Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

Can I find out my passport information before I actually receive it?

by Matt
(Portland, OR)

Question: I am leaving for Japan in a month. I sent off my passport paperwork a few days ago and paid for the 1-2 week expedited service. The tour manager told me that he needs my passport information in 10 days so he can purchase my plane ticket.


My question is, "If I don't receive my actual passport in the mail by that day, is there a way to find out my information such as my passport card number or any other information that I need in order for the manager to purchase my ticket?"

Answer: It is not possible to get the passport number before the document is issued. You must wait until your new passport arrives to have that information.

Passports, generally speaking, are sent the day they are issued. It is possible that it will arrive before your tour manager needs the information.

Also, while a passport card functions just like a regular passport book, it cannot be used for travel by air. You can only re-enter the US by air using a passport book.

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UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.

Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.

Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.

Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.

If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment.

For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.

If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC.

A registered expedited passport courier can often assist in obtaining a passport as quickly as the same day. You can learn more about this service here.

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