Once you submit your passport application, the waiting game begins. If your departure date is approaching, you need to know exactly where your documents are in the system.
This guide explains how to track your passport application online or by phone, what your current status actually means, and what to do if you run into delays.
Urgent Travel Alert: Is your application stuck "In Process"? If you have already applied and your travel date is fast approaching, a private courier cannot intervene. You must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to request an upgrade to expedited processing or attempt to secure an emergency in-person appointment.
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How to Check Your Passport Status
Currently, the Department of State processing timeline runs from 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. You should wait 7 to 14 days after submitting your application before attempting to track it, as it takes time for the acceptance facility to mail your paperwork to the processing center and enter it into the database.
Once two weeks have passed, there are three primary ways to check your status.
1. Check Your Status Online
The fastest way to check your progress is through the official government portal.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the U.S. Department of State's Passport Status website.
- Enter Your Information: You will need to provide your last name (including suffixes like Jr. or III), your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY), and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Email Notifications: Once your status populates, there is a tool to sign up for automatic email updates. We highly recommend entering your email address here so you are instantly notified the moment your status shifts from "In Process" to "Approved."
2. Check Your Status by Phone
If you prefer to check your status by phone or if the online system is down, you can call the National Passport Information Center (NPIC).
- Call the NPIC: Dial 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY).
- Operating Hours: The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (excluding federal holidays).
- Have Your Info Ready: The automated system will ask for your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You can also request to speak with a customer service representative during normal operating hours if you need further clarification.
3. Through a Passport Expediter (If You Used One)
If you hired a registered passport expediting service when you originally applied, you do not need to use the government tracking portals.
Because expediters hand-carry your documents directly to the regional agencies, they bypass standard mail times. Your courier becomes your direct point of contact. They provide you with an internal tracking number and proactively update you via email or text as your passport clears each stage of approval.
Current Processing Times
Standard passport processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Expedited processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Remember that the Department of State only counts processing time starting from the day they receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mailed it or applied at a post office.
IMPORTANT: If you are traveling within the next two weeks, you will need to get help from a reputable passport expediting service or make an appointment to visit a regional passport agency on your own.
Passport Status FAQs & Troubleshooting
There are four common status updates you will see in the system. Here is what they mean and how to troubleshoot common delays.
It typically takes 7 to 14 days after you apply for your application to be entered into the government system. If you recently applied, be patient. If it has been over two weeks, double-check that you typed your last name and birth date exactly as they appear on your application. If it still says "Not Found" after three weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center.
This means your application has been received and is currently being reviewed. This is the most common status, and your application will remain here for the majority of the waiting period. Know that calling the State Department will not provide any additional clarity while your application is in this phase.
Your application has been processed successfully, and your passport is currently being printed and prepared for mailing.
Your passport has been dispatched to the address you provided. This status update usually includes a USPS tracking number so you can follow the physical package to your door.
If your wait time has exceeded the State Department's routine estimates, you should call the NPIC to inquire about delays. If you originally applied for routine service and need it faster, you can request an upgrade to expedited service over the phone for an additional $60 fee.
If your passport was issued and mailed, it is legally a valid travel document. If it is missing, you must treat it as a lost or stolen passport. Contact the National Passport Information Center immediately to report it and begin the process of applying for a replacement using Form DS-64.
Report any spelling or data discrepancies immediately to the U.S. Department of State. You will need to follow specific steps to correct passport errors. If you report the issue promptly, you can avoid paying additional fees for a corrected passport book.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
