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How Long will it Take to Get Your Passport?

The official word on passport wait time is about 10-12 weeks. This is without paying extra for a "expediting" service. I can tell you from experience that you may be waiting longer than 12 weeks for your passport to arrive. To be safe, I would plan on at least 12-15 weeks. With the mad rush to get passports in 2007, the wait times are bound to get longer.

Checking your Passport Application Status

First of all it will take a week or two after turning in your passport application to check the status online. When you check your passport status be sure and have the following information handy:

Last Name
Date of Birth
The Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

Temporary Travel Flexibility

There is some relief for travelers that have turned in their passport applications and have not received their official passport. If you are traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean, you could qualify for temporary travel flexibility. You will need a printout of your passport application for departure and re-entry into the United Sates.

Paying For Expedited Passport Service

If your in a bind and you need your passport ASAP, you can pay a fee to have your passport expedited. There are many options to choose from, I have even seen a 24 hour passport option starting at $325, look around a bit to find a deal that suits you. I can't vouch for any passport service since I haven't used one. Generally, the expedited passport service can have your passport to you within 3 weeks time for under $100. If you have already applied for a passport through the United States Government you will not qualify for expedited service.

New Passport Applications

You need to show up in person if you have never applied and received a U.S. passport. There are passport facilities across the United States so check your local listings to find one near you. You must have proof of United States citizenship and a photo I. D. such as a drivers license or state identification card to apply for a new passport.

Passport Renewals

You can renew your passport by mail if your old passport is not damaged and in your possession. Also you would need to have received your original passport within the past 15 years. Passport renewal applications can be downloaded from many places on the Internet. If the old passport has been altered, damaged or lost you must apply for your renewal in person.