How long does it take to get a passport?

How long does it take to get a passport?

Many people all across the United States ask the question: how long does it take to get a passport? There are a few answers for this broad question because it all depends on where you applied for your passport. There are many different options to get a passport, and each comes with a different passport processing time.

I applied at the local post office:

If you applied at the local post office there are two types of service you are offered: routine or expedited passport service. If you selected routine passport service, the passport processing time can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks depending on the time of year and the number of passport applications being processed. If you selected expedited service at the post office it may take 2-3 weeks, though it’s not guaranteed. The bottom line is that the post office acts as an acceptance agency and mails your passport application off to the National Passport Processing Center in New Hampshire.

I applied at the Regional Passport Agency:

Many states give you the option to apply at a Regional Passport Agency. Regional Passport Agencies are located nationwide from Hawaii to New York. They are usually located in major cities, so if you are not close to one, you may not have this option easily available. If you make an appointment at the regional passport agency depending on your travel date, you can wait in line and have the passport released in 1-8 business days.

I need my passport faster!

If you need your passport fast, and the Regional Passport Agency doesn’t work for you, you can expedite using a private expediting courier company. Fastport Passport is registered with the U.S. Department of State to hand deliver your passport application to a Regional Passport Agency on your behalf. This means you can do the entire expediting process through your local post office. You simply gather the documents from our Instructional Checklist and follow the easy steps. Once we get the documents from you, our processing times begin. We offer 5 different service options: from two week service all the way to 24 hour service.