We all know that traveling abroad is exciting, but dealing with passports? Not so much. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing an old one, or replacing a lost or damaged document, the process can take longer than expected—and might involve more paperwork than you’d think.
To help you avoid unnecessary delays, we’ve put together this guide to make sure you get your passport on time with as little hassle as possible.
How Long Will It Take to Get Your Passport?
Right now, the U.S. State Department estimates that a routine passport application takes about four to six weeks, while opting for expedited service shortens that window to two to three weeks. That’s a major improvement from the extended processing times seen during the pandemic, when wait times stretched from six to eight weeks—and at one point, even up to 12 to 18 weeks due to the overwhelming backlog.
If you’re looking for the fastest turnaround, applying between October and December might work in your favor. This is considered the slow season for passport applications, so processing times could be quicker.
There’s another convenient option, too.
As of September 18, 2024, most passport renewals can be done entirely online, any time of day. This eliminates the hassle of mailing in a paper application—a process that can feel even longer since the official processing time only starts when the agency receives your documents, not when you send them.
Fast-Tracking Your Passport Application
If you’re in a time crunch, getting a passport quickly is possible—but it comes at a price. Third-party services like RushMyPassport or ItsEasy Passport & Visa Service or specialize in speeding up the process. For a hefty fee (starting at around $300), these companies will personally handle your application by submitting it directly to a passport agency on your behalf.
For a more affordable option, the U.S. government offers an expedited service for an extra $60. Depending on demand, this can shorten the processing time to anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
If you need your passport within days, you’ll have to visit one of the 27 passport agencies across the country and apply in person for an emergency or same-day passport. To qualify, you must provide proof of urgency—this could be a confirmed flight itinerary, a death certificate, or a doctor’s signed letter in life-or-death situations. Appointments can be booked online, but for the most up-to-date information, it’s best to call the passport hotline at 877-487-2778.
If visiting a passport agency isn’t an option, you can still apply for expedited processing by mail. Keep in mind that the two-to-three-week timeframe only starts when your documents reach the agency—not when you send them. If waiting that long isn’t feasible, using a private expediting service might be the better route.
What Can Slow Down Your Passport Application?
Even a small mistake can throw off the entire process, so it’s worth double-checking everything before submitting your application. Something as minor as a missing signature or an incomplete section on a form can create unnecessary delays—especially if time is tight. Your passport photo can also be a problem. If you’re wearing glasses or smiling with visible teeth, there’s a good chance it’ll get rejected. If that happens, you’ll have 90 days to submit a new one that meets the requirements.
Beyond paperwork errors, certain financial and legal issues can prevent approval. If you owe more than $2,500 in child support or have unpaid tax debt, that could put your application on hold. Probation status or past felony convictions might also affect eligibility. In some cases, the government may ask for additional proof of citizenship before issuing your passport.
And here’s the tough part—application fees aren’t refundable. If your passport is denied, you won’t get your money back. The best way forward? Figure out what caused the issue, fix it, and apply again.
Passport Fees and Application Process
Applying for a passport comes with a fee, and the amount depends on whether it’s your first time or a renewal. First-time applicants need to submit a $165 payment—this includes a $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee. Payments must be made via check or money order.
For children under 16, the total cost is $100 for the passport application, plus a $35 acceptance fee, making the full amount $135.
If you’re renewing an adult passport, the process is a bit simpler. You’ll only need to cover the $130 application fee, and if you qualify for online renewal, you can conveniently pay using a credit card.
Important Details to Keep in Mind When Applying for a Passport
Even if you have a valid passport, some countries won’t let you in unless it’s good for at least six months beyond your arrival date. That means your passport is functionally valid for about 9.5 years instead of the full 10 years printed on it. Another potential roadblock? Some countries require anywhere from one to six blank pages for visa stamps.
Overlooking these details could mean getting turned away at the airport, so it’s always a good idea to check entry requirements for every destination—and even layover locations—before traveling.
When you receive your new passport, don’t be alarmed if your old one comes back with a hole punched through the cover—that’s how the agency marks it as invalid. Just make sure you don’t accidentally grab the wrong passport before a trip.
For those who travel frequently, it’s possible to apply for a second U.S. passport. This can be useful if you need to send one out for a visa application but still need to travel in the meantime. The catch? A second passport is only valid for up to four years.
Another option is requesting extra pages when applying for a new passport. This is helpful if you travel often and need more space for visas and stamps. Just keep in mind that extra pages won’t solve the issue if you need to send the passport off for visa processing.
