Current passport processing times: 4-6 weeks for routine service

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

If you’re planning on renewing your passport this year, you should keep in mind that the U.S. Department of State is currently estimating four to six weeks for its routine passport service and two to three weeks for expedited service. These timings apply to both new passports and renewal applications.

The State Department advises travelers to renew their passports at least six months before planned travel, as many countries require visitors’ passports to be valid for six months to travel. Be sure to check the requirements of specific countries because some require validity for six months from the date of entry, while others mandate six months of validity from the date of intended departure.

Current processing times

Estimated wait times do not include mailing times, which may contribute a few weeks to the door-to-door time it takes to receive your passport.

Of course, remember that you can also pay an additional $60 to expedite your application for slightly faster service within two to three weeks.

Other things to know

For select urgent international travel, you can make an in-person appointment to expedite your passport processing. To qualify, your circumstances must fall into one of two categories:

• Life-or-death emergencies: For international travel within 14 days because an immediate family member outside of the U.S. has died, is dying (hospice care) or has a life-threatening illness or injury.
• Urgent travel: For international travel in less than two to three weeks.

For urgent travel, do not mail your application or apply at an acceptance facility. Instead, the State Department advises this group to apply in person at a passport agency or center 14 days ahead of the departure date for passports, or 28 days ahead for visas. If you have not applied, you need to make your appointment online; if you have already applied, call 877-487-2778 to update your situation.

However, even if you qualify for expedited service based on the above information, the State Department does not guarantee appointment availability.

Online passport renewal also remains available for all eligible U.S. citizens age 25 and over who want to save time (and a stamp) and renew online. Requirements are listed online. However, keep in mind that if you’re due to travel within six weeks of submitting your application, you are not eligible for online passport renewal — only routine service is offered online.

According to a spokesperson, the State Department has processed nearly 1,500,000 applications through the OPR system since it fully launched in September 2023.

“By moving away from the traditional paper application process, we are embracing digital transformation to offer a more secure, efficient, and convenient passport renewal experience for Americans,” the spokesperson said via email. “Every applicant who applies for a U.S. passport must establish their identity, U.S. citizenship and entitlement to a passport. Protecting the personal information of our customers is among our highest priorities.”

Bottom line

Regardless of your travel plans, submit your passport as early as possible for processing — six to nine months before expiration and/or travel plans.

The State Department regularly updates its website with the latest passport processing times for travelers.

Related reading:

• When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
• This trick could help you bypass long waits for passport renewals
• You might be able to get a second US passport — here’s how
• 5 things I learned when renewing my passport for the first time
• Can you get a same-day passport? We break down your options for a last-minute renewal or replacement