Passport Status: Tracking Your Travel Document

If you're wondering about the status of your passport application, there are several ways to check, including online and by phone. The entire passport issuing process can take up to two months or more, so it's important to allow enough time for it to arrive and not get stressed. The specific steps to check your passport status may vary depending on your country of residence and the passport office you applied through. Here are some general guidelines:

Checking Passport Status Online

Most passport applications can be tracked online. For example, if you applied through the U.S. Department of State, you can check your status on their Passport Status website. If you're in India, you can visit the official India Passport Seva website. You will typically need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, application number, and/or passport details.

Checking Passport Status by Phone

If you prefer, you can also check your passport status by calling the relevant passport office or customer service centre. For U.S. applicants, this is the National Passport Information Center, while Indian applicants can contact the National Call Centre. These centres can provide real-time updates on the status of your passport application.

Other Options

In some cases, you may be able to track your passport status through an official mobile app, such as the Passport Seva App in India. Additionally, if you applied for your passport in person or by mail, you may be able to subscribe to email updates to stay informed about the status of your application.

Online status checks

Checking the status of your passport application online is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

The website you need to visit depends on your location. For US citizens, this is the State Department's Passport Status website. For Indian citizens, it is the official India Passport Seva website.

Step 2: Find the Tracking Option

On the website, look for an option to track your application status. On the US website, this is called 'Get My Application Status'. On the Indian website, it is called 'Track Application Status'.

Step 3: Enter Your Details

You will need to provide some personal information to access your application status. This typically includes your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For Indian citizens, you may also need to enter your application reference number or passport details.

Step 4: View Your Status

After entering your details, you should be able to view the current status of your passport application. The status may be listed as "Not Available", "In Process", "Approved", "Passport Mailed", or "Supporting Documents Mailed".

Additional Tips:

• If you applied online, you may also be able to check your status by logging into your account on the relevant website (e.g., MyTravelGov for US citizens).
• You can usually sign up for automatic email updates to stay informed about any changes to your application status.
• For Indian citizens, there are alternative online methods to track your application status, such as using the Passport Seva App or the Helpdesk section of the Passport Seva website.

Phone status checks

Checking your passport status over the phone is a convenient alternative to online methods. The National Passport Information Center can be reached at 1-877-487-2778 in the United States. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TDD/TTY teletype service by calling 1-888-874-7793.

The National Passport Information Center's phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. The center is closed on federal holidays.

When calling to check your passport status, you will need to provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

In Canada, passport applicants can call 1-800-567-6868 (toll-free) or 1-819-997-8338 (direct number) to check their application status. The agents are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time (9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador). They do not answer calls on statutory holidays. Hearing-impaired individuals or those with a speech impediment can use the TTY service.

For those applying from outside Canada or the US, it is recommended to wait at least 20 business days before contacting the Government of Canada office where the application was submitted. If urgent assistance is needed while abroad, emergency assistance can be requested.

It is important to note that standard passport processing can take up to 13 weeks, so it is advisable to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the application process.

Tracking via SMS

Tracking your passport application status via SMS is a convenient option that doesn't require an internet connection, just your mobile device and a mobile carrier. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

India

To track your passport application status via SMS in India, follow these steps:

• Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Create a new message and enter the recipient as '9704100100'.
• In the message, type 'STATUS' followed by your 15-digit file number (ensure that you have the correct file number provided during your application).
• Send the message, and you will soon receive an update on your passport application status.

Kenya

The Kenyan government has introduced a similar SMS-based tracking system for passport applications. Here's how you can use it:

• Open the messages app on your phone.
• Create a new message and enter '2032' as the recipient.
• In the message, type the tracking number you received when you submitted your documents.
• Send the message, and you will receive a text indicating whether your document is ready for collection or still being processed.
• You can use the same code to request assistance from the immigration department if needed. Each SMS sent costs Ksh.5.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports has introduced an SMS-based Passport Tracking Intimation System. To utilise this service:

• Ensure that you have provided your correct cell number during the data entry stage of passport processing.
• Your passport application status will be shared with you via SMS using the code 9988.

These SMS-based tracking systems offer a simple and convenient way to stay updated on your passport application status without the need for an internet connection.

Tracking via a call centre

Tracking your passport application status via a call centre is a convenient option for those who do not have internet access or prefer to check their status through a phone call. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• National Passport Information Centre (U.S.)– Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals). The centre operates 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. You can inquire about your passport status, expedite your application, or report a non-receipt of your passport.
• Toll-Free National Call Centre (India)– For applicants in India, dial the toll-free number 1800-258-1800 to connect with the National Call Centre. Provide your 15-digit File Number, which is a unique code assigned when you apply for your passport, to the customer service representative, and receive real-time updates on your application status.

By utilising these call centres, you can conveniently check the status of your passport application and receive assistance regarding your passport-related queries.

Tracking via a helpdesk

Tracking your passport application status via a helpdesk is another reliable option. This method is particularly useful if you do not have access to the internet or prefer to use a different approach to check your application status. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Visit the official Passport Seva website or portal. This website is specifically designed to provide passport-related services and information.
• Navigate to the Helpdesk section of the website. This section is dedicated to providing assistance and support to applicants.
• Once you are in the Helpdesk section, look for the status tracking tool or option. This tool allows you to enter your application details and track the current status of your passport application.
• Enter your unique 15-digit File Number in the status tracking tool. This number is a crucial reference for tracking your passport application and is provided to you when you initially apply for your passport.
• After entering your File Number, submit it through the tool. The system will then process your request and display the current status of your passport application.

By following these steps, you can conveniently check the status of your passport application through the Helpdesk section of the official Passport Seva website. This method eliminates the need to visit a passport office or wait for updates through other means. It provides a quick and transparent way to stay informed about your passport application progress.

Frequently asked questions