Getting or renewing a U.S. passport has gotten significantly easier and faster in the past year. Many people can renew their passports online, rather than by mail. And, as of this writing, the longest time it can take to get a U.S. passport is six weeks for the regular service and two to three for expedited processing.
Still, when you’re daydreaming about a coastal train journey in Vietnam or seeing the Great Migration in Zambia, it’s hard to be patient. Here’s how to slightly ease the stress of waiting by checking your passport status, plus what to do when your new passport is taking too long.
Check your passport status online
To track your passport online, you’ll first need to wait up to 14 days for the State Department’s system to update your application status (until then, it will say “not available”). Don’t expect a detailed report, however, as the verbiage you’ll see includes in process, approved, or mailed. Obsessive checking won’t get you very far, but on the same website, you can sign up for alerts when your application status changes.
Verify the status by phone
You can phone the National Passport Information Center (877-487-2778) to speak to a real person (or an automated response outside of business hours), but this will not be the best use of your time. You’ll get the same ambiguous answers of “in process”—or hopefully “mailed”—and the call center representatives cannot change that.
Check the status by using a third party to apply
Renewing your passport online is really convenient, but there’s no option to expedite it. If you need it fast—faster than the U.S. State Department’s two to three week expedited turnaround—consider an expeditor company like Rush My Passport or CIBTvisas. These agencies use a courier who physically hands over the documentation and can provide additional details on where your passport is in the process. Expeditors can get a passport back to you in a few business days (this varies by agency), but expect to pay upwards of $600 for the privilege.
What does “in process” mean for passport renewal?
If you see “in process” on your application status, this means your application is in someone’s hands, being reviewed at a passport office.
How long will my passport status be in process?
How long your status remains “in process” depends on whether you chose regular or expedited processing. Keep in mind that passport processing times—four to six weeks or two to three for expedited service—do not include mailing times.
What to do if your passport is taking too long
If you’ve applied but haven’t received your passport and your travel is coming up soon, you may be able to get help.
If your travel is within the next 14 days, call the National Passport Information Center (877-487-2778) during business hours (Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The call center will notify the processing agency of your upcoming travel dates and put in a request to expedite it.
If your travel is within the next five days, call the same line to let them know—they may be able to give you an in-person appointment to complete the passport process (although there are no guarantees, and you may have to travel to another city for the appointment).
If you have proof of a last-minute life-or-death family emergency that requires travel within three business days (e.g., a recent death or a severe illness that may lead to the death of an immediate family member), call the same number to request a “life-or-death emergency service” appointment (different from the “urgent travel service” appointment). If you qualify and have proof of the urgency and upcoming travel, you may be able to secure one. If calling outside of traditional business hours or on a federal holiday, contact 202-647-4000. This number, reserved for emergencies only, should not be used during business hours. Your Congressperson can assist if you have a pressing emergency, too.
This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on September 23, 2025, with current information.
