The standard processing time for a new or renewed passport is four to six weeks. Getting the passport in your hand can take up to 10 weeks. The quickest you can get a U.S. passport is between two and three weeks when paying for expedited processing and one-to-two-day delivery.
Passport courier companies do not make this process any quicker than applying directly to the U.S. Department of State. In a situation where you need a passport in less than three 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.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?
What Is the Standard Processing Time for a Passport?
As of March 2025, the standard processing time for a U.S. passport is four to six 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?
When you need your passport sooner than eight weeks, expedited service is available and reduces the processing time to two to three weeks. This service requires an additional fee of $60 on top of the standard passport fee and there is an optional $21.36 fee for 1-2 day shipping.
Expedited service is ideal for travelers who have confirmed travel plans sooner than eight weeks but are not eligible for urgent or emergency passport services. 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 routine process to take four to six weeks, plus up to two weeks each way for shipping to and from the passport center. When paying for the expedited passport service, this can be shortened to two to three weeks plus shipping. Make sure your renewal application is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
For eligible adults, online passport renewals are available and can reduce the time and cost of mailing your passport to an acceptance facility. Processing time for online renewals remains the same at four to six weeks, and the 1–2-day shipping add-on is only available by contacting the office directly in case of a sudden change to travel plans.
Passport Time Frame: How Long Will the Entire Passport Process Take?
The entire passport process can take as little as three weeks or as long as ten weeks, depending on the type of service you choose. 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 the facility individually to see if an appointment is necessary. When you are eligible for online renewals, you will be able to skip this step and begin processing immediately.
- Processing Time: Under routine conditions, processing takes 4-6 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 $21.36, 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.
- Errors or Missing Documents: The time estimates above assume no errors or missing documents in your application. In the event of any mistake, the total time to process and receive your passport will increase.
The complete process to receive a new or renewed passport can take less than three 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 eight 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 is 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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