How Long Does It Take to Renew a Passport?
Quick Answer
6–8 weeks for routine processing. Expedited service takes 2–3 weeks.
Typical Duration
2 weeks8 weeks
Quick Answer
Renewing a US passport takes 6–8 weeks with routine processing or 2–3 weeks with expedited service ($60 extra). Urgent travel within 14 days? You can get a same-day or next-day appointment at a regional passport agency. Processing times fluctuate with seasonal demand.
Processing Times by Service Level
| Service Level | Processing Time | Cost (Book) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine | 6–8 weeks | $130 renewal fee | No travel planned for 3+ months |
| Expedited (mail) | 2–3 weeks | $130 + $60 expedite fee | Travel within 2–3 months |
| Expedited at agency | Same day to 2 weeks | $130 + $60 | Urgent travel within 14 days |
| Life-or-death emergency | Same day | $130 + $60 | Death or serious illness of immediate family abroad |
Renewal Timeline (Routine)
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Mail application | Day 1 |
| Application received and entered | 1–2 weeks |
| Status changes to "In Process" | 2–3 weeks |
| Adjudication/printing | 3–6 weeks |
| Mailed back to you | 6–8 weeks total |
| Track status online | Check at travel.state.gov |
Eligibility for Mail Renewal (Form DS-82)
You can renew by mail if ALL of the following are true:
- Your most recent passport is undamaged and can be submitted.
- It was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- It was issued within the last 15 years.
- It was issued in your current name (or you have legal proof of name change).
If any condition isn’t met, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.
Seasonal Processing Variations
| Season | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| January–February | 6–7 weeks (low demand) |
| March–June | 8–11 weeks (peak demand) |
| July–August | 7–9 weeks (high demand) |
| September–December | 6–7 weeks (lower demand) |
How to Speed Up Your Renewal
- Pay the $60 expedite fee and write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope.
- Use overnight delivery (USPS Priority Mail Express) both ways.
- Apply early – many countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond your travel dates.
- Track your application status online at travel.state.gov.
- If traveling within 14 days, call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an agency appointment.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Submit a recent, compliant passport photo (taken within 6 months).
- Sign Form DS-82 with the same signature style as your current passport.
- Include your current passport – it will be returned with the new one.
- Double-check that all fields are complete and legible.