Check the Status of Your Passport Application Online, By Phone, or In Person
If you have submitted a passport application and are anxious to receive your new passport, you probably want to know what is happening with your application.
Checking on the status can give you peace of mind that processing is moving forward. It also helps ensure there are no issues or delays with your approval.
Luckily, there are a few different methods to check your passport application status. You can check online, over the phone, or even in person depending on your situation.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, including:
Why Check Your Passport Application Status?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to check up on your passport application status regularly:
- Get processing updates
- The status messages will let you know what stage your application is at, like when it’s received, approved, shipped out, etc.
- Catch any errors early
- If there is an issue that needs your urgent attention, like missing documents or fees, finding out right away is important.
- Plan travel accordingly
- Know whether your new passport will arrive in time for any planned trips you may have.
- Peace of mind
- Simply knowing your application wasn’t lost and is being actively processed can give you a sigh of relief.
Having an idea of the timeframe and progress makes the waiting period much more bearable.
How to Check Your Passport Application Status
There are three main ways to check on the status of your passport application: online, by phone, or in person.
Online Passport Status Check
The easiest and quickest way to check your status is through the State Department’s online passport status check system.
You will need your social security number along with your date and place of birth to access your status.
The system is available 24 hours a day and usually has the most up to date information on all applications. It will show progress from when your documents were received all the way through when your passport is shipped out.
By Phone
If you need to speak to someone directly about your passport status, you can call the National Passport Information Center.
The number is 1-877-487-2778 and is available 8AM – 10PM ET on weekdays and 10AM – 3PM ET on Saturdays.
Calling in can be a great option if you have specific questions or issues noted online that you want to follow up on.
In Person
If you have urgent international travel coming up very soon, you can get an in-person passport status update and even request expedited processing.
You’ll need to make an appointment at your nearest passport agency or passport center. There are a limited number of these locations throughout the country.
Passport Agency Appointment
Making an appointment adds you to the schedule to meet with a passport agent at your designated time.
This is best when you are within 2 weeks from your travel date and need to confirm if your passport will be issued in time.
You may even qualify for a same-day appointment in some emergency situations.
Understanding Passport Application Status Messages
As you check online or get updates over the phone about your passport status, you may see certain standard language indicating what stage your application is currently in.
Here are the most common messages and what they typically mean:
Not Available
A message stating your status is not available likely means your application was literally just submitted within the past few days. Check back in another 1-2 weeks.
Received
This status indicates the forms, documents, photos and payment have successfully made it to the passport processing facility. It’s the first major step!
In Process
The “in process” status means an agent is actively reviewing your application and supporting documents. It won’t move to approved until cleared at this step.
Approved
If your status shows as approved, your passport is authorized to be printed! This means you’ve passed all background checks and application reviews.
Shipped
A shipped or mailed status means your printed passport is on the way to you via mail. You’ll receive separate tracking information. Celebrate when you see this!
Other Messages
If your status online shows anything different from the above options, it likely means there is an error or something needing further action on your end.
Common examples include missing information, insufficient funds, or documents needing to be resubmitted or added. Carefully review the message details.
Passport Processing Times
In general, how long a passport takes to process from application to approval ranges from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. However, there are options to pay for expedited services if your travel requires a much faster timeline.
Here’s an overview of the different processing options:
Routine Service
The routine or standard passport processing service has a timeline of 8-11 weeks total.
This includes mailing time on the front end as your documents make their way to the passport agency, about 2-3 weeks.
Then 5-8 business weeks for application processing and approval after documents are received.
Finally, an additional 2 weeks for printing and for your final passport to mail back out to you.
Expedited Service
If you need your passport faster than the routine 8-11 weeks, expedited service shortens the timeline down to 4-7 weeks instead.
You will pay an extra $60 on top of passport fees for expedited service.
The processing time once received is faster at 3 weeks instead of 5-8 weeks. And you can pay even more for 1-2 day guaranteed delivery return shipping.
Checking your status along the way is important regardless to ensure no unexpected delays pop up.
What to Do If Your Passport Is Delayed
Despite the estimated timelines, passport delays can and do happen due to backlogs, errors, or other issues.
If your passport status still shows “in process” longer than 12 weeks since applying, here are some steps to take:
- Call the National Passport Information Center line for live updates
- Submit an online inquiry form through the State Department’s website
- Reach out to your senator’s office for assistance expediting your case
- Schedule an urgent appointment at your passport agency
Don’t wait too long to follow up if your passport goes beyond the normal processing range. The sooner you can get the delay addressed, the quicker you can get back on track for approval.
Tracking Your Passport After Approval
Once approved, your passport status will update to “shipped” or “mailed”. But how do you actually track where it is once in transit back to you?
For tracking, your passport will usually be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service. So reference the USPS tracking number indicated in your status details.
Or for faster courier deliveries, you may receive a separate FedEx or UPS tracking code.
Be sure to proactively sign up for text or email tracking updates through USPS, FedEx or UPS so you know the moment your passport arrives back in your mailbox.
Getting Prepared While You Wait
The passport processing timeline can feel long when you are itching to have your official government-issued travel ID in hand.
Here are a few productive ways to prepare for your upcoming international adventure while remaining patient:
Have Documents Ready
Gather any other travel items you may need beyond your passport, like visas for certain destinations or travel insurance paperwork.
Being ready to go will make grabbing your passport as soon as it arrives and jumping on a plane much simpler!
Review Travel Plans
While waiting, you can browse destinations guides and maps for the countries on your itinerary to build even more excitement!
And confirm you have all accommodations and transportation booked ahead.
Arrange Transportation to Post Office
When tracking shows your passport is getting delivered, plan who can drive you to collect it right away if needed, whether a family member or friend. This avoids sitting unattended in your mailbox for long.
FAQs About Passport Application Status
How do I set up email or text alerts for passport status updates?
After checking your status online, simply click to subscribe for automatic email or SMS text message notifications whenever there is a change reported.
Can I contact my local passport agency for status updates?
No, you need to call the National Passport Information Center phone number at 1-877-487-2778 for any updates, not local agency offices.
How long should I wait before contacting about a delayed passport application?
You can inquire after 12 weeks if you paid for routine service or after 4 weeks if you paid fees for expedited processing.
Conclusion
Keeping tabs on your passport application status is easy and important. By tracking your application online, through phone assistance, or directly at a passport agency, you can feel confident your documents are processing smoothly and catch any potential slowdowns promptly.
With a clear understanding of the standard messaging and timelines, checking your status periodically makes the waiting period less ambiguous. And you’ll be travel ready to use your fresh passport immediately once approved!