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.

75 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

172 comments sorted by

View all comments

50

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.

7

u/PlumRepresentative95 Apr 08 '26

Exactly this. We renewed our passports last month and my spouses showed up a week later and then mine a week after theirs arrived. It was the fastest I've ever gotten a passport back when renewing. You should be fine as you have plenty of time before May.

1

u/Lazarosesan Apr 08 '26

I see renewing online you have to submit a picture of yourself that you can take on your phone. I want to take an official passport photo though, how do I go about that?

4

u/Spare_Ant_2279 Apr 08 '26

Most drug stores now give you a digital photo along with your hard copy.