---
title: "U.S. passport processing times"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: U.S. Department of State, \"Get Your Processing Time\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: travel
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Get Your Processing Time"
    publisher: U.S. Department of State
    url: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "Renew Your Passport by Mail"
    publisher: U.S. Department of State
    url: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# U.S. passport processing times

## Summary
As of 2026-10-14, routine passport processing takes 4–6 weeks and expedited takes 2–3 weeks (extra $60), not counting up to 2 weeks of mailing each way. Urgent travel within 14 days needs a passport agency appointment.

> **General information, not legal or travel advice. Rules, fees, and processing times change; confirm with travel.state.gov, TSA, or CBP before you travel.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Routine processing takes 4–6 weeks.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: Expedited processing takes 2–3 weeks for an extra $60.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Mailing is not included; allow up to 2 weeks for the application to arrive and up to 2 weeks for the passport to reach you.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Urgent travel requires a passport agency appointment and proof of international travel within 14 calendar days.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: The busiest period is late winter through summer; State recommends applying October–December.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: Status updates are emailed and available at passportstatus.state.gov.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Current times (change often)
  where: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
  access: open