Processing Times: Apply now for routine service and expect to receive a passport in 10-12 weeks*. Pay an additional $60 if you want to expedite your passport in 4-6 weeks.

These processing times apply to applications submitted by mail and in-person at an acceptance facility in your community. Most acceptance facilities such as post offices, clerks of court, and libraries are open and accepting passport applications. Apply by mail when possible because it is a safe, contactless option for certain services.

Use USPS' Priority Mail Express: We are experiencing delays in receiving passport applications due to unprecedented mail volume and other COVID-19 impacts on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). If you plan to expedite your passport application due to upcoming travel plans, we recommend that you send your application using USPS’ Priority Mail Express. 

Apply Early: Because of increases in COVID-19 cases and local health conditions, we have an extremely limited number of appointments for in-person service if you are traveling in the next 72 hours (3 business days). Agencies and centers in phase zero are offering appointments for customers with life-or-death emergencies only. In phases one, two, and three, agencies and centers are prioritizing customers with life-or-death emergencies and offering an extremely limited number of appointments if you have urgent travel in the next 72 hours (3 business days) for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency. Go to our Passport Agency and Center page for more information. 

Use Self-Service Tools Online: Our call center is experiencing extremely high call volumes with longer-than-usual wait times. You can get your questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools available on our site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

*Due to nationwide variations in staffing and temporary closures of some facilities due to COVID-19 cases, a small percentage of routine applications are taking longer than 12 weeks to process. If you applied for routine service more than 12 weeks ago and have not received your passport yet, we may also have sent you a letter requesting additional information to continue processing your application. Please respond to this letter.