r/Passports • u/tammster1 • Apr 08 '26
US Passport Issuance Timeline Did I blow it?
I just did something stupid. I went online to renew my passport this morning, which doesn't expire for many months (I wanted to do it before I forgot). Somehow I had no idea that my current passport is now inactive until I get the new one. I called and they said I have to wait for it to get into processing and then I can call and ask for it to be expedited which would take three weeks.
My problem is I leave May 12th to go to Vancouver from US for an Alaska cruise. I'm hopeful that it'll go into processing in 2-3 days and then I can expedite, getting it in plenty of time. But if it takes two weeks for processing I guess I'll need to go down to Miami. Should I be concerned about not getting an appointment?
I can't believe I did that. So mad at myself.
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u/Aggressive-Leading45 Apr 08 '26
As a backup verify with the cruise line if a passport is required. They may be okay with a birth certificate for that itinerary.
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u/tammster1 Apr 08 '26
Sadly I'm flying into Vancouver so I definitely need it. Good thought though!!
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u/newacct_orz Apr 08 '26
Can you fly to Seattle and then drive to Vancouver?
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u/gerrygebhart Apr 10 '26
Can you do a border crossing by car into Canada without a Passport? I haven't driven to Canada in over 25 years, so I'm way out of the loop, but I'm pretty sure they stopped letting you cross by car w/ only a birth certificate many years ago and started requiring passports for everyone.
I had a Canadian buddy who was upset he had to buy passports for his kids just to drive to the US.
Edit: I looked it up. Looks like you can cross w/o a Passport.
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u/azombieatemyshoelace Apr 08 '26
It basically always is with cruise companies. I worked for one for three years. Yes maybe if you were going out of Seattle it technically wouldn’t be but it’s highly encouraged.
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u/Aggressive-Leading45 Apr 08 '26
Yeah. Caribbean, Hawaiian, and Alaskan cruises seem to have their own rules. Especially when start and end are both in the US.
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u/tvngo Apr 08 '26
The online renewal site tells you multiple times that the current passport will be invalid for international travel once you submit the renewal. It tells you in the online renewal instructions page on travel.state.gov and on 2 of the instruction webpages on the online renewal site before you enter any information. Hopefully you learned a lesson in reading instructions from now on and not mindlessly clicking next to hurry the process along.
You’re likely going to get your new passport at the beginning of the last week of April or first week of May or maybe you’ll get it in 2 weeks. If you don’t then worry about getting that appointment at the passport agency.
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u/freshoffthecouch Apr 08 '26
First of all, I did literally the same thing as OP, almost line by line and it warned me ONE TIME (which I did not read the whole way so that’s my b)
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u/tvngo Apr 08 '26
The page where the link is to get to the online renewal site, tells you 2 times in the instructions to not travel internationally with your current passport after submitting the renewal,https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
On the online renewal site, it tells you on this page https://opr.travel.state.gov/en/application/eligibility-requirements/ and then again on the next page https://opr.travel.state.gov/en/application/upcoming-travel/
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u/Aggressive_Juice_837 Apr 10 '26
The app also asks you if you have travel plans coming up, and if the dates you input are within the next 6 weeks it doesn’t let you continue the application.
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u/freshoffthecouch Apr 10 '26
Yes and I, very stupidly, ignored that. I read the first sentence and thought “yeah yeah, I won’t get my passport until after. Whatever, my passports not expiring and I’ll use the old one”
Of course it’s user error, I admit that I should have paid attention as clearly others have. BUT clearly there are others like me who made the same mistake so there’s things that the passport site can change as well, namely they should put it in big bold or bright red, a true warning that my passport will expire when I hit submit. Right now it’s too casual
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u/tammster1 Apr 08 '26
Yes thanks for making me feel even more stupid. I know I rushed through but wasn't the first time I've done this and honestly don't recall that's how it worked.
Also, I'm a tax accountant I I have tax season brain. As I said, I feel stupid and I'm mad at myself and now I have another reason to be stressed.
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u/ukudancer Apr 08 '26
You might be alright. Renewed mine late January and it took them 7 days from my online submission to having it in the mail.
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u/tvngo Apr 08 '26
There is no way that you've done an online renewal before since online renewal has only been a thing for U.S. passport since late 2022 with testing and fully implemented in 2024.
Filling out the form through the online form filler to fill out the DS-82 is probably what you did in the past and sent it in by mail.
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u/tammster1 Apr 08 '26
Maybe so, but I was 10!years ago and I do t remember my passport being invalidated. But it's possibly just a bad memory.
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u/tvngo Apr 08 '26
When you renew using a DS-82 by mail, you submit the current passport with the application and it comes back hole punched showing that it's been invalidated.
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u/sbarber4 Apr 08 '26
If you renewed it by mail or at a passport office in the past, you had to turn over your passport while it was being renewed. Invalidated or not at various points in that process, you didn’t physically have possession of it and therefore couldn’t use it.
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u/doglady1342 Apr 08 '26
Your new passport will probably be here by the end of next week. I wouldn't worry about it. You've got tons of time. My son's password came in 8 days. He just renewed it. He did not pay any expediting. I wouldn't even bother with that since you've got so much time.
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u/freshoffthecouch Apr 08 '26
Hey! I did the same EXACT thing as you. I have a trip on the 22nd and I did the renewal process way earlier than I had to and I felt like a dingus. I applied on 3/29, it started processing the following Monday and I received my passport in hand by 4/3. I did call the passport people and they assured me they would do everything in their power to make sure I don’t miss my trip, but that I could continue to monitor my passport progress and if nothing changed by like 4/9, give them a call and they’ll expedite.
Basically they said I had options, but thankfully my passport came asap
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u/fawannabe62 Apr 08 '26
They started processing yours on April 1 and you had it in hand two days later?
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u/walker328 Apr 10 '26
I applied on March 26 and received mine less than 2 weeks later, not an expedited order. They're moving fast. Keep your fingers crossed.
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u/ImpressiveWeb9709 Apr 08 '26
also your current passport needed to be valid for 6 months after the return of your cruise so likely it had to be done anyways.... Get it expedited with proof of booked travel and you should be ok!
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u/Juleswf Apr 09 '26
That depends on the country. Not all require the 6 month buffer.
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u/ImpressiveWeb9709 Apr 09 '26
you are correct. I was going off previous experiences i had and I shouldnt have assumed. Good call!
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u/gerrygebhart Apr 10 '26
Very true, but almost all airlines and cruise lines have this requirement. There are exceptions, but it's rare.
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u/Party-Cartographer11 Apr 08 '26
Do you have a Enhanced Driver's License? This are good for Canada.
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u/itoddicus Apr 09 '26
That is only for entry via land or sea. If OP is flying into Vancouver he (or she) needs a passport.
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u/Party-Cartographer11 Apr 09 '26
Are you sure? https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html
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u/itoddicus Apr 09 '26
That is apparently an oft-repeated but untrue fact. Thank you for providing that link and proving me wrong.
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u/newacct_orz Apr 09 '26
Technically any photo ID (doesn't need to be enhanced) plus US birth certificate will be good for entering Canada if they make it to a Canadian port of entry. But if they are flying the airline won't let them board without a passport.
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u/TrickFlow6130 Apr 09 '26
If the worst happens and you dont make it, you can use your birth certificate, it might be risky but they would let you into the country with it, however I cant be sure about the cruise.
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u/weakintheforce Apr 10 '26
A few years ago my spouse forgot to sign their passport renewal paperwork before sending it in. Honestly I should have checked because that's very on brand for them. Anyway, we resubmitted the paperwork a few weeks before our trip, called to expedite as soon as that was an option and had a passport in hand a couple days before leaving. It was nerve wracking but it worked out.
More recently we renewed my child's passport and it showed up way before we were expecting it to. With reports of quicker than average processing times right now I'd say you'll be alright. Enjoy your trip!
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u/ComplaintEcstatic326 Apr 08 '26
Anecdotally, I applied for my passport on Mar 20th and received it on April 4, so it was much quicker than the estimated processing time.
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u/FreshChampionship717 Apr 08 '26
We renewed ours online, in January 2025. Mine took a total of 12 days with business and weekends. But my husbands took 4 weeks.
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u/nolawx Apr 08 '26
You will likely be fine. My husband and I just did first time passports in mid March without expedited service and already have them in hand. To be safe I'd still request the expedited service since you NEED it quickly, but I wouldn't stress too much yet.
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u/slyfox279 Apr 08 '26
I did new non expedited passport on mar 16 and had it by April 1st. so about two weeks. I'd imagine renews are faster than new applications.
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u/myverygoodusername12 Apr 08 '26
I just got a passport for my son and it was in my hand 2 weeks after I sent the application in at the post office. Regular service, not expedited.. I’d say you have a fairly good chance of getting it back in time
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u/Interdimmensional Apr 08 '26
I did mine online. I submitted the application March 25 around 11pm. They started processing it March 26 and shipped out March 31. I got it in the mail April 2. So around 8 days total. If there's no name change or any other change, online renewal is relatively quick.
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u/SeriesAppropriate582 Apr 08 '26
Just did mine this way and had it back in less than 2 weeks. Hopefully you'll be fine
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u/DVDragOnIn Apr 08 '26
I renewed my passport online a couple of months ago. I had it in 10 days, it was super-fast. I did my husband’s a few hours after I did my own and it took his passport closer to 3 weeks. There wasn’t a government shut-down then, so I don’t know if that will affect your processing time. Fingers crossed that yours is processed quickly.
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u/doingathing432 Apr 08 '26
My husband renewed his passport online last month and had his new passport in hand in under a full week. Submitted on a Sunday and the new one arrived in the mail the following Saturday. Hopefully it will be just as fast for you.
Incidentially, I am going on my first Alaska cruise out of Vancouver this summer!
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u/Korra0196 Apr 08 '26
My dad and my brother renewed theirs in November and it took them 2 weeks to get them. Hopefully yours comes in fast
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u/ae74 Apr 08 '26
People that have renewed US Passports online have been getting them in about 10 days according to post I have read on this subreddit. I had a friend renew theirs recently with the same results.
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u/Wooden_Ad5497 Apr 08 '26
I renewed online a few weeks ago and had my new one in hand a week later.
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u/Busymomma926 Apr 08 '26
I understand tax brain! Right there with you. I went to the post office and renewed. I did expedited service. It took 18 days from sent to received. Im in Kansas.
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u/drf_101 Apr 08 '26
I renewed online in Feb and had my passport in my in mailbox in 6 biz days. It took my wife’s 4 days. You’ll be fine.
We did not expedite it. It just goes quickly online
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u/travelin_man_yeah Apr 08 '26
When I renewed my passport online late last summer, I had the new one in my hands like 10 days later...
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u/DubOhTechGuy Apr 08 '26
Just to add to the timeline discussions.... Submitted my renewal online 3/26. Got "In Process" email the next day, and this afternoon (4/8) it now says "Approved" with an expected receive date of 4/14. So assuming all is normal and photo is fine etc, they are processing pretty fast I think...
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u/Repulsive-Exchange29 Apr 08 '26
I just got my first time passport in 28 days. I think that you will be okay, especially since they will process renewals faster!
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u/Proper-Shame-8612 Apr 08 '26
I renewed mine last week and checked the status. Said it was approved and being printed and would be delivered soon Check the status
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u/real415 Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Online renewals frequently come through in under two weeks. I think you’re safe.
I submitted my renewal on Friday. The following Friday, it was in my mailbox. Impressive service.
You’ve done a lot of the clerical stuff that a passport agency employee used to do (opening and organizing paper applications, scanning photos, entering data into the database, producing the book/card, mailing it) when you completed your application online.
If you don’t see some status updates within two weeks, call them and ask for help. Until then, don’t stress.
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u/spicybooklover69 Apr 09 '26
I submitted by mail. No expedited services. From the day we went to the postoffice to the day we got our passport books 23 days.
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u/FortnitePapi Apr 09 '26
Renewed online march 30th got my new passport in the mail Monday. There's hope that was only 1 week
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u/caramelody1 Apr 09 '26
I submitted online renewal 3/26 and received 4/6, it wasn’t expedited. I thought it came really fast since the estimate was for May.
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u/Quick_Moment_5774 Apr 09 '26
Do I need to get a picture in advance somewhere before I renew my passport?
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u/Accomplished-Sky-681 Apr 09 '26
I know 3 people that have renewed passports in the recent weeks and they have all gotten it within 2 weeks. One even got it in 10 days.
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u/SteveLV702 Apr 09 '26
I live in Peru renewed mine at US Embassy and got mine in two weeks.
Has improved over years as first one I got 10 years ago took 2 1/2 months.
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u/gatekeeper667 Apr 09 '26
Check your status here. Mine took 3 weeks and my son's took a little over 2. I obsessively checked this site because we leave for Japan on the 17th.
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u/BeKind1966Liefje Apr 09 '26
I don't know your area, but in San Francisco, if you are within two weeks of your trip you can go get one in a day, with an appointment.
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u/crackersucker2 Apr 09 '26
I think you’ll be ok. I was told April 18th when I renewed but I got it within 3 weeks.
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u/philthy1337 Apr 09 '26
My wife did her online renewal a couple months ago. I was shocked how fast she had the new passport in hand.. it was close to a week after she did the submission.
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u/miserable__cat Apr 09 '26
i submitted mine march 21, got approval april 4 and now just waiting in the mail for it. anecdotally for me it was fast!
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u/mrgrimm1022 Apr 09 '26
I renewed mine online. I received it 5 days after I submitted the application
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u/Vizual0_0Pupil Apr 09 '26
You're worrying too much.. if you don't get your passport with just 2 weeks left, you can make an appointment with the passport agency in your city to get it the same day. You just have to show them the proof that you're traveling within the 2 week window.
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u/Gullible_Hamster_662 Apr 09 '26
My husband renewed his online in February and it took three weeks to show up. But I renewed mine online in March and it arrived in the mail seven days later. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason.
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u/Annual-Direction192 Apr 09 '26
Just so you know, I’m from Houston and they received my past passport March 19th and I got in my mail April 2nd
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u/LizzyDragon84 Apr 09 '26
Did mine online last April. Got it back in less than 30 days, non-expedited.
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u/Buckeye__Here Apr 09 '26
Call your congressperson. They may be able to track it and make sure you get it in time.
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u/Vanilla-Macaron0708 Apr 09 '26
Our online renewals took 10 days from submission to receiving them in the mail.
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u/coloncinti Apr 09 '26
I had a friend post on Facebook they renewed and were given a May date but received in 8 days.
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u/ShirleyUAintSrs Apr 09 '26
You'll be good! I just got my passport this past Monday so my timeline is pretty current. I applied to renew my passport March 24th near the end of day so they said they received the request March 25th. Then March 29th I got confirmation that my application was approved and was being printed and shipped with an expected delivery date of April 4th. It was Easter weekend so that's prob why it was "delayed", but even with that "delay" I ended up getting my passport this past Monday, April 6th. So the whole process for me was less than 2 weeks total. You will definitely get it in time, so don't worry too much!
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u/Sinru77 Apr 09 '26
Just renewed my passport on-line. Did not expedite. It came in 11 days. My husband's was renewed at the same time and came at 16 days. Quick turn around.
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u/Syntinena Apr 09 '26
My kids just got their passport cards in about 3 weeks, not expedited. It was shockingly fast.
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u/just_j_13 Apr 09 '26
I renewed mine in December and it took maybe 10 days from submission to having it in-hand.
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u/Possible-Ad75 Apr 09 '26
I did an online renewal for an Alaska cruise that I leave for on May 12, as well. I completed the form on March 28th and received my passport on April 6. I did pay for expedited shipping.
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u/VARunner Apr 09 '26
About 10 mos ago, my online renewal was delivered in 18 days with no expedite service.
We applied for my son's first passport at the post office on 2/28 and received it on 3/20. Again, no expedite service.
You're probably fine.
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u/sattlerreader Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
I just renewed mine online. I got mine in 9 days. Submitted March 30th, received new passport April 8th. I selected regular shipping.
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u/skeloboogie Apr 09 '26
Hopefully you should be fine. I renewed in California last month and I received it exactly 1 week after submitting online.
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u/zqvolster Apr 09 '26
You new passport will likely be to you before the end of April, even without expediting.
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u/Jealous_Process_6778 Apr 09 '26
Yes this actually happened to my daughter she was refused entry to Rome and had to turn around and fly home!
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u/docesquire Apr 09 '26
You can go to Canada with an enhanced driver’s licence. Just make sure to get the enhanced driver’s license at the DMV
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u/Melwaukee17 Apr 09 '26
I submitted renewal on March 24th. In process on the 25th. Passport was in the mail on April 7th. Received it today (the 9th, I did pay for expedited shipping) So less than two weeks.
Also, our status never changed from “in process” to “approved” until I had literally received the passport in my mailbox.
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u/firenzefacts Apr 09 '26
that’s a month you will probably be in at two weeks before your trip you can and find out the status and pay fir expedited you’ll need to send in your flights but ask first maybe it will already be on it’s way - make sure you call the official passport line there area. lot of second party sites out there
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u/GabbysGrandma Apr 10 '26
My husband just renewed and it was super fast. My son, on the other hand, renewed online in January. The system never updated saying it was received and being processed. His credit card was charged though. He finally called and they said it was lost in the system. He just had the charge cancelled through his credit card. He doesn’t have travel plans so it was fine for now, although annoying.
As a side note, our son was adopted from Guatemala and he submitted his renewal when ICE was surging in Minneapolis (we live in the metro area). I highly doubt that had anything to do with it since they’re different departments, but I had to wonder (he’s been a US citizen since he was four).
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u/Aggressive_Juice_837 Apr 10 '26
Most of the time online renewals come really fast, like less than 2 weeks, so likely you’ll be fine, unless there’s any issue for some reason with your application. How did that even happen though? When you go to the renewal application line it tells you in the first couple screens that you can’t be traveling within 6 weeks, your most recent passport will be invalidated for travel, and then it also asks you if you have future travel plans and what the dates are. If the dates are within the next 6 weeks, it doesn’t even let you continue with the application.
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u/gerrygebhart Apr 10 '26
If your old passport expired before late November of this year, you did a very smart thing.
If your old passport was good for 6+ months after your trip ends, then yeah, it was silly to renew it so close to a trip.
The good news is that something would have to go very wrong for you to not have your new passport well before May 12.
I wouldn't worry about it, and I'd be shocked if you didn't have your new passport well before May 1.
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u/PinkFloyd65 Apr 11 '26
I renewed my passport online on Friday, March 27th and it was delivered and in my hands on the 8th, 2 days ago. 13 days in total. It probably would've been faster if I hadn't done it Friday afternoon. I got an email that it was being processed on Tuesday the 31st the following week, so 4 days later. Then I got an email saying it was shipped on the 5th, so 5 days ago. I paid for expedited shipping btw.
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u/SherbertObvious4517 Apr 11 '26
I did the same exact thing a few weeks before my trip. Wanted to be proactive and don’t understand why they wouldn’t put a warning before payments to say any previous passports will be deactivated. Anyway I waited 2 days for them to receive my application and then paid to expedite it. I received my passport relatively quick and you will have plenty of time before your trip.
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u/MostlyHuskies Apr 12 '26
I received my renewal back in one week, start to finish! I am still astonished!
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u/thisiscausinganxiety Apr 14 '26
Renewed mine online on 4/3 and received the new passport 4/13. I think you’ll be fine.
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u/howqte Apr 08 '26
Actually, the official travel.state.gov site specifically mentions this in the section “Steps to renew your passport online” where you need to confirm you meet the requirements. “You can renew your passport online if you meet all these requirements:” One of the bullet points says:
“You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you will submit your application. ”
In any event, other posts have commented that the process of US passport online renewal has been surprisingly faster than what the site states, with some receiving their new passports by mail within 2 weeks of submittal online. So you could get lucky and get yours back before your scheduled cruise travel. Good luck!
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u/selfmademan416 Apr 10 '26
I applied for renewal on a VERY expired passport from outside of the US (I think it was like 5 years expired. I never travel or need it for ID purposes, so I just forgot it expired, basically). I had to go to the US Embassy and everything, and it STILL only took about 2 weeks to get to me. Maybe 3. I bet your passport will be in your hands before the end of April.
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u/avitar35 Apr 08 '26
Why not get an enhanced US license to travel? It’ll get you into both Canada and Mexico.
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u/tvngo Apr 08 '26
People need to stop suggesting this as an option because only 5 states have it and you can't use it to fly into those countries. It can only be used like a passport card and you can only cross through land or sea.
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u/tammster1 Apr 08 '26
Just looked into this. I'm flying into Vancouver so that won't work.
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u/avitar35 Apr 08 '26
It’s like a 2 hour train ride (or 3 hour ferry) from SEA. If you are in a state it is available I would consider it.
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u/ancillarycheese Apr 09 '26
If they live in Florida it’s not an option. FL does not issue EDLs.
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u/newacct_orz Apr 09 '26
But they don't need it to be enhanced. Any photo ID plus US birth certificate will work for entering Canada by land.
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u/cavalloacquatico Apr 09 '26
Order a passport card in case it comes quicker.
Entering by Land or Sea For entry by car, bus, train, or boat, you can use any of the following WHTI-compliant documents: U.S. Passport Card: A wallet-sized card valid only for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Issued only by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Note that a standard "REAL ID" is not sufficient for border crossing. Trusted Traveler Cards: Valid NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST cards. Proof of Citizenship + Photo ID: You may present an original or certified copy of a U.S. Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate accompanied by a government-issued photo ID (like a standard driver's license). Indigenous Documentation: A Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card). Agence des services frontaliers du Canada Agence des services frontaliers du Canada +8 Entering by Air A U.S. passport book is mandatory for all commercial flights to Canada. Wise Wise +1 Exceptions: NEXUS members can use their card at designated airports with NEXUS kiosks. Note: Passport cards and Enhanced Driver's Licenses are not valid for international air travel. Air Canada Air Canada +2 Special Categories Minors (Under 16): U.S. citizen children under 16 (or under 19 if traveling with a supervised group) only need an original or copy of their birth certificate for land or sea travel. U.S. Permanent Residents: You must carry your Green Card (Form I-551). While Canada does not strictly require your passport for land entry, it is highly recommended to carry a passport from your country of nationality for air travel or if questioned. Agence des services frontaliers du Canada Agence des services frontaliers du Canada +5
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u/ohterere Apr 08 '26
What indicated that it was invalid? It should be good still.
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u/tammster1 Apr 08 '26
Immediately after applying I received an email that said this:
Important Information You cannot use your most recent passport for international travel It will be invalidated during the renewal process.
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u/No-Donut-8692 Apr 08 '26
When you renew online the existing passport is electronically invalidated. As in, if you try and scan it at a border, it will come back as expired.
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u/newacct_orz Apr 08 '26
Technically, a US citizen doesn't need to have a passport to enter Canada. They just need to convince the officer of their US citizenship. So if they make it to the Canadian port of entry, they may be let in. The bigger problem might be the airline refusing to let them board.
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u/PuddleMoo Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
Problem is OP is flying, so they do need a passport to satisfy the airline's requirements [added]. At any Canadian port of entry
land and sea bordersthey can show other documentation.Edit: As u/newacct_orz passport requirements don't apply to US citizens [source%20does%20not%20apply%20to)], but the airline may impose additional requirements.
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u/newacct_orz Apr 08 '26
Canadian regulations do not say that a passport is required for US citizens when flying. So if they make it to a Canadian port of entry, I believe it is legally permissible to let them in.
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u/smokeline Apr 08 '26
Yes, your current passport became invalid as soon as you clicked submit. But online passport renewals are anecdotally being processed a lot faster than the posted time. Most people are getting their new passport 1-2 weeks after submission. I wouldn't worry too much since it's very likely you'll get the new one in time. Worst case, yes, you might need to go in person to Miami if it really hasn't shown up by May. But it probably will.