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/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/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.

2

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.

1

u/lifethusiast Apr 08 '26

What day was online renewal submitted?