19.53 to get your passport mailed to you with 1 to 2-day delivery.

Further Reading :

• How to Get a Passport Faster
• Passport Processing Times Right Now – How Long You Will Have to Wait
• Passport Book vs. Passport Card

For mailed renewals and in-person applications, go to: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ For renewals submitted online, log in to your account at https://mytravel.state.gov/

It generally takes up to two weeks.

The entire process from mailing your application to getting your passport takes around 10 to 12 weeks for the routine service. The process takes around 6 to 7 weeks for expedited service.

You should not use a third-party passport service. These services have no inside track. They simply take your money and submit your application using the same steps already available to you. There are no benefits and only downsides in the form of cost and handing over your personal information.

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Checking your passport application or renewal status is easy. Use the links above, sign up for email alerts, and call if it is within 14 days of international travel and you still do not have your passport. Ideally, you apply or renew well in advance of your next international trip; Do not let it come down to the last minute.

Featured Image – Phil Dengler – Shows a photo of my passport book

By Phil Dengler

In addition to being a co-founder of The Vacationer, Phil Dengler is also the head of editorial and marketing. Previously, he ran a popular holiday deals website where he was a trusted source for all things Black Friday. With The Vacationer, Phil combines his knowledge of deals with his love of travel to help you plan the perfect vacation.

Passport Processing Times Right Now (How Long You Will Have to Wait in in 2024)

Global Entry Program – Application, Cost, Benefits, Renewal, & Airports in 2024

How To Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home- Size, Examples, & Other Requirements in 2024

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Check your eVisa is correct before you travel

How to check your eVisa details are correct before you travel in or out of the UK.

Before you travel, you should check your eVisa has all the correct details. If there’s an issue with your eVisa, there are steps you can take to try to resolve it. 

If you’re travelling to the UK on an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), see our ETA guidance .   

If you’re travelling out of the UK

If you’re in the UK with permission and have a UKVI account, you’ll need to check the information in your account is correct before you travel.

You can do this by:

• checking your immigration status is displaying correctly by using the view and prove your immigration status service – if your status is displaying incorrectly, report an error with your eVisa  
• the passport you will use for travel is linked to your account
• your personal details are correct

If you have dual nationality

If you have dual nationality and neither of those nationalities is British or Irish, you’ll need to add the passport you’ll use to travel to your account. If you have a passport for both nationalities, you can add both to your account.  

For British or Irish citizens who hold dual nationality, or those with the right of abode, you’ll need to show your carrier (for example airline, rail company, or other transport provider) either: 

• your British or Irish passport 
• another passport containing a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode

If you’re travelling to the UK and you have an eVisa

If you’re outside the UK and have permission to travel to the UK, you’ll need to check the information in your UKVI account is correct before you travel.

• using the view and prove your immigration status service to check your immigration status is displaying correctly and you have permission to travel to the UK – if your immigration status is displaying incorrectly, report an error with your eVisa
• the passport you’ll use for travel is linked to your account

You should also check that the passenger information you’ve provided to the carrier matches the details on your passport or immigration permission.

It’s your responsibility to check the entry, exit and transit requirements of other countries, and you may be asked to show evidence of your UK immigration status to authorities there.  

You should check what they will require, but they may consider accepting evidence such as:

• a share code from the view and prove service , which you should try to get before you travel – you will need a stable internet connection to get your code
• viewing a screen from your UKVI account 
• a physical document confirming UK status or permission

If you cannot access your eVisa 

If you’re outside the UK and cannot access your eVisa, you can get help to recover access to your UKVI account . If your immigration status is displaying incorrectly, you’ll need to  report an error with your eVisa .

If you’re unable to recover your account but have a valid physical document that shows you have permission to travel, you can show that to the carrier. 

If you’re unable to recover your account and have no other evidence of your permission to travel, you should consider applying for a temporary visa which lets you re-enter the UK once only.

Adding a different passport to your UKVI account

If you’re outside the UK and need to add a different passport to your UKVI account, how you do this depends on whether your personal details have changed.

Personal details include:

• nationality
• date of birth

If none of your personal details have changed, you can add a new or different passport to your UKVI account using the update your UKVI account details service. 

If your personal details have changed, you won’t be able to use the update your UKVI account details service to add your new passport from outside the UK. This means you may experience delays or complications with your travel back to the UK if you use your new passport for travel.

You should consider applying for a temporary visa which lets you re-enter the UK once only. 

Once you’re inside the UK, you’ll be able to use the update your UKVI account details service to add your new passport to your UKVI account and update your personal details.  

If you’re travelling to the UK and you don’t have an eVisa 

If you’re outside the UK, see if you can get access to your eVisa before you travel.

You will need:

• access to a smartphone 
• a mobile phone number 
• an email address  
• your BRP card or a valid passport with your BRP number or visa application number

If you cannot access your eVisa

You’ll need to confirm you have permission to enter and stay in the UK by showing your carrier your valid passport.

If you have one, you must also show your carrier your valid, physical proof of your permission to enter and stay in the UK. For example:

• passport endorsements, such as indefinite leave to enter wet ink stamps
• vignette stickers in passports, such as entry clearance or visa vignettes

Otherwise, you may experience delays or complications with your travel back to the UK.

If you cannot access your eVisa and have no other evidence of your permission, you should consider applying for a temporary visa which lets you re-enter the UK once only. 

Once you’re inside the UK, you’ll be able to get access to your eVisa and view your immigration status.

If you need more help, you can  contact us . 

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Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I have not applied yet, reminders for contacting us.

• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Find answers to your questions about U.S. passports, watch short videos on how to apply, and download handouts and resources about applying for a passport.

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