How long will it take to renew my U.S. passport? What to know before taking a summer trip

Megan Cardona
·3 min read
16

Passport processing times have extended again as U.S. travelers prepare for summer trips.

The State Department first reported an increase in passport application processing times ahead of spring break and called the demand for 2023 “unprecedented.”

Here’s how to make sure your passport is good to go before you travel.

How long does it take to process a U.S. passport?

Routine processing times have increased to 10 to 13 weeks and expedited services now take seven to nine weeks.

Processing times begin the day the department receives the application at a passport agency or center.

Routine processing times were previously six to nine weeks then went up to eight to eleven weeks ahead of spring break. Original expedited processing times took three to five weeks but then increased five to seven weeks during spring break demand.

If you are traveling within seven weeks, travelers can apply for an urgent travel processing appointment at an agency or center. The appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of the international travel date.

Processing for emergency — life or death — travel can be made on a limited basis at passport agencies and requires international travel within 72 hours.

Where can I renew my U.S. passport in Tarrant County?

There are five passport acceptance locations at subcourthouses in Tarrant County. The subcourthouses are located in Fort Worth, Hurst, Arlington, Lake Worth and Southlake. Wait times for these locations are listed on the website.

Other acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other local government offices.

Search passport acceptance facilities near you through the State Department’s “Passport Acceptance Facility Search” page.

How can I renew my U.S. passport?

Passports can only be renewed through mail or, if ineligible for mail, in person.

To renew by mail, all five of the following requirements must be met:

  • Passport must be in your possession to submit with application

  • Undamaged outside of normal wear and tear

  • Passport was issued when you were 16 years or older

  • Passport was issued in the last 15 years

  • Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change

If renewal applicants don’t meet all five requirements to renew by mail, they must go in-person to a passport processing facility.

In August 2022, the State Department launched a trial run of its online passport renewal service but temporarily closed it to new customers on Feb. 7.

The department plans to periodically reopen the service to new customers in a limited release before a full release later this year.

Since August, over 500,000 customers successfully submitted an application online, according to the State Department. Survey feedback is under review to improve the online renewal experience before it is reopened.

How much does a U.S. passport cost?

If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, the application fee is $130 for a passport book along with a $35 acceptance fee. Expedited processing is an additional $60.

If you’re renewing a passport, the application fee is $130 for a passport book.

Passport books are the only acceptable passports for international air travel.

Travelers can apply for a passport card if they are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean countries and Bermuda. Application fees for a passport card are $30. For first-time passport card applicants, an additional $35 fee is required.