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Time It Takes To Get a Passport

Time It Takes To Get a Passport

Introduction

A passport is a travel document issued by the government that allows citizens to travel to other countries. Without a passport, travel to other countries is not possible. Obtaining a passport usually takes some time, and understanding the process is crucial for anyone planning to travel internationally. This article explores the time it takes to get a passport and provides updated information on the topic using government resources.

Overview of Passport Processing Times

The processing time for a passport varies depending on the type of passport applied for, the time of year, the current workload of the passport office, and the accuracy of the information provided. Generally, the processing time for a passport can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Below is an overview of passport processing times for different types of passports in the United States as of 2021.

– Routine Passports: The processing time for routine passport applications in the United States is currently 10-12 weeks. This includes first-time passport applications, passport renewals, and passport name changes.

– Expedited Passports: Expedited passport processing is an option for those who need their passport urgently (within 4-6 weeks). This service requires an additional fee and proof of travel is required.

– Same-Day Passports: Same-day passports are available for emergency situations such as a death of a family member or a medical emergency. This service is not available for all passport offices, and it requires an appointment, documentation of the emergency, and additional fees.

– Limited Validity Passports: Limited validity passports are issued for one year or less, and they are used for urgent overseas travel. They cannot be renewed, and if the travel extends past the validity, the traveler must apply for a new passport.

First-Time Passports

Obtaining a first-time passport can be a daunting process, but following the correct steps can make it easier. The first step is to complete the DS-11 form, which is the application for a U.S. passport. The DS-11 form is available online and can be completed electronically or printed and completed by hand. The next step is to gather the necessary documents. These include proof of citizenship, a valid photo ID, passport photos, and the application fee.

Proof of citizenship can be provided through a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of citizenship. A valid photo ID includes a driver’s license, a military ID, or a government employee ID. Passport photos are required to adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by the government. These guidelines can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Once the DS-11 form and necessary documents are collected, the next step is to submit them in person at an acceptance facility. Acceptance facilities are located in various places, including post offices, courthouses, and libraries. The agent will verify the information and collect the application fee, which currently is $110 for adults and $80 for children under 16.

After submitting the application, the processing time for a first-time passport is currently 10-12 weeks. It is important to note that the application must be submitted in person and cannot be submitted by mail.

Passport Renewals

Renewing a passport is a simpler and quicker process than applying for a first-time passport. Passport renewals can be done by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. To qualify for a passport renewal by mail, the following conditions must be met:

– The most recent U.S. passport is undamaged and was issued when the applicant was 16 years of age or older.
– The passport was issued within the last 15 years.
– The passport is in the applicant’s current name or a legal name change document has been submitted to replace any previous names since the passport was issued.

If these conditions are met, the passport renewal can be submitted by mail. The form to use is the DS-82 form, which is also available online. The completed form and the current passport must be submitted by mail along with the application fee. The processing time for a passport renewal submitted by mail is currently 10-12 weeks.

If the applicant does not meet the requirements for a renewal by mail, they must apply in person at an acceptance facility. The process is similar to applying for a first-time passport, including the submission of the DS-11 form, necessary documents, and the application fee. The processing time for a passport renewal submitted in person is currently 10-12 weeks.

Expedited Passport Processing

Expedited passport processing is an option for those who need their passport in a shorter amount of time. The processing time for expedited passport applications is currently 4-6 weeks. This service requires an additional fee of $60 and proof of travel plans. Proof of travel plans can include a flight itinerary, a hotel reservation, or a letter from a travel agency.

Expedited passport processing can be done for first-time passport applications, passport renewals, and passport name changes. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person at an acceptance facility.

Same-Day Passport Processing

Same-day passport processing is available for emergency situations such as a death of a family member or a medical emergency. This service is not available at all passport offices and requires an appointment. Proof of the emergency situation is required, and additional fees apply.

The same-day passport service is available for first-time passport applications, passport renewals, and passport name changes. The processing time is typically 24 hours, but it can be longer depending on the workload of the passport agency.

Limited Validity Passports

Limited validity passports are available for urgent overseas travel and are valid for one year or less. These passports cannot be renewed, and if the travel extends past the validity, the traveler must apply for a new passport.

Limited validity passports are typically issued in emergency situations, and the processing time varies depending on the urgency of the travel.

Conclusion

Obtaining a passport is a necessary step for anyone planning to travel internationally. The processing time for a passport varies depending on the type of passport applied for, the time of year, the workload of the passport agency, and the accuracy of the information provided. Generally, the processing time for a passport can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Following the correct steps, including completing the application forms, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting them at an acceptance facility or by mail, can make the process easier and ensure a quicker turnaround time. For those who need their passport urgently, expedited and same-day services are available but require additional fees and proof of travel or emergency situations.


One of the first considerations that a person considering getting a passport for the first time or renewing a passport will have to consider is how long does it take to get a passport. The time to get a passport varies slightly from passport application to passport application depending on if the particular applicant experiences any delay in their application process or their are challenges posed to some of the information, such as challenging whether the glasses worn by an individual in a passport photo are prescription or not.

However, the normal amount of time to get a passport can vary from between four to six weeks if a person chooses routine service, although the time to get a passport has tended to run closer to six weeks. If a person requests and elects to pay for expedited service, then the time to get a passport may be reduced to just two to three weeks, again tending to take longer rather than shorter.

There is nothing that a person will be able to do to reduce how long it takes to get a passport. It is always possible that the time to get a passport may be on the lower end of he time scale for a passport, although this is an increasingly rare occurrence as the demand for passports has risen in recent years.