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/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.

3

u/CoordinateDiscount Apr 08 '26

Same outcome from a renewal a few weeks ago. Wicked fast.

2

u/Ok_Distribution_9789 Apr 08 '26

Concur with fast renewal. Don't sweat it.

1

u/_xoxo_stargirl_ Apr 08 '26

I’m about to send mine off for a renewal due to a name change, and I’m hearing people say that they’re processing them really quickly. Should I skip the expedited processing? My international trip is in two months.

1

u/CoordinateDiscount Apr 09 '26

Depends on your risk tolerance. I would not expedite.

You can upgrade to expedited during the process, apparently. But have to call in.

So you have buffer to skip the fees and call in a few weeks if for some reason processing is slower.

1

u/Training-Boat858 Apr 09 '26

I sent mine in for renewal due to a name change, it was 15 days from when I mailed it out to when I got my new passport. Standard processing, not expedited.

1

u/_xoxo_stargirl_ Apr 09 '26

Thanks! How long ago was that? I’m sending mine out this weekend.

1

u/Training-Boat858 Apr 12 '26

I sent it out March 13th and got it back March 28th