For a standard U.S. passport, most people can expect to receive it in about 4 to 6 weeks after the government receives the application, not counting mailing time to and from the processing center.
Typical timelines
Routine processing for a new or renewed U.S. passport is currently quoted at roughly 4 to 6 weeks once the application is marked as received by the passport agency, and delivery to your home can add around 2 more weeks of mailing time. In practice, some recent applicants in 2025 have reported getting passports in as little as about 2 weeks when volume is low, but that is not guaranteed and should be treated as a pleasant surprise, not a plan.
Faster options
If you pay the additional government expedite fee (about 60 dollars), processing time is typically shortened to about 2 to 3 weeks after the application is received, again not counting mailing to and from the agency. For true emergencies with imminent international travel or serious family/medical situations, in‑person appointments at regional passport agencies can sometimes produce a passport within 24 to 72 hours, but these are limited and require proof of urgent travel.
Other countries
If you are not in the United States, the timing depends on your country’s passport office; for example, in the United Kingdom a standard passport application usually takes up to about 3 weeks once documents are received, though it can take longer if extra checks are needed. Many countries offer priority or fast‑track services for an extra fee that can reduce the wait to a few days, but availability and rules vary and you should check your government’s official passport website for exact current times.
