Government & Legal
How long government processes really take — passports, green cards, tax refunds, permits, licenses, and benefit approvals. Each answer covers the official processing time, the realistic end-to-end wait including mailing and backlogs, expedite options where they exist, and what each step costs. Whether you're renewing a driver's license, waiting on an IRS refund, applying for SNAP or unemployment benefits, or navigating immigration timelines, you'll find the typical range, the factors that cause delays, and practical tips for avoiding the common mistakes that restart the clock.
How Long Does It Take to Expunge a Record?
2–6 months in most states, though complex cases or backed-up courts can take up to 1 year. The process involves filing a petition, a background check, a possible hearing, and a judge's order.
How Long Does It Take to Close an Estate?
6–9 months for simple estates with no disputes. 1–2 years for moderate estates with real property or tax filings. Complex estates with litigation can take 3+ years.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Card?
1–30 days depending on your state. Some states issue digital cards instantly after approval, while others mail physical cards in 1–4 weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Name Change?
1–3 months from filing to court order, depending on your state and whether a hearing is required.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?
Instantly online through the IRS website. By fax, 4 business days. By mail, 4–5 weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Trademark?
12–18 months from filing to registration with the USPTO, assuming no office actions or oppositions. Complex cases can take 2–3 years or longer.
How Long Does It Take to Get TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck approval takes 3–5 days on average after your in-person enrollment appointment, though some applicants receive approval within 72 hours.
How Long Does It Take to Get US Citizenship?
18–24 months from application to oath ceremony. You must hold a green card for 3–5 years before you're eligible. Total timeline from green card to citizenship: 3–7 years.
How Long Does It Take to Register to Vote?
2–10 minutes to complete the registration form. Processing takes 1–4 weeks, after which you receive a voter registration card by mail confirming your eligibility.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Apostille?
2–8 weeks depending on whether you go through your state or the U.S. Department of State. Expedited services can cut it to 3–5 business days.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real ID?
1–3 weeks in most states. The DMV visit itself takes 30–60 minutes. Some states offer same-day issuance; others mail the card in 1–3 weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Liquor License?
2–6 months in most states, though some jurisdictions take up to 12 months. The timeline depends on the license type, state regulations, local hearings, and background check processing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report?
3–14 days for most police report copies. Simple incident reports may be ready in 1–3 days, while accident or complex investigation reports can take 2+ weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Power of Attorney?
1–3 days to draft, sign, and notarize. Using an attorney takes 3–7 days due to scheduling. Online legal services can produce a valid document in under an hour.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Permit?
A US Employment Authorization Document (EAD) takes 3–7 months to process on average, though some categories may take up to 12 months depending on the application type.
How Long Does Jury Duty Last?
1–2 days for selection, 2–5 days for a typical civil trial, and 1–4 weeks for criminal trials. Grand jury service lasts 1–18 months depending on jurisdiction.
How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Stepchild?
3–24 months from filing to finalization. Uncontested stepchild adoptions with consent from both biological parents typically take 3–6 months; contested cases can take 1–2 years.
How Long Does It Take to File a Restraining Order?
1–2 days for a temporary restraining order, 2–4 weeks for a permanent order. Emergency orders can be granted the same day you file.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contractor's License?
2–6 months from application to license in hand. The process includes meeting experience requirements, passing exams, obtaining bonds and insurance, and waiting for state processing.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Copyright?
1–8 months for U.S. Copyright Office registration. Online applications average 3–6 months; paper applications take 6–8 months. Copyright protection itself begins the moment a work is created.