Passport US status
Generally, it takes from 8 to 11 weeks to renew your US passport. Note that the mailing time is not included in this period. To track how your passport renewal application is doing, you can check your passport status.
You can get the passport status only two weeks after you have sent your application.
How to check Your US passport application status?
Check your US passport status here:
US Passport Application Status
To do that, you will need to provide:
- Your last name
- Your date of Birth
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
To get automatic updates on your passport status, leave your email there.
Also, you can write an email to NPIC@state.gov with your request.
But if you prefer calls to online portals, you can phone the passport office. They will answer on Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM-12 midnight Eastern Time.
Here are the numbers:
1-877-487-2778 or
1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY)
Remember, even if you don't check your status online, you still need to provide your last name, date of birth, and last digits of your Social Security Number.
Application status and its meaning
There are only four states in the passport renewal process. Here they are:
- Not available
- In Process
- Approved
- Mailed
What do they mean?
Not available
Generally, it means that your application is still on its way. Your papers are still being mailed, your payment is being processed.
The “arrived” status means that your application is in a post office.
In Process
Your application is under review.
Approved
Your application has been reviewed. Your passport is being printed.
Mailed
Your ready passport was sent to you. You will get a tracking number for this too. Your birth certificate or a previous passport will arrive separately from your new passport.
Error messages in passport status
Not available after in the process
Usually, it is a technical error of the Online Status Passport System. Just come back to your status a few minutes later or use another browser.
Mailed after I have just applied
If you ordered a new passport in the last 180 days, this can happen. For example, you are correcting some information in your passport. This status can be seen for up to 2 weeks.
In the process after approved
Your passport will be reprinted. There is a mistake which was discovered after your passport was printed. Just wait a little longer, and your passport is on its way.
What should I do if my passport has not arrived?
You should only worry if your new passport has not arrived in 14 days since it has a Mailed status. Contact the National Passport Information Center and submit a DS-86 form if this happens. You have only 90 days to complete a DS-86 form. If more time elapses, for example, 91, you need to re-submit your passport application, including all fees.
I have moved out of my previous mailing address. What to do?
Just contact the National Passport Information Center. If you are waiting for your child's passport, do the same thing.
How many envelopes will I receive?
Generally, you will receive two different envelopes. The first one contains your passport or passport card, the second one has your citizenship documents (like previous passport or Birth certificate). If you apply for a passport and a passport card simultaneously, you will get three different envelopes. The additional one contains your passport card.
It can take up to 4 weeks for your citizenship documents to arrive after you have received your passport. While you can expedite the delivery of your passport book for an additional fee, your passport card cannot be mailed more quickly.
So the Department of State has created a fast and convenient way to get your US passport status 24/7 with ease without any complex document data.
