How to Check Your U.S. Passport Application Status
Before embarking on a vacation in another country, you need to have a valid passport. As such, you need to ensure you apply for or renew your passport before it expires. Passport renewal can take between 4 to 10 weeks.
If you’ve applied for a new passport booklet, then it is necessary to check the status of your application. You can check your passport application status online, by phone, or by email.
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U.S. Passport Processing Time
Before proceeding to check your application status, it’s best you know the processing time for your passport.
| Routine | 7 to 10 weeks |
| Expedited | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Expedited at Agency | Must have international travel within 14 calendar days |
Importantly, processing time does not include mailing times. Mailing time varies across the country.
Information Needed to Check U.S. Passport Application Status
Before you can access your passport application status, you’ll need to provide the following information.
- Your last name,
- Date of birth, and
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
How to Check U.S. Passport Application Status
As earlier mentioned, you can check your passport application status via three methods.
1. Check Your Passport Status Online
The easiest way to check your application status is via the online method. To get started, visit the State Department passport application status portal. Provide the required information. Your application status will be listed as “Not Found,” “In Process,” “Approved,” or “Mailed.”
2. Check Your Passport Status by Phone
Another method of checking your passport application status is by phone. To get started, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY). The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. You can use the automated system to check your passport information 24 hours a day.
3. Check Your Passport Status by Mail
Alternatively, you can check your passport status by mail. To get started, send a mail to the email NPIC@state.gov requesting the status of your passport. Ensure to include your first and last name, application number, date of birth and the last four digit of your Social Security Number.
What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Passport
There are situations where applicants do not receive their passport even after the status has changed to “Mailed”. If after 10 business days you are yet to get your passport after it has been issued, you should call the National Passport Information Center and fill out the DS-86 Form.
Failure to report that you have not received your passport within 90 days from the date it was issued will warrant you reapplying and paying the processing fees again.
