The time it takes to renew a U.S. passport varies depending on the service level chosen:
- Routine processing typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks from when the application is received by the State Department
. Some sources mention it can take 6 to 9 weeks including delivery time
- Expedited processing (for an additional $60 fee) reduces the time to about 2 to 3 weeks, or 3 to 5 weeks according to some reports
- Urgent or emergency processing is available by appointment only for travelers with international travel within 14 calendar days. This can result in same-day or very fast passport issuance at a regional passport agency
Real-life user experiences from 2025 show routine renewals taking around 3 weeks to just over a month, especially when express shipping is used
. Online renewal is now possible for eligible applicants, but the processing time remains the same as mail renewals (4 to 6 weeks routine)
. In summary:
Service Type| Processing Time
---|---
Routine| 4 to 6 weeks (up to 9 weeks including delivery)
Expedited ($60 fee)| 2 to 3 weeks (3 to 5 weeks reported)
Urgent (appointment)| Within 14 days or faster
Applicants should apply well in advance of planned travel, ideally 9 months before expiration, to avoid delays
. This timeline includes the State Department processing but may not include mailing times to and from the processing center, which can add days to weeks
. Thus, renewing a passport generally takes between 4 to 6 weeks under routine service, with faster options available for additional fees or urgent travel needs.
