Typically, processing time for a US passport is four to six weeks. However, due to high demand for travel in the wake of the pandemic and huge volumes of people needing to renew their passports, it now takes significantly longer.

As of October 2, 2023, the US State Department estimates it’ll take eight to 11 weeks for passport agencies to process and send your new passport—not including shipping time. For expedited applications, the average processing time is five to seven weeks. If you applied between March 24 and October 1, 2023, allow 10 to 13 weeks for routine processing and seven to nine weeks for expedited. 

These processing times are subject to change; check with the State Department for updated estimates.

For first-time applicants, you’ll need to apply for your first passport in-person. If you’ve already had a passport in the past, you can apply for a renewal in-person or by mail.

If you discover too late that you have an expired passport and need to get a new one for international travel, there are several options with shorter processing times.

Expedited Processing

If you need a new passport but your trip isn’t for another 13 weeks, you can apply for expedited processing. Expedited applications cost an additional $60 on top of the passport fees.

It’s important to note that the seven-to-nine-week estimate only accounts for the time that the passport application is in processing at the passport agency or center, not for mailing times.

You can file an expedited passport application at either a passport acceptance facility or by mailing it.

• Passport acceptance facility: For this method, search for the nearest facility to you. Some may require that you make an appointment. Download and fill out your passport forms (either DS-11 for first-time applicants or DS-82 for renewals). Some facilities may not offer on-site photos, in which case you will need to bring your own passport photos.
• Mail-in method: If you don’t have a passport acceptance facility near you, you can mail in your application instead. You’ll need to send your completed application, passport photos, and a check or money order for the correct amount made out to the US Department of State. You can ensure it’ll arrive as fast as possible by paying for priority-mail express with the United States Postal Service. This option is only available for passport renewals, not first-time applications.

Emergency and Same-Day Passports

In certain situations, it’s possible to get a same-day passport from a passport agency:

• Life-or-Death Emergency Travel: If an immediate family member outside the United States has a life-threatening illness or injury, is dying, or has died, you can get a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel internationally in three business days. You will need to have documented proof of the life-or-death emergency.
• Urgent Travel Service: The urgent travel service is for people who have applied for a passport and still haven’t received it, but have to travel within the next 5 days. If you haven’t applied for a passport but need to travel within 14 days or less, you can also use this service. You’ll need to have travel documents that prove your need, like a letter from your company if it’s for business travel.

For both these situations, you follow the same procedure:

• Call the National Passport Center at 1-877-487-2778 to set up an appointment. You should call to schedule your appointment up to two weeks before your international travel, but the date of your appointment must be within three business days of your trip.
• Appointments are limited with no guarantees, so call right at 8:00 am EST when they open for the best chance.
• Explain your situation to the operator and say you need to make an appointment at your nearest passport center.
• If you’re able to get an appointment, go to the passport agency at the correct date and time with your necessary passport documents.

These in-person emergency-processing situations do not come with additional charges, but you do need to make an appointment in advance.

There are several factors that can impact how long it takes to process your passport.

• Application Volume: Processing times can vary based on the number of applications the US Department of State receives. Peak travel seasons may lead to longer processing times. The current backlog is due to several factors. Firstly, many people’s passports expired or grew close to expiring during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, due to pent-up demand for travel, more people are wanting to travel again and realizing they need to renew their passports.
• Application Accuracy: Any errors or missing information in your application can lead to delays. Double-check your forms and documents before submission.
• Expedited Services: Opting for expedited processing can significantly shorten the wait time, but it comes with an additional cost.

While you can’t help it that lots of other people need their passports renewed at the same time, there are other steps you can take to ensure your passport application goes through smoothly and as quickly as possible:

Apply Early: Even if you’re not planning an immediate trip, apply for your passport well in advance. This ensures you have it ready when you need it.

Double-Check Requirements: Make sure you have all the necessary supporting documents and that they meet the requirements before submitting your application.

Review Application Status: You can track the status of your application online to get an estimate of when your passport will arrive.