State Department (Passports)

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The Department of State's Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system is now available to the American public 24/7. Millions of Americans can now renew their passports online at their convenience and from the comfort of their own homes. OPR is a secure and paperless process that makes it easier for Americans to renew their passports by eliminating the need to print a paper application, use a check, and physically mail their application. The OPR system is available at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.

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September is Passport Awareness Month! Before booking any travel, make sure to have your passport in hand first.

Did you know?

• Passport agencies are offering even more opportunities to apply for a passport during Passport Month by hosting special acceptance events throughout the month, including during evenings and weekends. These events can be found at: travel.state.gov/passportevents
• With the summer travel rush behind us, now is the best time to renew or apply for a first-time passport and benefit from low-processing times.
• Passport Services issued the highest number of passports in the nation’s history during FY2023.  Most passports arrive sooner with an average processing time for routine passport services of 6-8 weeks.

Please check you current passport’s expiration date and log onto https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html to find out how to renew and/or apply. If you need additional assistance, please fill out the privacy release form under our services tab and we will be happy to see what we can do to help.

Processing Times: Save $60 by applying now for routine service and expect to receive a passport in 10-12 weeks.*

If you need your passport in less than 10-12 weeks due to international travel plans, you can pay an additional $60 fee to expedite your passport. If you plan to expedite your application, send your application using USPS’ Priority Mail Express. Expect to receive a passport in 4-6 weeks when applying for expedited service.

These processing times apply to applications submitted by mail and in-person at an acceptance facility in your community. Most acceptance facilities such as post offices, clerks of court, and libraries are open and accepting passport applications. Apply by mail when possible because it is a safe, contactless option for certain services.

Status Updates: It may take up to 4 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” During these 4 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is scanned and sent to us. If your passport status update says “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to us.

Apply Early: Because of changing local COVID-19 rates and restrictions, we have an extremely limited number of appointments for in-person service if you are traveling in the next 72 hours (3 business days). Visit our Passport Agency and Center page to learn more.

Use Self-Service Tools Online: Our call center is experiencing extremely high call volumes with longer-than-usual wait times. You can get your questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools available on our site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Please find below the updated worldwide caution:

Event: Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should:

1. Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
2. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
3. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter and visit travel.state.gov.

This will be updated on travel.state.gov in the next few hours.