How long does it take to get a passport after applying?
For a US passport, routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks and expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks for an extra 60 dollars, with processing starting the day your application arrives, not when mailed. Add up to 2 weeks each way for mailing time too.
Your US passport timeline depends on which processing speed you choose, and it only starts counting from the day the Department of State actually receives your application, not the day you mail it. Routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks, while expedited service cuts that down to 2 to 3 weeks for an added fee.
Passport Timeline by Service Type
| Service Type | Processing Time | Total Estimated Time With Mailing |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 4 to 6 weeks | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Expedited (extra $60) | 2 to 3 weeks | 4 to 7 weeks, faster with 1 to 3 day return shipping |
If You Are Traveling Soon
If you need to travel within 14 calendar days, or within 28 days if you need a foreign visa first, standard or expedited mail will not get there in time. In that case, book an urgent appointment at a Regional Passport Agency or Center. True life-or-death emergencies, such as needing to reach a dying or critically ill family member abroad within 14 days, qualify for an emergency appointment.
My Advice
Check your exact travel date against these windows before you decide on routine versus expedited service, and if you are within 6 weeks of travel, pay for expedited processing plus 1 to 3 day return delivery rather than risking standard mail eating into your remaining runway.
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