How to Check Your Passport Application Status & Renewal Status Online in 2024
Passport demand is down, which is great news if you need a passport for an upcoming international trip. Current passport processing times are as long as 8 weeks, but that is before accounting for shipping.
Assuming you have already completed your new passport application or renewal, here is how to check the status.
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Checking Your Passport Application or Renewal Status Online (Mail & In-Person)
Checking your application or renewal status online is easy. Go to https://passportstatus.state.gov/. Currently, this link only shows statuses for applications completed by mail or in person.
From there, click the box stating you have read the notices and disclaimers; Hit submit. Enter the following information on the next screen.
- Your Last Name
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Social Security Number
After typing in the security code, click submit to be taken to a page showing your passport’s status. You will see one of four different statuses.
- Not Available
- In Progress
- Approved
- Mailed
Please note, it can take up to 14 days for your status to show “in progress”.
Those Renewing Online Must Use a Different Status Link
While the online renewal pilot program is currently closed, many people still have pending applications. Those applicants should log in to their MyTravelGov account at https://mytravel.state.gov/ for status updates. After logging in, you will see one of four different statuses.
- Submitted
- Received
- In Process
- Approved/Printed
- Mailed/Shipped
Other Ways to Check Your Application Status
In addition to the above URLs, you can check your status using the following methods.
Sign Up for Email Updates
Those who applied by mail or in person can activate email updates after finding their pending application at https://passportstatus.state.gov/. Enter your email address, and you will begin receiving automatic updates.
Those who renewed online should automatically receive updates.
By Calling the National Passport Information Center (If Within 14 Days of Travel)
Only those traveling internationally within 14 days should call the National Passport Information Center (1-877-487-2778). Depending on how far out your travel date is, the center will either attempt to expedite your passport’s processing (6 to 14 days) or schedule you for an in-person appointment at an agency (5 days or less).
Unfortunately, neither of those methods is guaranteed to get your passport to you in time for your trip. Regardless, you should call the number if you are within 14 days of international travel.
In-person appointments at passport agencies and centers are limited, which means you could be out of luck. If nothing is available at your local agency, ask about other locations near you. While you may have to take a long drive or hop on a short flight, it may be the difference in getting your passport in time.
Current Processing Times Are Down – Regardless, Apply or Renew as Early as Possible
We cannot stress this enough; You must submit your new passport application or renewal as soon as possible.
For new applicants, do it as soon as you know you will be traveling intentionally.
For renewals, do it 9 to 12 months before your passport’s expiration date. Unfortunately, some countries will not let you in if your passport expires less than six months after your arrival or exit date. Be prepared, and check the country’s rules.
Here are the current processing times as of December 18, 2023.
- Routine: 6 to 8 Weeks
- Expedited ($60 fee): 2 to 3 Weeks
Remember, those times do not include shipping. That includes the time it takes for the processing center to receive your application. It also includes the time it takes for your passport to be shipped to you. Shipping times both ways can easily add 2 to 4 weeks to your total time. That means a routine passport could take 12 weeks to get to you after mailing your application. Even the expedited option could take as long as 7 weeks.
Mail your application using Priority Mail Express to ensure it gets there quicker. You also have the option of paying $19.53 to get your passport mailed to you with 1 to 2-day delivery.
Further Reading:
- How to Get a Passport Faster
- Passport Processing Times Right Now – How Long You Will Have to Wait
- How to Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home
- Passport Book vs. Passport Card
FAQs
For mailed renewals and in-person applications, go to: https://passportstatus.state.gov/
For renewals submitted online, log in to your account at https://mytravel.state.gov/
It generally takes up to two weeks.
The entire process from mailing your application to getting your passport takes around 10 to 12 weeks for the routine service. The process takes around 6 to 7 weeks for expedited service.
You should not use a third-party passport service. These services have no inside track. They simply take your money and submit your application using the same steps already available to you. There are no benefits and only downsides in the form of cost and handing over your personal information.
The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts
Checking your passport application or renewal status is easy. Use the links above, sign up for email alerts, and call if it is within 14 days of international travel and you still do not have your passport. Ideally, you apply or renew well in advance of your next international trip; Do not let it come down to the last minute.
Featured Image – Phil Dengler – Shows a photo of my passport book
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