“How fast can I get a passport?” is surely one of the most common questions asked by U.S. passport applicants. The short answer is 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks, however, the matter is not that cut-and-dried, as there are many factors to take into account to calculate the total wait time.
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U.S. passport processing time
The time necessary for the Department of State to process a passport application varies depending on the specific situation and service requested by the applicant.
In the paragraphs below, we examine each possibility and detail the time frame provided by the authorities.
How long does it take to get a passport for the first time?
The processing times of a passport indicate how long the authorities take to examine and accept the application and print the new passport. For this reason, the periods listed by the State Department’s website do not represent the total wait-time, as they do not include the delivery to and from the Passport Processing Center.
The standard time to process a passport application is 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks from the moment the forms reach the State Department’s facility. It might take up to 2 (two) weeks for the actual processing to start.
For applicants who want to get a passport faster, there is the expedited passport service, which will guarantee processing in 3 (three) to 5 (five) weeks for an additional fee of $60.
Additionally, to shorten delivery times to the center, it’s possible to purchase Priority Mail Express from the USPS (prices and speed change depending on the state). Then, there is the 1-2 day delivery service to obtain the passport faster once it’s ready, which costs $18.32.
Applying directly at a regional passport agency can shorten the time even further since the passport is usually handed over at the end of the appointment. However, this option is reserved for U.S. citizens who have urgent international travel within 14 (fourteen) days.
| Standard | 6 to 9 weeks |
| Expedited | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Expedited at an agency | Only available to applicants traveling urgently within 14 days |
The identity and citizenship documents will be sent in a separate envelope, which can take up to an additional 8 (eight) weeks to arrive.
Applicants who also requested a passport card can expect to receive it separately in the same time frame.
Passport renewal timing
If the applicant’s document fits the requirements for a passport renewal, they can mail Form DS-82 with all the required documents directly to one of the National Passport Processing Centers. Moreover, in the second half of 2022, the State Department successfully tested an online renewal system planned to be fully operational in 2023.
Even if the process requires fewer documents and lower fees, passport renewal time does not change compared to a first-time application, so it will still take 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks plus delivery times. You can always check your passport renewal status to stay updated.
For those who wish to get their passport more quickly, there are the same expediting services available.
How long does it take to get a replacement passport?
The processing time for getting a new passport after the previous one was lost or stolen changes depending on the country the applicant is currently in.
In the U.S., the wait times are unchanged: after sending in Form DS-64 and DS-11, the passport will be processed in 6 (six) to 9 (nine) weeks.
If the forms are presented to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, the new document can be ready within 3 (three) weeks to allow citizens to get back to the United States without issues.
How long does it take to get a passport for a child?
Applying for a minor’s passport requires a slightly different process. Both parents have to give consent by either being present at the passport acceptance facility or providing a signed consent form with a copy of an ID document.
However, when it comes to the processing time, there is no difference. A child’s passport will still take between 6 (six) and 9 (nine) weeks with the standard procedure.
Additionally, a minor’s passport application can also be lodged with the expedited service or at passport agencies in case of urgent travel.
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Learn more:
- How to Take Passport Photo at Home
- How To Make a Passport Size Photo From Mobile
- How to Take a Passport Photo With An Android Phone?
- Take a Passport Photo With Your iPhone
Passport timeline: FAQ
In the section below, we’ll answer some common questions about passport wait time.
What is the passport renewal time frame?
How long does it take to get a passport book?
How long does it typically take to get a passport?
How long does it take to get a passport after naturalization?
How long does it take to get a passport in the mail?
On average, how long does it take to get a passport?
How long does it take to get a U.S. passport card?
How soon is the quickest you can get a passport?
Can you get a passport in a day?
Does it really take 3 weeks to get a passport?
Can I hurry my passport?
How can I speed up my passport process?
Summary
U.S. passport processing time can be from 6 (six) to 9 (weeks) depending on the number of applications the State Department is currently receiving. On top of that, there are also delivery times to and from the processing center, which can take about 2 (two) weeks.
There is also the possibility of expediting the application and cutting the processing times down to 3 (three) to 5 (five) weeks. Those who need to travel to a foreign country or get a foreign visa urgently can make an appointment directly at a passport agency.
To get passport photos from home and avoid adding extra time to your application, use PhotoAiD® and take perfect pictures with your smartphone.
Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
