Passport Processing Times Update: Here’s How To Cut in Line 

Passport processing times have recently been updated, with routine processing for U.S. passports currently sitting at 4-6 weeks plus shipping time. If you’re planning on traveling internationally in the near future, it’s a good idea to plan ahead on how long it will take for your passport to be processed once you’ve applied.

You can view the latest processing times by visiting the U.S. Department of State website.

Routine Passport Processing Times at a Post Office or Passport Acceptance Facility

If you have international travel planned, and you’ve lost your U.S. Passport but aren’t traveling in the near future, you may be able to apply for standard passport services at a United States Post Office, or another Passport Acceptance Facility such as a library or a county clerk office.

When requesting standard or regular passport services, expect to wait up to 11 weeks for your passport to arrive. 

This does not include shipping time when sending your application off to the U.S. Department of State for processing. This estimate also doesn’t take into consideration the shipping time it takes to return your new passport to you once passport processing has been completed.

It is important to note that when estimating how long it takes to get a U.S. Passport, that the time frames associated with Routine Service are estimates and are not guaranteed.

These ranges for processing times begin once your application has been received by the Department of State, not the date that you apply.

Expedited Passport Processing Times: At a Post Office or Passport Acceptance Facility

If you don’t have the time to spare in waiting on standard passport services, you can also request basic expedited service at the Post Office, or another Passport Acceptance Facility.

With standard expedited service for U.S. Passports, expect to wait up to 3 weeks for your passport to arrive. 

This does not include  shipping your application to the Department of State for processing, or the time it takes to ship your new passport back.

Similarly to routine service, when requesting expedited passport service at a Passport Acceptance Facility, it should be noted that the timeframes associated are an estimated range. Timeframes begin once your application has been received by the U.S. Department of State, not the date you physically submit your application.

If standard passport services aren’t quick enough to ensure you receive your new passport prior to your next international trip, then have two options: utilize a private company to expedite your passport, or attempt to schedule an emergency passport appointment.

Expedited Passport Processing Times: Regional Passport Agency

If you are departing within the next two months, it is likely that you will need to either schedule an emergency appointment with a Regional Passport Agency or utilize a private expediting company.

While appointments for emergency passports are technically available to those who have urgent travel needs, there are some extremely strict eligibility requirements.

This requirement is usually for a life-threatening or fatal emergency, or if a family member has died abroad. If you are eligible, a Regional Passport Agency can potentially issue a U.S. passport within 3 business days. 

You can review the requirements and estimated processing times for these appointments here, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

In addition to strict requirements, appointments can be hard to come by even if you are eligible. There are only a handful of Regional Passport Agencies across the United States to attempt to schedule an appointment with, and walk-ins are prohibited.

Expedited Passport Processing Times: Private Expediting Companies

If you’re traveling in the near future, and can’t schedule an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency, then you’ll want to look into a private company that can expedite your passport.

Private expediting companies that are registered with the United States government’s Hand-Carry Program have the ability to cut down on the time it takes to receive your passport once you’ve gathered your required documents, and have submitted your application.

While private expedited services range in terms of how long it will take to get a U.S. passport, this option can expedite your passport back to you in as little as 24 hours.

Just like the traditional methods of applying, this time frame begins once your application and required documents have been received by the company expediting your passport.

Using a private company to expedite your U.S. passport can save time and help avoid delays and mistakes, resulting in a faster approval than standard or routine processing.

Get Your U.S. Passport Fast with RushMyPassport

If you need a passport quickly, but don’t have the time or patience to go to a passport agency or post-office, RushMyPassport can help.

With services ranging from new passports, passport renewals, child passports, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, our team of registered couriers and passport advisors will help get your passport fast!

Click to get started today or visit a FedEx Office location near you to find out why RushMyPassport is the most convenient way to get a passport in a hurry!