How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport? 2026 Processing Times & How to Get It Faster

Whether you’re planning an overseas trip, a cruise, or finally renewing a passport that expired years ago, the first question is almost always the same: how long does it take to get a passport? The honest answer is that it depends on the time of year, the service level you choose, and how quickly you can produce one key document — your certified birth certificate.

Here’s a clear breakdown of 2026 U.S. passport processing times, what the timeline really looks like once you factor in mailing, and how to get your passport faster if you’re short on time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport in 2026?

According to the U.S. Department of State, current processing times are:

• • Routine processing: about 4–6 weeks

• • Expedited processing: about 2–3 weeks (for an extra $60 fee)

One important catch: these windows measure only the time the State Department spends reviewing your application at a passport agency or center. They do not include mailing time on either end.

The Real Timeline: Don’t Forget Mailing

Mailing can add up to four weeks to the total. It can take roughly 2 weeks for your application to reach the State Department and another 2 weeks for your finished passport to be mailed back to you. Adding it all up:

• • Routine, start to finish: roughly 6–10 weeks

• • Expedited, start to finish: roughly 4–7 weeks

You can shorten the return leg by paying for 1–3-day delivery on the outbound passport. Because these times shift with demand — especially during the spring and summer travel rush — always confirm the current estimate on the State Department’s official processing-times page before you rely on it.

What You Need Before You Apply: A Certified Birth Certificate

For first-time applicants, the biggest cause of delay isn’t the State Department — it’s not having the right documents ready. To apply for a U.S. passport, you must submit proof of U.S. citizenship, and the most common document for that is a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised or printed seal.

A few things commonly trip people up:

• • A hospital “souvenir” birth certificate is not accepted — you need a certified copy from the state vital records office.

• • The State Department generally requires a certified long-form birth certificate listing your parents’ names.

• • If your name today differs from the name on your birth certificate, you’ll also need a marriage certificate or court order to bridge the two.

For the full document list, see our guide on what birth certificate you need for a passport and the complete passport document checklist. If you don’t have a certified copy on hand, order your birth certificate first — and build that time into your overall plan.

How to Get a Passport Faster

If your trip is approaching, you have several ways to speed things up:

1. 1. Pay for expedited processing. For an extra $60, the State Department prioritizes your application, cutting review time to about 2–3 weeks.

1. 1. Add 1–3-day return shipping. This speeds up the mailing of your finished passport back to you.

1. 1. Book an urgent travel appointment. If you’re traveling internationally within 14 calendar days, you can request an in-person appointment at a passport agency. You’ll need proof of your upcoming travel, such as a flight itinerary.

1. 1. Don’t let your birth certificate be the bottleneck. If you also need to order or replace your birth certificate, choose rush or expedited birth certificate options so it doesn’t hold up your passport application.

First-Time Passport vs. Renewal: Different Timelines

Your situation affects how you apply and how fast it goes:

• • First-time applicants must apply in person using Form DS-11 and present proof of citizenship (your certified birth certificate) and a photo ID.

• • Renewals can often be completed by mail with Form DS-82 (and, increasingly, online), which tends to be smoother since your citizenship is already on file.

Either way, the processing windows above apply once your application reaches the State Department.

Planning Tip: Apply at Least 3 Months Ahead

Because total time can stretch to 10 weeks during busy periods — and because many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates — it’s smart to start the process at least three months before any international trip. If you’re cruising or driving to Canada or Mexico, also check whether a birth certificate alone is enough for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a passport in 2026?

Routine processing is about 4–6 weeks, and expedited processing is about 2–3 weeks, not counting mailing. With mailing, plan for roughly 6–10 weeks (routine) or 4–7 weeks (expedited).

How much does expedited passport service cost?

Expedited processing adds a $60 fee. Faster 1–3-day return shipping costs extra as well.

Can I get a passport in a few days?

Only through an urgent-travel appointment at a passport agency, which requires proof of international travel within 14 calendar days.

What document do I need to apply for a passport?

First-time applicants need a certified copy of their birth certificate (or another accepted proof of U.S. citizenship), a photo ID, and Form DS-11.

Start With the Right Document

Passport timelines are largely out of your hands once you apply — but the one thing you control is having a valid, certified birth certificate ready before you start. If you don’t have one, or your copy is a hospital version that won’t be accepted, Vital Records Online can help you request a certified birth certificate quickly, so a missing document doesn’t stand between you and your trip.

This article is for general informational purposes only. Passport processing times change frequently based on demand. Always confirm current timelines and requirements with the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov before applying.