How to Check Your Passport Status (Online and Offline)

By Writer Last updated Feb 15, 2022

Even if you have already booked your flight, booked your hotel, and are ready for your next international trip. Keep in mind that having a passport is a must if you want to go on a vacation in another country. This is why it is necessary that you know how to check your passport status so as to ensure that you have a valid passport.

However, this article summarizes everything you need to know on how to check your passport status. Besides, if you are currently waiting for a new passport, you should look into its current status so you can estimate how long it will be until the process is over. Moreover, there are a few ways to check the status of your application. To check your passport status, you will need to provide certain personal information such as your last name, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Furthermore, some countries may require your passport to be valid for six months after your intended visit. Therefore, it is important to ensure you renew before it expires. Although, renewing a passport can take more than 10 weeks you will also need to ensure you have a good photo. Besides, you can find current processing times on the State Department website.

Just as we mentioned earlier, this article summarizes everything you need to know on how to check your passport status. Nevertheless, there are a few things you will need to be able to check on passport status, and in this post, we will also be looking over the methods you can use.

Nonetheless, let’s take a look at one of the FAQs before we proceed to how to check your passport status.

Is It Possible to Check the Status of My Passport Application?

Yes, checking the status of your passport application is indeed possible. In fact, after you complete your passport application process and submit all the documents to the US Department of State, the next thing on your list is checking your passport application status.

Furthermore, it is important to keep track of your passport application so that you know when you will get your passport or where your personal documents are. Moreover, doing so will help you find out when you will have the new travel document so you can start planning your next trip.

However, you will not be able to check the status as soon as you send the application and documents. You will have to wait 7-10 business days since the date you made the application, after which it will be trackable online. Furthermore, you can also receive automatic updates on your application, by providing an email address. This can be done after you find your due application in the Online Passport Status System.

How to Check Your Passport Status

You should be aware that there are different methods you follow if you want to check your passport status. But, how you the check will totally depend on your preferences. To track your passport application, you will have to visit the Department of State website. Moreover, you can check your passport application status both online and offline. You can check it online, by phone, and by email. Either of the method you choose to follow, how you do the check will completely depend on your preferences.

How to Check Your Passport Status Online

This is one of the easiest ways to check your passport status. You can track your passport by checking the application’s status on the website of the State Department. However, it may take about 14 days to be able to check status updates. Therefore, it’s essential to wait and not panic if you don’t see an update until then.

Moreover, your application status will be listed as “Not Found,” “In Process,” “Approved,” or “Mailed.” There, you can also sign up for automatic email updates by entering your email address. That is if you’d rather receive the updates without having to check the website all the time.

Furthermore, below is a guide on how to check your application status online:

Firstly, you will need to access the State Department website and go to the Application Status section.
Then, in order to check the application status, click on the Online Passport Status System link.
You will see the Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts Notices and Disclaimers. Read it, and then tick the box and click on “Submit”.
Now, it is time to enter your date of birth, last name, and your Social Security Number’s last four digits.
You’ll see a code on your screen. Type in this code and then click on “Submit”.

How to Check Your Passport Status by Phone (Offline)

Another alternative way to check your passport status is by phone. This method of checking passport status is a very fast option and you will be able to get information directly from the National Passport Information Center. However, keep in mind that the center is only open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Eastern Time. Although Federal Holidays are excluded, timings may vary during holidays.

You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) and speak to a Customer Service Representative to check on your passport status. Moreover, you can also track your passport application status offline via the SMS method. You can get updates on your passport application status on your phone itself. Send “STATUS FILE NUMBER” from your registered mobile number to 9704100100. You can opt for this paid SMS service during your application time.

How to Check Your Passport Status by Email

Furthermore, it is also possible to check your passport status by email. However, you know that it is not as reliable as the previous two methods. But remember we said earlier that how you do the check will completely depend on your preferences. Therefore, if you think this method is more suitable for you, then you can just send an email to [email protected].

Moreover, ensure that when you send the email regarding your application status, you tell them your first and last name, application number, and date of birth. However, signing up for automatic updates will also tell you about your passport status without you having to check it on the site all the time. This may be more reliable than sending an email and waiting for an answer.

FAQs

Once you enter your details online or through a phone, you will have information of the date the passport office received your application and it would indicate at what stage of the application process your passport is. You will also be notified once the passport is sent to you through the mail.

Generally, it would arrive sooner but it is estimated to take up to six weeks for the arrival of the passport through mail. This applies to routine passport applications. For normal expedited processing, it can take up to three weeks. If you have chosen to get your passport expedited at an agency like 24 Hour Passport and Visas, you will have your passports in as soon as 24 Hours.

Is It Possible to Check the Status of my Passport Renewal?

You can also check the status of your passport if you applied for a renewal and not a new passport. Just like with the actual passport application, you can check the status of your renewal online or by phone. Also, you should wait up to 14 days after applying for the renewal to check the status.

How to Check Your Passport Renewal by Phone: Checking your passport renewal by phone is perhaps the easiest method to find out information as it is very quick. All you have to do is call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to reach the National Passport Information Center and ask them about the status of your renewal. You must make sure you call them during their operating hours, though. That means calling from Monday to Friday and between 8 AM and 10 PM.

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What to do if I Have not Received my Passport?

If your passport has been issued, but you have not received it after at least 10 business days, you should call the National Passport Information Center and fill out a DS-86 form. You must report the fact that you have not received the passport within 90 days from the date it was issued, or you will have to reapply and pay the processing fees again.

What Happens if I Changed my Address?

If you changed your mailing address after you’ve submitted your passport application, then you should reach out to the National Passport Information Center. This is an option available for people who now have a different address for their application form and passport delivery. Moreover, if you are in this situation and you want to make sure your United States Passport arrives at the right location, you should call the National Passport Information Center.

Furthermore, passport processing times can be over ten weeks, but if you just can’t wait, you can pay an extra fee to expedite the application and have it processed in four to six weeks. Therefore, if you have an emergency, such as a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family that you need to travel outside the U.S. for within three days, you can make an appointment for the emergency passport service by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday (except for federal holidays) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time. For help outside those times, call 202-647-4000.

In conclusion, it is very essential that you check your passport status, as it will let you know when you can expect your US Passport to arrive. Moreover, there are different ways to check the status, respectively by phone, email, or online. Choose the most convenient method for you so that you can always know what’s going on with your passport application.