How to Check Your US Passport Status
US passport status tracking services are available to you once you apply for your travel document. Usually, it takes between four and six weeks for the U.S. Department of State to process your request. However, there are many reasons why you may want to track your US passport application status during this waiting period. For example, you may have an upcoming trip and want to be sure that you will receive your document on time. On the other hand, you may have been waiting a while for your passport and want to make sure your ID is not lost in the mail.
Regardless of your circumstances, you may need to check your US passport status at some point. Fortunately, it is simple to find out where your passport is. Whether you are applying for your first passport or are renewing a current document, you can track your passport status in the US. However, before you take advantage of this service, it is important that you understand how to find the information you need.
What information do you need to check your passport status?
Many people wonder, “How do I check my passport status?” Individuals need to remember that there is specific information they must provide in order to access their passport statuses. Before applicants can obtain a passport status update, they need to submit information such as the applicant’s:
- Last name.
- Birth date.
- Last four digits of his or her Social Security Number (SSN).
Keep in mind that you cannot learn about the passport processing status for your document if you do not have all parts of this information. For example, you cannot learn how to check passport status by name if this is the only information you have. This is especially important to remember if you are attempting to learn the status of a friend or family member’s passport application for them.
How to Check Passport Status
It is important that you understand the steps you must take to check your passport application status. There are two ways you can figure out the status of your ID. If you do not have a reliable internet connection, you can track your passport status in the US by phone. To do this, you must contact the National Passport Information Center and provide the information listed above. In order to speak with a government representative, you must call during office hours. The center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturdays, you can call the center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How to Check Passport Status Online
You can also check your State Department passport status online. This is a convenient option if you have internet access. In order to conduct an online passport status check, you must log into the Online Passport Status System. Once you log in, you can sign up to receive automatic email updates so you can more easily track your application. However, keep in mind that it can take between seven and 10 business days for you to be able to track your application online once you apply.
How do you check your US passport renewal status?
If your current passport is about to expire and you apply for a new ID, you can check your passport renewal status. You can use either of the methods you would use for a new passport status lookup to check on your renewal application.
What if my passport is lost in the mail?
You may notice that there is a delay in the passport processing status for your document. You may also realize that your credential never arrives even though it should have. If your passport never arrived even though the National Passport Information Center says it was mailed out more than 10 days ago, contact the center. Then, you will likely need to fill out the Statement of Non-Receipt of a U.S. Passport Form DS-86.