How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport

The standard processing time for a new or renewed passport is 6–8 weeks. Actually getting the passport in your hand can take up to 10 weeks. The quickest you can get a U.S. passport is between 2 and 3 weeks when paying for expedited processing and 1-2 day delivery.

Passport courier companies do not make this process any quicker than applying directly to the U.S. Department of State. If you need a passport in less than 3 weeks, emergency or urgent travel passport services are the only option. You can learn more about applying for emergency passports in our guide, How to Get a Passport in Two Weeks or Less.

Table of Contents

1. What Is the Standard Processing Time for a Passport?
2. How Quickly Can I Get My Passport with Expedited Service?
3. What Should I Expect When Renewing My Passport?
4. How Long Will the Entire Passport Process Take?
5. Special Note on Supporting Documents
6. When Should I Consider Urgent Passport Processing?

What Is the Standard Processing Time for a Passport?

As of April 2024, the standard processing time for a U.S. passport is six to eight weeks. This duration can be influenced by several factors including the volume of applications received and the accuracy of the information provided in the application.

How Quickly Can I Get My Passport with Expedited Service?

If you need your passport sooner, expedited service is available, reducing the processing time to about two to three weeks. This service requires an additional fee of $60 on top of the standard passport fee. Expedited service is ideal for travelers who have confirmed travel plans within a few weeks but are not covered by urgent or emergency passport needs. See more about Expedited Passport Services.

What Should I Expect When Renewing My Passport?

Renewing a passport generally follows the same time frames as applying for a new passport. Under standard conditions, expect the process to take six to eight weeks, plus extra time for shipping to and from the passport center. If expedited, this can be shortened to two to three weeks. Make sure your renewal application is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

How Long Will the Entire Passport Process Take?

To fully understand the time it takes from applying for a passport to holding it in your hands, consider the following components:

• Mailing to a Processing Center: Sending your renewal application by standard mail can take several days depending on your location. If visiting a passport acceptance facility in person, check that facility individually to see if an appointment is necessary.
• Processing Time: Under routine conditions, processing takes 6-8 weeks; expedited processing takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Delivery Time: After processing, standard passport delivery times can vary, typically taking about 5 to 7 business days. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee of $19.53, ensuring delivery within 1-2 days after processing. Expedited shipping is only available for passport books and not passport cards. See What You Pay for a U.S. Passport.

The complete process to receive a new or renewed passport can take less than 3 weeks or as much as 10 weeks.

Special Note on Supporting Documents

When applying for a passport, be aware that all supporting documents may be returned separately from your new passport. These documents are typically sent back via First Class Mail, rather than the standard USPS Priority Mail used for your new passport. In the case of renewing your passport, your old passport book or card can arrive up to 8 weeks after your new passport.

When Should I Consider Urgent Passport Processing?

There are several scenarios where you might require a faster passport processing option:

• International Travel within 14 Days: If you have imminent international travel plans and do not yet have a valid passport.
• Needing to Obtain a Visa within 28 Days: If you must acquire a visa for your travel, and the time frame is tight.
• Life-and-Death Emergencies: In cases of serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family that require travel outside the United States within the next 3 business days.

Can I Get a Passport on the Same Day?

Obtaining a passport in one day is technically possible, although highly unlikely. A same-day passport must be processed through one of the 26 U.S. passport agencies, but requires an appointment and urgent travel circumstances. The availability of same-day passports is limited, and slots for appointments are highly competitive.

Learn more: How Can I Get an Emergency Passport?

Planning ahead and understanding the passport processing times are key to ensuring you receive your passport well before your intended travel date. Always consider applying as early as possible and keep track of renewal dates to avoid last-minute stress.

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