passport services (merged)

[zafi 13]

how long does it take for us to get our new US passport(first time)after applying?website says it takes 6-8 weeks so does it mean I can expect to get it somewhere in between 6-8 weeks

[Suze1 366]

It depends on when you apply. If you apply before March 20 or not.

 

See the following guidance -

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

 

Change in Passport Services Operations                              

 

Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, 2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours.

 

Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (e.g. parent, child, spouse, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 days). You must provide:

• A passport application with supporting documents
• Proof of the life-or-death emergency such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional. Documents must be translated or in English.
• Proof of international travel (e.g. reservation, ticket, itinerary)

To make an appointment at a passport agency or center for a life-or-death emergency, you must call our National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) on Monday- Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time, except federal holidays or on Saturdays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Eastern Time. Call 202-647-4000 outside of these hours to make an appointment. 

 

If you applied and requested expedited service on or before March 19, 2020, we will honor our commitment of 2-3 weeks door-to-door for expedited service. If you applied in-person at a passport agency or center on or before March 19, 2020, the passport agency or center will contact you and ask if you want to pick-up your passport in person or have it mailed to you.

 

Customers in Puerto Rico should be aware that our San Juan Passport Agency is closed to the public until at least March 30, 2020. 

 

Due to public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some passport application acceptance facilities, which include libraries, clerks of court, and post offices may not be accepting U.S. passport applications at this time. If you need to apply in person for your U.S. passport, please contact the facility directly to confirm if they are accepting applications. 

 

If you are applying for or renewing a U.S. passport on or after March 20, 2020, we will not offer expedited service and routine service may be delayed. 

 

The status of our operations may change quickly. We will update this notice as the status changes. 

Edited March 19, 2020 by Suze1

[N400NYC 380]

Short story is now it's a big mess...like everything else!

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

I applied a few months ago, routine, and it came in 4 weeks despite the 6-8 weeks timeline...so even if it’s delayed now you may still get it within say 8 weeks? The bigger problem might be finding someone willing to do the in-person appointment you need for a first time application. 

[N400NYC 380]

25 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

I applied a few months ago, routine, and it came in 4 weeks despite the 6-8 weeks timeline...so even if it’s delayed now you may still get it within say 8 weeks? The bigger problem might be finding someone willing to do the in-person appointment you need for a first time application. 

I have an appointment at the post office tomorrow - let's see if it happens! 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

26 minutes ago, N400NYC said:

I have an appointment at the post office tomorrow - let's see if it happens! 

Good luck, keep us posted.

[N400NYC 380]

9 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

Good luck, keep us posted.

The appointment at the post office was fine in regards to them being able to provide the in-person etc.

 

But I am pretty sure the PHOTO taken by the post-office is going to be rejected. It just didn't seem of a sufficiently good standard. I did comment that I was concerned about the background - to my eye it had some bluish tinge in parts but the representative said it was fine and I thought, well, she should know more than me? But I won't be surprised if I get a letter asking me to provide a new photo which will likely add another 2-3 weeks to the process!  

[zafi 13]

can we still apply for our US passport at post office even if we don't have any life or death emergency and if we are not traveling overseas in near future?

[N400NYC 380]

Yes, I applied for one today. But for now there is no expedited option (2-3 weeks) and they said that it will take 6-8 weeks (or more.

[zafi 13]

thanks fortunately I am not in any kind of  hurry right now

[N400NYC 380]

3 hours ago, zafi said:

thanks fortunately I am not in any kind of  hurry right now

I was....had to cancel everything

[zafi 13]

I submitted my passport application with supporting documents in post office today and surprisingly they did not give me any tracking number nor they putted my documents in any envelope when I asked them why cannot I get tracking number then their answer was that because we send all applications together I mean they did stapled my application but they did not put it any envelope nor did they gave me any tracking number I was surprised I was hoping to get tracking number is that what happened with you as well when you went to submit your application

[N400NYC 380]

1 hour ago, zafi said:

I submitted my passport application with supporting documents in post office today and surprisingly they did not give me any tracking number nor they putted my documents in any envelope when I asked them why cannot I get tracking number then their answer was that because we send all applications together I mean they did stapled my application but they did not put it any envelope nor did they gave me any tracking number I was surprised I was hoping to get tracking number is that what happened with you as well when you went to submit your application

That's how it was for me - I think that's the normal process.

 

I think it takes a while for it to reach the Dept of State...but once it does, you can track it here:

 

https://passportstatus.state.gov/

 

Will be asked for name/DOB/SS#. 

[zafi 13]

thanks best of luck

[N400NYC 380]

54 minutes ago, zafi said:

thanks best of luck

Thanks! I didn't like the pic that the post office took...but we shall see if it's accepted.