Simple methods to check your passport application status

With the Fourth of July travel behind us, we’re focusing on the rest of summer and what lies ahead.

If you plan to travel abroad this summer or in the fall, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you renew your U.S. passport at least six months in advance.

As of July, passport processing times remain unchanged since March — 10 to 13 weeks for routine service and seven to nine weeks for expedited service, excluding processing and mailing durations.

If you’ve already submitted your application, we encourage you to be as patient as possible, but you can always check your passport status online for updates.

How to verify your passport application status online

After submitting your passport application, it will take between seven to ten business days for it to become trackable online using the online passport status system.

Next, enter your last name, date of birth, Social Security number, and security code.

Before this time frame elapses, the only updates you may receive will be "Not Found," indicating it is on its way to a passport agency, or "In Process," meaning it is currently with the U.S. State Department and awaiting review by staff.

You can also enter your email address to receive automatic updates about your passport status.

How to check your passport application status by phone

As an alternative to the online option, you can check your passport status by calling the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (or 888-874-7793 for those who are hard of hearing).

Phone support is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT. They are closed on Sundays.

Current passport processing times

As previously stated, both new applicants and those renewing their passports can expect to receive them within 10 to 13 weeks for routine service at a cost of $130. For urgent travel needs, the U.S. Department of State offers expedited service within seven to nine weeks for an additional fee of $60.

Keep in mind that these time frames do not account for mailing durations, so you should add an extra two weeks for applications to reach a passport agency or center, and another two weeks for the applicant to receive their completed passport by mail.

In summary

Besides processing times, keep in mind that many countries, including most of Europe, require your passport to be valid for at least six months upon entry, so plan accordingly when submitting your application.

As of July, online passport renewal is not yet available, but the U.S. Department of State anticipates launching it later this year.