How long does it take to get a passport?

[leahjade]

I know there were problems and delays last year.

 

[Justsyd2]

It varies. I received mine within two weeks. Give yourself at least two months just to be safe.

 

[girli565]

I applied for mine during that time last year where there was a huge back up and I expected it to take forvever but I got it in a month. I was very surprised.

 

[minnie1928]

We ordered ours around New Years and received them in about 5-6 weeks.

 

[HsvTeacher]

My DH and I applied for our passports at different times. We both received ours exactly three weeks from the date we sent our paperwork.

 

[CTdiznymom]

We went to our local post office for ours on Tuesday March 9th. We haven't gotten them yet, but I know it was just processed bc my SIL does it for the passport office(no special treatment given!). Should be getting it in a week or two.

 

[JB2K]

I imagine there are some variables to consider when it comes to processing time:

• How close is your accepatance facility to one of the Passport Agencies (i.e., Chicago)?
  
• Are you a first-time applicant?
  
• Are you applying for the passport book, or the new passport card (used for land/sea travel in the Western Hemisphere)?

 

[Anjelica]

We just got our daughter's new one about a week ago. We ordered it in mid-February so around 4 weeks. She had an existing one but it was expiring this year.

 

[beansmom]

there is a space to indicate when you plan to travel, I assume they process the close dates first (it might even indicate that on the form). I was in the midst of the HUGE backup two years ago...and it took less than a month then but I did put I was traveling soon.

 

[kidshop]

I took mine 3 weeks and 1 day for a new one, mid jan 2010.

 

[dhuba]

My husband, myself and son got ours in January. My son and I applied at the post office near our house and my husband applied the same day at a post office just a few miles away on his way home from work. My son and I got ours in less than 2 weeks and my husband got his in 5 or 6 weeks. I always joked him that they must be checking his criminal past and shady relatives. LOL

 

[pcottrell]

I applied for my passport (as a first time applicant) on 3/2/10 and I received it in the mail today. So I guess the current processing time is about 2-3 weeks.
HTH

 

[travelbug]

I ordered my passport renewal on March 4, paid the fee for it to be expedited more quickly, and received it on March 12.

 

[debster812]

We got DS's in January in about 2.5-3 weeks. Our little town hall is a full service passport center, they even take the pictures, so it's easy peasy for us.

 

[cole6179]

We applied March 1 and received one of ours today. (The others are in the mail from when I checked the processing on their site) (So 17 days)

They say to allow 4-6 weeks. Or you can expedite for a crazy fee if you need it right away.

 

[dimimi]

I ordered my passport renewal on March 4, paid the fee for it to be expedited more quickly, and received it on March 12.

We went to the post office on March 1st...expedited...and received ours on March 8th.

On the other message boards I frequent, someone had the same turnaround without expediting! I would put in for the passport about 4-6 weeks before I had to travel.

Our passports were also renewals and not new, that may make a difference.

Just a reminder, be sure you check which country you are traveling to. Some countries require that your passport be valid 6 months after your return date...some 3 months, some just a valid passport.

 

[Mattsmommy]

We renewed my son's passport on Feb.19 and received it March 17

 

[disneymarie]

I know there were problems and delays last year.

I ordered a passcard instead of the book and it took 2 weeks. Good for everything but flying. Drive to Canada, and crusies are all I would use our for and nearly 1/2 the cost.

 

[beansmom]

I ordered a passcard instead of the book and it took 2 weeks. Good for everything but flying. Drive to Canada, and crusies are all I would use our for and nearly 1/2 the cost.

I disagree. You never KNOW what life will hand ya and if I'm going through the PITA to do a passport at all, I'm gonna go all the way and have it over.

I didn't PLAN my trips to London or Italy...they just came up. Best to be prepared. Now I know I can go anywhere (that i can afford! ) and not have to worry.

 

[thebeesknees]

I disagree. You never KNOW what life will hand ya and if I'm going through the PITA to do a passport at all, I'm gonna go all the way and have it over.

The other poster before you may not end up needing it, but that is exactly why we went ahead and got the books when we applied last week. No plans to fly overseas right now, but with family scattered around the world, we thought that there might come a time when we decide to go visit them, and it would be easier to have the book to begin with, just in case that ever happens.