How long did it take you to get your US passport processed?

Question

I just sent mine to PA from CA.

I just received an auto-reply confirmation that they received my application. It stated that it takes 10-12 weeks. Whereas, when I emailed NPIC prior to sending it, they said 6-8 weeks. WTF?

I wonder which estimate I should go with? I sent my old passport in along with the application and photos.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The passport is processed for only a few days since there is already an advanced technology in documentation.

Answer 2

I applied the first week of Jan. 2007, and received it in 8-9 weeks.  But it was right after that, the backlog got real bad.  They used to let you go to the Caribbean at that time, with documentation that you applied.  Well they just lifted that, so things must not be as backlogged if they want the actual passport now.  But I think it always took about 8 weeks, unless you expedite it which cost more.  My step-kids expedited theirs the week after me, and they got theirs in 2 weeks.  But it cost $60@ more.

Answer 3

Since you are renewing yours it should go quicker. It's the new ones that take longer because they are not in the system yet. It use to take 45 days...then when everything changed and everyone was required to have one.....backlog time...set and watch the grass grow.

Answer 4

I go directly to the consulate to get mine updated or add pages and it has never taken more than 1 week. However, those idiots at the airport lost mine one time several years ago, and the substitute(which cost me $75!) did take a little longer because I went through the normal channels. Save yourself time, money and aggravation and go down to the local U.S. Embassy and have it done next time; they send them by diplomatic packet to the U.S. Dept. of State.

Answer 5

They tell you it will take much longer to give them some insurance. but i will expect it sooner. mine took about 8 weeks and i applied for one at the end of last year.

Answer 6

it all depends on any oncoming holidays?

mine took 4 weeks,exactly, so who knows? if they told 10 to 12 weeks? it is to give them time in order for you not to plan nor buy a plane ticket, as many people do ahead of time of reveiving their passport,

Answer 7

I applied for one last summer (NV to PA) and it took about 6 weeks.  I didn't pay for the express delivery.  At the time the mandatory passport wasn't in effect yet, so there wasn't the big rush of applications.

I saw on the news recently that the passport processing was finally "caught up", so hopefully it won't be the 10-12 wks.    Good luck.

Answer 8

My passport took three months. I had to ask for help from my Congress rep. They claimed I did not pay the fees, which I paid and could prove that i did. One word of advise, if you go in person to apply for your passport have someone with you as a witness, the person who handled my passport application was very rude and unkind. I speak with an accent, I am a citizen of this country in good standing for over 45 years, I immigrated from Germany to the US. I can only imagine how difficult she will make this process for anyone from the middle east. I applied for my passport in 1995 in the US at a Post Office.