Applying for a passport can be a lengthy process that requires submitting various documents and forms to the government for review. After applying, many people want to know if they can check the status of their passport application online as they await its approval.
Thankfully, the answer is yes - there are ways to check your passport application status through the official government website.
Checking Passport Application Status On The Official Website
The easiest way to check your passport application status is through the official website of the agency processing your passport. For U.S. passport applications, you can check your status on the U.S. Department of State's passport website.
To check online, you will need your passport application tracer number. This is provided when you apply and allows the Department of State to pull up your record.
Once you have your locator number, follow these steps:
- Go to the Department of State's passport status check website.
- Click on the "Check My Passport Application Status" button.
- Enter your tracer number and any other demand information exactly as it appears on your application.
- Click the "Submit" button.
The website will then display the current status of your passport application. It will show which stage of processing your application is in and provide an estimated time for when you will receive your passport.
Some of the different status messages you may see include
- Application received and pending
- Additional information required
- Application approved and mailed
- Passport printed and mailed
A quick and simple approach to acquiring official updates on the status of your passport from the processing center is to check online. You can check for new updates as frequently as you like.
For added security, ensure that you login UIDAI Aadhar card credentials when accessing the passport status check website. This will help you to protect your personal information during the verification process.
Contacting The National Passport Center
In some cases, the online status tool may not provide the full information you need. You can then get more details by contacting the National Passport Center directly.
The National Passport Center has passport specialists available to help with questions about application status. They have the most up-to-date information on individual applications.
To contact the National Passport Center:
- Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
- If calling from outside the United States, you can call 1-888-874-7793.
When you call, make sure to have your passport application locator number available. You will need to provide this to the passport agent helping you so they can access your application record.
Some of the ways a passport specialist can help include:
- Providing a more detailed application status than what is online
- Checking if any forms or payments are missing from your application
- Determining if you need to provide additional documentation
- Estimating when your application will be processed and a passport issued
Speaking directly with a passport agent gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have about your application status. They have the most up-to-date information and can let you know if any action is required on your part.
Checking Status For Routine And Expedited Applications
The way you check application status for routine and expedited passport applications is the same process. However, the processing times that the status reports reflect will be very different.
For routine service, it can take 8-11 weeks to process your passport application.
During this timeframe, you can expect your status to start as “application received,” then move to “in process,” and finally switch to “approved” when your passport is issued and mailed.
For expedited service, your passport application status will update much more quickly as it is processed in 2-3 weeks.
The status updates still start with “application received” but quickly move through the other stages in just a few days or weeks until “approved.”
No matter what service you paid for, checking your passport application status online and staying on top of any requests for additional documentation can help ensure your new passport is issued as quickly as possible. Not just the passport application status now you can also check Aadhar card status online.
Tracking The Mailing Of Your New Passport
Once your passport application is approved, your status will be updated to reflect your passport printed and mailed. But the passport agency providing your status online doesn’t actually handle mailing out new passports.
The approved applications are sent to a different contractor that prints and mails out completed passports in batches.
After your passport has been printed and shipped, you will want to track your passport envelope to see when it will be delivered. To track the mailing of your new passport:
- Wait 2-3 days after your status says “approved and mailed” to allow for processing time.
- Go to USPS.com or other carrier websites and use the tracking number for your passport envelope. This is provided when approved.
- Enter the tracking number and check delivery status updates showing when your envelope was shipped and the expected delivery date.
- Make sure you or someone else will be available to sign for and receive the passport envelope when delivered. A signature is usually required.
- Contact the postal service or courier immediately if the tracking shows your passport was delivered but you did not receive the envelope.
Tracking the mailing provides delivery updates and peace of mind so you know exactly when to expect your new passport’s arrival. Make sure to hold on to the tracking number from your application approval notice.
How Long After Applying Can I Check My Status?
You typically have to wait at least 24 hours after submitting your application before the record will be available to check online. The time frame can be 2-3 days if applying in person at a passport agency.
What Are Some Status Messages Other Than Approved?
Some common statuses before approval include application received, pending additional information, payment processed, and in process.
Does The Online Status Update In Real Time?
The online application status tool updates once daily overnight. So it may not always reflect very recent changes.
Can The Passport Agency Contact Me If There Are Issues?
Yes, the agency will try contacting you if your application is missing information or documents needed to finish processing it. But you should still check status regularly.
What If My Passport Is Lost After Being Mailed Out?
If tracking shows your passport was delivered but you can't find it, you must report a lost passport right away to protect yourself from identity theft.
Conclusion
Checking your passport application status online provides easy and convenient updates on your passport process. But be sure to also follow up by phone or mail if your application gets stuck in a status other than approved. Being proactive can help resolve any issues that are holding up your new passport.
