Obtaining or renewing your US passport has been much faster over the past year. Many people can renew their passports online rather than by mail. And at the time of this writing, the longest time to get a US passport is 6 weeks for regular service and 2-3 weeks for quick processing.
Still, it’s hard to hold back when you fantasize about coastal train travel in Vietnam or seeing a major migration in Zambia. In addition to how to reduce the stress of waiting by checking your passport status, here are some ways to reduce waiting times, as well as what to do when a new passport takes too long.
Check your passport status online
To track your passport online, you will need to wait up to 14 days for the State Department system to first update your application status (unused until then). However, please do not expect a detailed report as it contains the words you see Under processing, Approvedor Mail. Obsession isn’t too far, but on the same website you can sign up for an alert when the status of your application changes.
Check status on the phone
You can call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and talk to real people (or automated responses outside of business hours), but this is not your best use of your time. You get the same vague answer “in the process” or hopefully “mail” – and the call center representative can’t change it.
Use a third party to apply and check status
Renewing your passport online is really convenient, but there is no option to promote it. If you want faster than the US State Department’s quick turnaround for 2-3 weeks, consider expedition companies like Rush My Passport or Cibvisas. These agencies can use courier services that physically pass documents and provide additional details about where their passports are. expeditors can return your passport in a few business days (this depends on the agency), but expect to pay more than $600 for your privilege.
What does “process” mean when renewing your passport?
If the application status shows “Process” then this means your application is in someone’s hands and will be reviewed in the passport office.
How long will my passport status last?
The duration of the “In Process” status remains depends on whether you choose normal or fast processing. Please remember the passport processing time (from 6 weeks to 2-3 times for quick service) do not have Includes mailing times.
What should I do if my passport takes too long?
If you applied but haven’t received your passport and your trip is coming up soon, you may be able to get help.
If your trip is like that Within the next 14 daysplease call the National Passport Information Centre at 877-487-2778 during opening hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 10pm, Saturday and 10am to 3pm). The call centre will notify the processing agency of upcoming travel dates and request that it be expedited.
If your trip is like that Within the next 5 dayscall the same line to let them know. They may be able to give you an in-person appointment to complete the passport process (but there is no guarantee, but you may need to travel to another city for the appointment).
If there is evidence of last-minute life and death family emergency that requires travel Within 3 business days (For example, a severe illness that could lead to a recent death or death of a close relative), call the same number and request the appointment of a “life or death emergency service” (unlike an appointment of a “emergency travel service”). If you are eligible, and you have evidence of urgency and future travel, you may be able to secure it. If you would like to call outside of traditional business hours or on federal holidays, please contact 202-647-4000. This number is reserved for emergencies only, should do not have Used during business hours. Your lawmakers can also help you if you are in an emergency.
This article was originally published in 2023, and most recently updated the current information on September 23, 2025.
