Are you planning an outbound trip only to find that your passport has expired? You have submitted your renewal application. However, you have no idea whether the passport office has received your application, whether your application is approved or when the new passport will arrive. The authority always advises us not to book a trip until we get the passport. The passport processing time ranges from a few weeks to months. Waiting aimlessly is annoying. Then you should continue reading this passage and find out how to track your passport renewal status.
Common Application Status
A passport application usually goes through a few stages, including revision, approval and mailing. Before learning about ways to track the progress, let’s see the common status that you will see.
- Applications Not Found
It takes a few days for your application to arrive at the passport office or center. That is to say, status updates are usually unavailable in the first few days. When you see “Not Found” or “Not Available”, it means your application is still in transit to the passport office. In the United States, this status might last for 2-6 weeks, so please wait patiently.
- Applications in Process
It indicates that your application is under review. How long this status remains depends on the service, whether the documents are complete and the workload of the authority.
- Applications Approved
It means your application is finally approved. Congratulations. you have gone through all the difficulties. The authority will print your passport.
- Passport Mailed
When you see this, the department has sent out the new passport to the address you registered. Mark the tracking number to trace your parcel. In the United States, your passport will arrive first and supporting documents later in a separate package.
How to Track Your Passport Renewal Status Online
It is the most convenient way to track passport status. In this case, you don’t need to visit a passport acceptance facility from time to time and you can access this service with a mobile phone or computer. In order to prevent long queues, many countries have launched online Passport Application Status Checker, such as the United States, UK, Canada, etc.
We will take the US as an example to explain how to track your passport renewal status online through the following steps.
- Visit the Online Passport Status System. By registering with an email address, you can also receive automatic email updates.
- Check to agree with the statement “I have read the Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts Notices and Disclaimers.” and click the “Submit” button.
- Provide the required information, such as date of birth, name and last 4 digits of SSN and verification code.
- Click the “Submit” button.
- By registering on
How to Track Your Passport Renewal Status by Phone
Calling to track passport status is another common method. In the United States, you can call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 during working hours (8:00 am – 10:00 pm Eastern Time from Monday to Friday).
In the UK, if you file a paper application, you can call 0300 222 0000 or 18001 0300 222 0222 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Friday, or 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and UK bank holidays.
In Canada, please call at toll-free number 1-800-567-6868 or direct number 1-819-997-8338 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday. when you are in Newfoundland and Labrador, call at 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
How to Track Your Passport Renewal Status in Person
The Canadian government allows applicants to walk into the passport office that deals with your application to enquire application status if applying by mail or in person. The working hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday in other provinces.
Tips for a Smooth Passport Renewal Process
Passport renewal is simpler than the first application. However, it still might be delayed due to incomplete or incorrect documentation, missing information, or accumulated applications in the passport offices. In order to ensure a hassle-free passport renewal process, here are some essential tips.
- Get Familiar with the Official Requirements
It is suggested to spend some time learning about what is required, including qualifications, application forms, proof of identity, passport photos and renewal fees. Insufficient documents will hinder the authority from reviewing your application. Worse still, misspellings or missing information on the application form will also lead to delay or rejection. To take a qualified passport photo, it is suggested to turn to a professional photographer, photo store or passport photo maker.
- Apply As Early As Possible
Passport renewal usually takes a few weeks and it might be extended in special conditions, such as epidemics, peak seasons, etc. You would never expect to receive the passport at the last minute, so we suggest you submit applications in advance and spare yourself enough time. If you are in urgent need, use the expedited services.
- Use Traceable Mail Services
When renewing passports by mail, it is suggested to use traceable mail services which allow you to monitor the progress.
FAQs:
Q: Can I track the status of my child’s passport application?
A: Yes, and the tracking methods are the same as that for adults, but make sure to enter your child’s information.
Q: What if my passport was “Mailed” but I didn’t receive it?
A: It takes a few days to deliver the new passport to you. Please contact the passport office after waiting for a longer time than the official claims. For example, you can call the National Passport Information Center if your US passport hasn’t arrived since the status is updated as “Mailed” for 2 weeks. You will be required to report filling out form DS-86 in 90 days to report the issue.
Q: What if my passport is not approved?
A: The authority will list the reasons for rejection. Just correct it within the required time and submit the application again. Common reasons include invalid passport photo, missing information, incomplete documentation or payment failure.
Q: What if I changed the address?
A: Please call the passport center and provide the correct one.
Q: Can I track application status when renewing passports abroad?
A: Yes. The online check is available despite your location. If you check by phone, pay attention to the time difference in working hours between your location and the domestic passport center.
Summary
Let’s make a conclusion. After submitting passport renewal applications, you can track the status online, by email, by phone or in person in most countries with personal information such as name, email, file number or ID number. You will see “Not Available” “in Process” “Approved” “Passport Mailed” or “Supporting Documents Mailed”. In order to ensure everything goes smoothly, we suggest you get familiar with the official requirements, apply as early as possible or use traceable mail services.
Erin Lo