Passport Application: Tracking Your Travel Document Status

Applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one can be a lengthy process, so it's important to keep track of your application status to ensure you receive your passport in time for your trip. The time it takes to process a passport application varies depending on the country and method of application. For example, in Canada, the processing time can be as little as 4 business days if applied for in person, while applications from outside Canada or the US can take up to 19 business days. In the US, standard processing can take up to 13 weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional fee. There are several ways to check your passport application status, including online and by phone. Online tracking is often the fastest and easiest method, but personal information such as your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number are usually required. Phone services are also available, with agents providing updates over the phone after verifying your personal information. It's important to keep in mind that passport tracking may not be available for all types of passport applications, such as special issuance passports.

Checking your passport application status online

Checking the status of your passport application online is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Gather the required information

To check your passport application status online, you will need to provide certain personal information. This typically includes your last name, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Step 2: Visit the official passport website

Go to the official passport website of the country you have applied for the passport from. For example, if you are checking the status of a US passport application, visit the US Department of State's Passport Status website.

Step 3: Enter your information

On the website, enter the required personal information in the relevant fields. Make sure to enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport application, including any suffixes or hyphens.

Step 4: View your application status

Once you have entered your information, you will be able to view the status of your passport application. The status may be listed as "Not Available," "In Process," "Approved," "Passport Mailed," or "Supporting Documents Mailed."

Step 5: Enroll in email updates (optional)

If you would like to receive updates via email whenever your application status changes, you can enroll by entering your email address. This will allow you to stay informed without having to check the website regularly.

Additional Information:

• If you applied for your passport online, you may also be able to check your status by logging into your account on the official passport website.
• Keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks from the day you apply for your application status to show up as "In Process."
• If you have a hyphenated name or a name with an apostrophe, try entering your name with and without the hyphen or apostrophe if you don't get a status update on your first try.
• If you need your passport urgently, some countries offer expedited services for an additional fee.

By following these steps, you can easily check the status of your passport application online and stay informed about the progress of your passport issuance.

Checking your passport application status by phone

Know the Timing

Before you make the call, it is essential to understand the typical passport issuance process and the time it takes. The entire process can take up to two months or more, so planning is crucial to avoid last-minute stress. Keep in mind that you can opt for expedited services if you need your passport urgently.

Have the Necessary Information Ready

When you call, you will need to provide certain personal details to access your application status. Make sure you have the following information on hand:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• The last four digits of your Social Security number

Contact the National Passport Information Center

In the United States, you can check your passport application status by calling the National Passport Information Center. They can be reached at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays.

Follow Up as Needed

If you have not received your passport within two weeks of it being issued, it is important to take action. Call the National Passport Information Center again and request to complete a DS-86 form, which is a statement declaring that you did not receive your passport. This form must be submitted within 90 days from the date your passport was issued. If you fail to do so within the timeframe, you will need to reapply and pay the processing fees again.

Consider Other Options

While checking by phone is convenient, there are also other ways to check your passport application status. You can check your status online on the State Department's Passport Status website or by visiting a passport office in person. These options may be useful if you prefer a visual update or if you are unable to reach the National Passport Information Center by phone.

What to do if you haven't received your passport

If you haven't received your passport, the first thing to do is to check the status of your application. You can do this online or by phone. If you applied in person or by mail, you can check the status of your passport application on the State Department's Passport Status website. You will need your personal information, including your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If your passport has been issued, but you have not received it after at least two weeks, you should call the National Passport Information Center and fill out a DS-86 form. This is a signed statement that you did not receive the issued passport. You must file this form to report the undelivered passport within 90 days from the date it was issued. Otherwise, you will have to reapply and pay the processing fees again.

If you are travelling internationally within 14 days, you can also call the National Passport Information line to give your passport application a nudge to get things moving faster. You should also continue checking the status of your application to see where things stand.

If you have already submitted your application but have still not received your passport within five days of your departure date, you need to make an in-person appointment at a passport agency. To do so, you'll need to call the National Passport Information Center first – don't just show up at the passport agency, as you'll likely be turned away. Your local congressional office may also be able to help you make an in-person appointment at the nearest agency if you struggle to find one yourself.

If you need a passport within 10 business days, you can learn how to get urgent or express passport services.

How long does passport processing take?

The passport processing time varies depending on the type of service you require. Routine service takes 4-6 weeks, excluding mailing times, which may add another 2 weeks. If you are in a hurry, expedited service is available for an additional fee of $60 and takes 2-3 weeks, again excluding mailing times.

If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel within 14 days, you can make an appointment for the emergency passport service. Alternatively, if you have urgent travel within 2-3 weeks, you can book an appointment for the urgent travel service. These appointments are not available for walk-ins, and you must call to book.

If you are applying for a passport from outside the US, the application process varies by country, and you will either have to apply in person or by mail. You will need to contact the consulate or embassy directly about the status of your application.

What to do if you need your passport sooner

If you need your passport sooner, there are a few options available to you, depending on your country of residence and how soon you need it.

United States

If you are in the US and need your passport within two to three weeks, you can pay an extra fee to expedite the application. You can do this over the phone after applying. The entire passport-issuing process can take up to two months or more, so expediting may be necessary if you are travelling soon.

If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel within two weeks, or urgent travel within three weeks, you can make an appointment for an emergency passport service. You can book an appointment online or find your nearest agency and its specific website. These centers are different from typical facilities that accept applications, such as the post office.

Canada

If you are in Canada and need a passport within 10 business days, you can find out about getting urgent or express passport services online.

Other countries

If you are outside of the US and Canada and need your passport sooner, you will need to contact your nearest embassy or consulate. The application process varies by country, and you may have to apply in person or by mail.

Frequently asked questions