Passport Mailing Tracking Guide (2025): How to Track What You Sent
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Send Documents with TrackingWaiting for your passport can be stressful. Between mailing your application and receiving your new passport, there's a lot of uncertainty. This guide shows you how to track your passport application at every stage—whether you need to track a passport renewal by mail or monitor USPS tracking for passport applications. We'll cover everything from confirming delivery to when your new passport arrives at your door.
Quick Links: Track Your Passport
- • Check Passport Status (State Department)
- • Track USPS Package (for your mailed application)
- • USPS Informed Delivery (see when your passport is coming)
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Three Stages of Passport Tracking
Tracking your passport involves three distinct phases, each with its own tracking method:
Outgoing: Your Application to State Dept
Track using your USPS/FedEx/UPS tracking number to confirm delivery to the processing center.
Processing: Application Being Reviewed
Track using the Online Passport Status System at passportstatus.state.gov.
Incoming: New Passport Shipped to You
Track via USPS Informed Delivery or the tracking number provided when status shows "Mailed."
Stage 1: Tracking Your Mailed Application
Before the State Department can track your application, you need to confirm it was delivered. This is why trackable mail is essential.
How to Track Your Outgoing Application
- Find your tracking number from your mail receipt
- Go to USPS.com/track (or carrier website)
- Enter your tracking number
- Confirm delivery to the processing center
- Save the delivery confirmation as proof
What to Look For
- • "Delivered" status confirms arrival at processing center
- • Save delivery date—this is when processing officially begins
- • If using Certified Mail, your return receipt will arrive separately
- • Allow about 2 weeks after delivery before status appears online
No Tracking Number?
If you mailed without tracking (not recommended), you'll have to wait until the Online Status System shows your application. This typically takes 2-4 weeks after mailing. Without tracking, you have no proof of delivery if something goes wrong.
Stage 2: Tracking Application Status
Once your application reaches the processing center, the State Department's Online Passport Status System becomes your primary tracking tool.
How to Check Your Status
- Go to passportstatus.state.gov
- Enter your last name
- Enter your date of birth
- Enter the last 4 digits of your SSN
- Click "Check Status"
When Status Becomes Available
- • Mail applications: About 2 weeks after delivery
- • Acceptance facility applications: 1-2 weeks after appointment
- • Agency appointments: Status may update same day
Sign Up for Email Updates
When you check your status, you can sign up for email notifications. The system will email you when your status changes, so you don't have to keep checking manually.
Stage 3: Tracking Your New Passport
When your status shows "Mailed", your new passport is on its way! Here's how to track it:
USPS Informed Delivery
The best way to track incoming passports is USPS Informed Delivery:
- Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com
- Verify your address
- Get daily emails showing what mail is coming
- See scanned images of envelopes before they arrive
What to Expect
- • Passports are typically sent via USPS Priority Mail, with supporting documents often returned separately via First-Class Mail
- • If you paid for 1–2 day delivery or expedited service, your passport may be sent via Priority Mail Express
- • Most people receive their passport within 1–2 weeks after status shows "Mailed"
- • Your old passport (cancelled) may arrive in a separate envelope
Signature Required?
Passports don't always require a signature. If no one is home, USPS may leave it in your mailbox or at your door. If you're concerned, leave a note for your carrier requesting signature or hold at post office.
What Passport Status Messages Mean
| Status | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Not Available | Application not yet received or entered into system | Wait about 2 weeks after mailing, then check again |
| Received | Application received and logged in | Wait for processing to begin |
| In Process | Application is being reviewed | Wait; most applications in this status for 4-6 weeks |
| Approved | Passport approved and being printed | Expect "Mailed" status soon |
| Mailed | Passport shipped to your address | Watch for delivery in 1–2 weeks |
| On Hold | Issue found—additional info needed | Wait for letter or call from State Dept |
"On Hold" Status
If your status shows "On Hold," there's an issue with your application. Common reasons include missing documents, incomplete forms, payment problems, or photo issues. The State Department will mail you a letter explaining what's needed. Respond promptly to avoid further delays.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Status Never Appears (After 4+ Weeks)
If your tracking shows delivery but status says "Not Available" after 4 weeks, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Have your tracking confirmation ready.
Passport Says "Mailed" But Never Arrives
If your passport shows "Mailed" but doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the State Department. You may need to file a claim and have a new passport issued.
Need Passport Sooner Than Expected
If you have urgent travel after submitting your application, call 1-877-487-2778 to discuss expediting options. You may be able to schedule an agency appointment for faster processing.
Application Lost in Mail
If your tracking shows the application was lost (or you didn't use tracking and it never arrives), you'll need to submit a new application. This is why trackable mail is essential—you'll have proof of what happened. See our lost mail guide for next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track my passport application status?
Use the Online Passport Status System at passportstatus.state.gov. Enter your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN. Status typically becomes available about 2 weeks after your application is received by the State Department.
Can I track my passport application in the mail?
Yes, if you sent your application via USPS Priority Mail, Certified Mail, or another trackable service, you can track delivery on USPS.com. Keep your tracking number to confirm when your application is delivered to the processing center.
How do I track my new passport being shipped to me?
When your passport is mailed, the status system will show "Mailed" with an expected delivery date. Passports are sent via USPS Priority Mail with tracking. Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to get notifications when it arrives.
Why does my status say "Not Available"?
This means your application hasn't been entered into the system yet. It typically takes about 2 weeks after delivery for status to appear. If it's been more than 4 weeks and tracking shows delivery, contact the National Passport Information Center.
How long does "In Process" status last?
For routine processing, "In Process" typically lasts 4-6 weeks. For expedited, it's usually 1-2 weeks. Processing times vary based on workload, so these are estimates. Check travel.state.gov for current processing times.
How long after my passport says "Mailed" will it arrive?
Most people receive their passport within 1–2 weeks after status shows "Mailed." If your passport hasn't arrived within 14 days of the "Mailed" status, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. You may need to complete Form DS-86 to report a non-receipt.
What if I need my passport urgently but it's still processing?
Contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. If you have documented travel within 14 days, you may be able to schedule an urgent appointment at a passport agency to complete processing faster.
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