National passport processing center post office box 90155 philadelphia pa 19190 0155 phone number

Here's what you need to know to check your passport status.

Updated on April 15, 2022

You've booked your flight, booked your hotel, and now you're ready to jet off on your next international adventure. But before you do, you have to make sure your passport is still valid.

Some countries require your passport to be valid for six months after your intended visit, so it's important to make sure you renew before it expires. Renewing a passport can take up to 11 weeks (you can find current processing times on the State Department website), and you need to make sure you have a good photo.

If you're waiting on your new passport, there are a few ways to check the status of your application. 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

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. Your application status will be listed as "Not Found," "In Process," "Approved," or "Mailed." There, you can also sign up for automatic email updates by entering your email address.

Check Your Passport Status by Phone

You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to check on your status. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. You can use the automated system to check your passport information 24 hours a day.

What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Passport

If your passport has been issued, but you have not received it after at least 10 business days, you should call the National Passport Information Center and fill out a DS-86 form. You must report the fact that you have not received the passport within 90 days from the date it was issued, or you will have to reapply and pay the processing fees again.

What to Do If You Just Can’t Wait

Passport processing times can be over ten weeks, but if you just can't wait, you can pay an extra fee to expedite the application and have it processed in five to seven weeks.

If you have an emergency, like a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family for which you need to travel outside the U.S. within three days, you can make an appointment for the emergency passport service by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday (except for federal holidays) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time. For help outside those times, call 202-647-4000.

  Renew a Passport by Mail

You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport:

  • Is submitted with your application
  • Is undamaged (other than normal "wear and tear")
  • Was issued when you were age 16 or older
  • Was issued within the last 15 years
  • Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person using form DS-11.

Please note: If you are not in the United States, please see Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States.

How to Apply

1. Fill Out Form DS-11

 You may now complete the form online, print it and bring it in with you or you may print a blank form and complete it by hand.

Please choose from the following options:

Please note:

  • You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a.
  • You may request a larger passport book with 52 pages, at no additional cost, by checking the '52 page' box at the top of the DS-11.

2. Submit your Most Recent U.S. Passport

You must submit your most recent passport with your application.

Please note:

  • Your U.S. passport book and/or card must meet all of the requirements listed at the top of this page.  
  • Your old passport book and/or card will be returned to you, but generally it will come in a separate mailing from your new passport.

3. Include Name Change Documents (if applicable)

If the name you are currently using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a certified copy of the legal name change document. Examples include:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court-ordered name change document

Your name change document will be returned to you in a separate mailing from your new passport.

4. Provide a Photo

Attach one photograph to the application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements.

Please note:

  • Staple the photo to the application. Please use 4 staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges as possible.
  • Do not bend the photo.

5. Calculate Fees

  US DOS Passport Fee Calculator

Include the fees in the form of a personal check or money order. 

ProductFormApplication Fee
Passport Book DS-82 $110
Passport Card  DS-82 $30
Passport Book & Card DS-82 $140
  • Make checks or money orders payable to "U.S. Department of State." 
  • Please print the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check or money order.
  • Do not send cash. We are not responsible for cash sent through the mail.

For fees of other applications or services, please see Passport Fees.

6. Mail Completed Application

Mail your completed application, including your most recent passport, name change document (if applicable), photo, and fees, to one of the addresses below. Please see Processing Times for more details on service options.

Routine Service:

                National Passport Processing Center
                Post Office Box 90155
                Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Expedited Service (additional fee applies):
Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope.

                National Passport Processing Center
                Post Office Box 90955
                Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955

When mailing your passport application, please use:

  • An envelope large enough to fit the application without folding
  • A trackable delivery method

You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you need a passport quickly. Please see Get a Passport in a Hurry for more information. 

For a complete list of forms please see our Forms page

How can I speak to someone about my passport?

Call us at 1-877-487-2778.

Can I go to the passport office without an appointment?

You must book an appointment for an urgent passport application before you call or visit a centre. Use the normal service if you do not need a passport urgently.

Where are my documents after receiving my passport?

It may take 8 weeks after you receive your new passport for your supporting documents (e.g. birth certificate or previous passport) to arrive. If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to report that you have not received your documents.

How do I expedite my passport in Philadelphia?

Pay the $60 expedite fee in addition to the regular application fees. Note: your appointment must be within 14 calendar days of your international travel. If you need a foreign visa, the date of your appointment must be within 28 calendar days of your international travel.