How long does it take to get a passport if I apply now?
If you apply for a US passport today, routine service takes 4 to 6 weeks and expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks for an extra 60 dollars, and neither includes mailing time. If traveling within 14 days, book an emergency passport agency appointment instead.
If you apply for your US passport today, your realistic timeline depends on the service level you choose and does not include the time your application spends in the mail. Routine service is best if your trip is more than 6 weeks away, while expedited service suits travel happening sooner than that.
Passport Timelines If You Apply Today
| Service Type | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 4 to 6 weeks | International travel more than 6 weeks away |
| Expedited (extra $60) | 2 to 3 weeks | Travel in less than 6 weeks |
| Urgent/Emergency Appointment | Same-day or accelerated processing | Travel in under 14 days, or 2 to 3 weeks if you also need a foreign visa |
Mailing Time Is Separate
None of the processing windows above include mailing time. Shipping your application to the processing center and receiving your finished passport back can add up to 2 weeks total. You can pay an extra $23.36 for 1 to 3 day delivery once your passport is printed to shave time off that final leg.
My Advice
Work backward from your actual travel date today: if it is under 14 days away, stop reading about routine or expedited mail options and book a regional passport agency appointment immediately, since neither standard service will realistically get you a passport in time otherwise.
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