Have you been wondering how long it takes for your passport to be ready? Or you’ve been wondering how to check your passport status? If that is the case, be not dismayed. We’ll be covering all that in this article.
Your passport is your ticket to the rest of the world, the door to exciting international adventures, and a symbol of your identity.
Knowing how to check your passport status is vital, whether you’re applying for your first passport or renewing an existing one.
How to Check on Passport Status
The US Government has created the web portal, https://passportstatus.state.gov/, to follow the application status of the Passport.
It is important to note that after applying for a new or renewed passport, it can take up to two weeks for the status to appear on the portal.
To check the US passport’s progress, one must supply facts such as the last date, date of birth, and social security number, so be prepared before sitting to track the password’s application progress.
Anyone who has applied for a US passport via mail or in person should be aware that he or she can track its status through the State Department’s web portal.
However, you should be aware that you must wait up to two weeks after the application has been submitted to check the status, because otherwise, the result will be ‘No record found’.
After submitting an application via mail or in person, it goes through three stages: in process, approved, and mailed before being delivered to the applicant’s home.
Ways to Check the US Passport Application Status
If you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing one, you should be aware that there are two ways to track the US Passport Application Status: through the State Department’s website and via phone.
To do so using the first method, you must provide your basic information, while the second method requires you to visit the National Passport Information Center.
Anyone who applied for a passport in the United States for cross-border travel via any media can trace the status of their application using any of the ways listed below.
Through the website of the United States Department of State:
- Navigate to the Department of State’s web portal, which can be found at https://travel.state.gov/.
- Look for ‘Track my application status’ or ‘Track my renewal application status’ and click on it.
- Click on the ‘Online Passport Status System’ option under the Applied in Person or Renewed by Mail section.
- Check the box next to the ‘Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts Notices and Disclaimers’ and click the Submit button.
- At the conclusion, you will be requested to enter your last name, date of birth, and last four digits of your social security number, correctly fill in the required credentials, and click the Submit button after completing the Captcha.
Contacting the National Passport Information Center
- To check the status of a US passport application, call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (ET) Monday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays.
After completing the above procedures, you will have successfully verified whether your US passport application is in process, approved, or mailed.
If the status of your US passport application is in process, it will take 6 to 8 weeks to be accepted.
Those whose application status is granted should be aware that it will be mailed within 2 to 3 weeks and delivered to their residential address between 10 to 14 days, with some cases taking up to 90 days.
How to Check on Passport Status by Email
You can also check your passport status via email. However, you should be aware that it is not as dependable as the preceding two approaches. If you believe this technique is better appropriate for you, please write an email to [email protected].
When you send the email inquiring about the progress of your application, provide your first and last name, application number, and date of birth.
Signing up for automatic updates will also notify you of your passport status without requiring you to constantly check the site.
This could be more dependable than sending an email and waiting for a response.
Read Also:
- World of Hyatt Credit Card
- How Early Should I Get to the Airport?
- What are the American Express Platinum Card Benefits?
- Spirit Airlines Customer Service Number
Is it Possible to Check the Status of Your Passport Renewal?
If you applied for a renewal rather than a new passport, you can also check the status of your passport.
You can monitor the progress of your passport renewal online or by phone, just like you did with your original application.
You should also wait up to 14 days after applying for the renewal before checking the status.
How to Check Your Passport Renewal by Phone
Checking your passport renewal status over the phone is likely the quickest way to obtain information.
To reach the National Passport Information Center, dial 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) and inquire about the status of your renewal.
You must, however, call them during regular business hours. That means calling between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
What if a US Passport is not Received Within 90 Days?
Once mailed, a US passport normally takes 10 to 14 days to arrive.
If you do not receive your passport within the estimated time frame, you must contact the National Passport Information Center and fill out a DS-86 form.
If your passport is not delivered within 90 days, you must reapply and pay the processing expenses.
What to Do if You Have not Received Your Passport
There are times when people notice a change in status and, seeing “Mailed,” they are eager to obtain their travel document.
However, after 10 business days, they have not received the document and begin to fear.
If you find yourself in this circumstance, the next step is to call the National Passport Information Center. You must submit the DS-86 Form.
It is also critical to bring up the fact that you did not obtain your paperwork on time, or you may have to repeat the full application process. According to the Department of State’s website:
“If you do not report the non-receipt of your passport within 90 days from the date it was issued, you will be required to reapply and pay all applicable fees.”
What Happens if You Changed Your Address?
If your mailing address changes after you complete your passport application, you should contact the National Passport Information Center.
This is an option for those who have a new address for their application form and passport delivery.
If you find yourself in this situation and want to ensure that your US passport arrives at the correct location, contact the National Passport Information Center.
Conclusion
Checking your passport status can be quite useful because it will tell you when your US passport will arrive. There are several ways to verify the status, including by phone, email, and online.
Choose the method that is most convenient for you so that you are always aware of the status of your passport application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my US passport renewal status?
To verify your status, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY). The center is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
How can I track my passport by token number?
All you have to do is text your 11-digit token number to 9988, and your passport status will be delivered to you immediately.
How many days will it take to renew your passport in the USA?
These increased processing periods are only applicable to new applications received on or after March 24, 2019. Processing time begins the day an application is received and does not include mailing time.
How long does it take to renew an expired US passport?
It could take up to two weeks from the time you mail your application to the time it says “In Process.” Then, regular processing can take 10 to 13 weeks, so allow for a 15-week wait before receiving your new passport.
How do I know if my passport is ready?
Call 1-877-487-2778. We will tell the agency handling your application of your trip date. Routine applications take 10-13 weeks to process, whereas expedited applications take 7-9 weeks.
How do I track my passport from the US embassy in Nigeria?
Send an email to [email protected] with a valid passport number in the subject and/or body, exactly as it was entered at the time the appointment was scheduled.
What is a passport reference number?
A passport reference number is a 12-digit code that you will be given after finishing the passport application procedure. It is a crucial reference number that allows you to track the status of your passport application online.
Can I travel with an expired passport?
A passport that has expired is no longer valid. If you are returning to the US on a direct trip, you can fly with an expired passport.