How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?
The question of
how long it takes to get a passport depends on several factors including the number of
applications
that Passport Services has to process at the time you apply, the
location where you apply, the type of service you need and the method of processing you choose. Take a look at
each one of these and determine how they can affect the time it will
take you to get a passport.
Passport Processing Times
The processing times for the
Department of State Passport Services
are modified according to the number of applications submitted at any
given time. Some of the factors that affect the time it takes to
process applications include holiday travel, natural disasters,
international events, inclement weather, power outages and the closing
of processing centers due to remodeling. All these factors can
contribute to an increase in
demand for passports and an extension in the processing times.
As the holiday season approaches, more and more Americans apply
for passports in preparation for their vacations. The largest increases
occur as summer vacation and winter break draw near. Also, natural
disasters of large magnitude such as the tsunami in Asia or the
earthquake in Haiti have the same affect. As family members and
relief workers prepare to travel to the disaster location, Passport
Services is flooded with requests. International events such as the
Olympics and World Cup that draw visitors from around the world can
also contribute to an increase in how long it takes to get a passport.
There have been times in the past when it could take up to 12
weeks or more to get a passport. As more processing centers opened and
more personel were hired, processing times decreased to where they are
today. More often than not, an
application is processed in 10-12 weeks. A
significant increase in submissions during peak travel periods can
result in the time it takes to get a passport by standard service being
increased to 6-8 weeks. Expedited service remains at 2-3 weeks
although it can take longer. When demand is low, applications are
processed more quickly. When demand is high, expect to wait longer.
Places to Get a Passport
The location you submit your passport application can determine how long it
takes to get your travel document. Applications that are mailed in
either directly or through a
passport office
can take up to 6 weeks for standard processing or up to 3 weeks if the
applicant requests expedited service. Again, processing times are
affected by the factors
listed above.
United States citizens can apply at a
regional agency in order to
get a passport faster.
Evidence of a departure date within two weeks is required or within
four weeks if you also need to obtain a travel visa. Applicants
can apply at the regional processing center themselves or they can
authorize a qualified
passport expediting service
to submit their application forms for them. In either case, it is
possible to obtain passports the same day that the forms are submitted, if necessary.
In an emergency situation, a passport can be secured in just a few hours.
If you need to get a passport in a hurry but cannot visit a
regional processing center, the expediter we recommend can help you to
get a passport fast.
Types of Passport Services
The time it takes to get a passport renewed is the same time it takes
to get a new passport if you only consider processing time. The overall
time to get a renewal can be less because the renewal application can
be mailed while the applicant is required to apply in person for a new
passport. Depending on when an appointment is available at the nearest
application acceptance facility, this can add a day or two up to
several weeks to the total time. Some requests for a name change and
corrections can be mailed without the need to visit a passport office.
Current Passport Application Processing Times
Service | Processing Time |
Routine Service | Approximately 10-12 weeks from the time of application. |
Expedited Service | Within 4 to 6 weeks door-to-door.* |
Expedited at Agency | Possibly same day (limited to customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours or 3 business days) |
* Applies when the applicant chooses two-way Express Delivery.
Note, mistakes on the application form or the submission of
unacceptable documents can result in delays and increase the time it
takes to get a passport. When this happens, the applicant is informed
by mail of the problem and provided with a recommendation to resolve
the issue. If the issue is not resolved within 90 days, the person will
be required to apply again and pay appropriate fees to get a passport.
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