How to Check Your Passport Status

Have you applied for a new passport? Or do you want to go on a vacation to another country? Even if you've already booked the hotel and flight for the next international adventure, you must ensure that you have a valid passport. On other hand, if you are currently waiting for a new passport, it is important that you know how to check your passport status. So you can estimate how long it will be until the process is over by checking its current status.

Moreover, certain countries will require your passport to be valid for six months after your intended visit, therefore, it is important to make sure you renew it before it expires. Which is another importance of knowing how to check your passport status.

Furthermore, there are a few ways to check the status of your application. You will need to provide certain personal information to be able to check your passport statuses, such as your last name, your date of birth, and the last four digit of your Social Security Number. However, this article will explain everything you need to know on how to check your passport status. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Is it Possible to Check the Status of Your Passport?

This is one of the frequently asked questions by most individuals. And the answer is yes, checking the status of your passport application is indeed possible. Doing so will help you keep track of your passport application and find out when you will have the new travel document so you can start planning your next trip.

Usually, 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. Moreover, checking your passport status will not only tell you where your personal documents are but also tells you when you will finally get the passport you are waiting for.

Furthermore, you will not be able to check the status of your passport as soon as you send the application and documents. You will have to wait 7-10 working days from the date you made the application to be able to check its status. Only then can the status will become trackable. Nonetheless, after you find your application in the Online Passport Status System, you can give them your email to receive automatic updates regarding the status.

How to Check Your Passport Status

If you want to check your passport status, you should know that there are a few ways to check the status of your application. However, the method you choose to do the check will depend on your preferences. You can check it online, by phone, and by email. Moreover, to check your passport status, you will need your last name, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Check Your Passport Status Online

Checking your passport status online is one of the easiest ways to do so. You can check the status of your passport application on the State Department's website — status updates are typically available 14 days after you apply or renew your passport.  So, it’s ok to wait and not panic if you don’t see an update until then.

Here are the steps to follow to check your status online:

1. Access the Online Passport Status System to check your application status.
2. 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”.
3. Then, you can go on and enter your personal details: your date of birth, last name, and your Social Security Number’s last four digits.
4. After that, you will see a code on your screen. Type in this code and then click on submit.
5. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to the State Department.
6. You can receive automatic email updates on the status of your application by entering your email address after locating your pending application in the Online Passport Status System.

Check Your Passport Status by Phone

Another option is to check your passport status by phone. It is a very fast option and you will be able to get information directly from the National Passport Information Center.

To check your passport status, you will have to 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. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. However, you can use the automated system to check your passport information 24 hours a day.

You can 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.

Check Passport Status by Email

Moreover, there's another alternative you can use to check passport status, which is by email. But you should know that it is not as dependable as the previous two options. If you think this method is more suitable for you, then you can just send an email to NPIC@state.gov. Moreover, when sending the email regarding your application status, make sure you include your first and last name, application number, and date of birth.

What Your Application Status Means

When you check your application status, it will appear as "Not Found", "In Process", “Approved” or “Mailed”. Here is the meaning of each status:

Not Found/ Not Available:

This means that your application is still in transit with the State Department. During this time, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into the online system. When your tracking number says "Arrived," your application has reached the mail facility. When your payment is processed, your application has reached the intake facility. It may take up to 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is "In Process" at one of the passport agencies and centers.

In Process:

This means your application is being reviewed at one of the agencies or centers. The length of time your application remains In Process depends on the service you selected and our current processing times.

Approved:

This means that your application has been completely reviewed and the printing of your complete passport will be commenced.

Mailed:

This means that your passport is being sent to the address you provided on your application. Moreover, your supporting documents such as birth certificates and previous passports will also be sent in a separate mailing that may not arrive for up to 4 weeks after you receive your new passport.

FAQs

Furthermore, here are some of the frequently asked questions from individuals who experience issues when attempting to check their passport status.

What should I do if I haven't received my passport?

If the Online Passport Status System says your newly-issued passport has been mailed out, but you have not received it after two weeks. Then you need to contact the National Passport Information Center. Customer service representatives will help you complete a special form (known as the DS-86 form) which is a signed statement that you didn't receive your US passport. However, you have 90 days from the date your passport was issued to complete the DS-86 form. After 90 days, you must reapply and pay all fees.

What happens if I changed my address?

If the mailing address you provided on your application has changed and you're waiting for a US passport book, passport card, or return of citizenship evidence documents. Then, you contact 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.

Passports can be delivered only if your name is connected to your address. If you want to receive your passport at an address other than your own, or an address where you are not registered, the passport must be sent “In Care Of” someone else.