Mar 1, 22, 6:35 am
Last edit by: anandrg
Passport Agency Appointments (same day expedited service)
Appointments for same-day expedited service often go quickly. It is best that you schedule your appointment with the passport agency exactly 14 days before your trip. You will want to call the passport number before the center opens at 8am EST as they will have just opened up one day (14 days out) of appointments at all agencies. Appointment times start at 8am. It is important that you have enough buffer in your travel schedule. For example, if you make an appointment for a new passport at 11am and your time of travel is at 2pm, there will not be enough time for you to get your passport. If you book the 8am slot you may have to wait until the end of the business day to get your new passport or it may only be a few hours.
You will want to have your date of travel, time of travel, your flight itinerary number, name of destination, full name of applicant, and applicant's birth city, and the zip code of where you live (to help them find the closest available center with open slots). Use the following steps to increase your chances of success to booking an appointment as they can go very quickly:
Credit: chgoeditor
Known office locator numbers (not complete)
Note: The office code (first two digits of your application locator number returned by Passport Status) is the office reviewing your documents and approving your application. It isn't necessarily the address you mailed the forms to (always Irving or Philadelphia for renewals) nor the facility where the book is physically printed and mailed (often Tucson or Hot Springs).
10: Boston
11: NYC
12: Honolulu
14: Stamford, CT
15: Portsmouth, NH
17: Aurora, CO
18: Chicago
19: Washington, DC
20-29: Portsmouth, NH
34: Charleston
40-42: New Orleans, LA
50: Los Angeles, CA
51: Miami
53: Seattle
54: Minneapolis
55: Dallas or Hot Springs, AR (?)
56: Detroit
57: San Francisco
58: Philadelphia, PA
61: Tucson
62: Tucson
67: San Juan, PR
68: Portsmouth, NH
69: Portsmouth, NH
71: US embassies/consulates abroad
74: Atlanta
75: St Albans, VT
76: San Diego, CA
77: Buffalo, NY
78: El Paso, TX
79: Houston, TX
95: Online
A list of agencies and their locator numbers is listed on this page under the heading, "List of passport agencies and centers with locator numbers."
H/T Nayef, txviking, and various individual posts both here and on Reddit. If you have a locator not in the above list, check the return address agency name or postmark/ZIP on your returned citizenship docs, or passport card if you applied for one, which may be the processing office, although the address itself is likely to be a PO Box in Sterling, VA in all cases (which appears to be a lockbox location that processes mail for all locations). The passport books are printed in fewer locations, often Hot Springs and Tucson, and may not correspond to the agency where the processing steps occurred. If it doesn’t match the list above, please add or correct.
Appointments for same-day expedited service often go quickly. It is best that you schedule your appointment with the passport agency exactly 14 days before your trip. You will want to call the passport number before the center opens at 8am EST as they will have just opened up one day (14 days out) of appointments at all agencies. Appointment times start at 8am. It is important that you have enough buffer in your travel schedule. For example, if you make an appointment for a new passport at 11am and your time of travel is at 2pm, there will not be enough time for you to get your passport. If you book the 8am slot you may have to wait until the end of the business day to get your new passport or it may only be a few hours.
You will want to have your date of travel, time of travel, your flight itinerary number, name of destination, full name of applicant, and applicant's birth city, and the zip code of where you live (to help them find the closest available center with open slots). Use the following steps to increase your chances of success to booking an appointment as they can go very quickly:
- 14 days before your trip, you need to schedule an appointment with the passport agency.
- At 7:55 am call the passport number 877-487-2778 (This have to be exactly 14 days before your plane ticket or less. If less, it will get harder to find an appointment)
- Click 1 (For English)
- Click 1 (New Passport)
- Continue to Click 7 to repeat, and keep doing this while watching your watch or using Time.gov to get the exact time down to the second.
- When your it hits exactly 8:00 am Click 2 (for traveling within 14 days option)
- There will be a delay of 3-4 second and you will wait for the next available agent. If you are very lucky, you will be put straight through to an agent. You may be waiting few minutes or maybe as long as 15-20 minutes.
- If you did not click 1 exactly at 8 am, you may have to wait for more than an hour and half
Credit: chgoeditor
Known office locator numbers (not complete)
Note: The office code (first two digits of your application locator number returned by Passport Status) is the office reviewing your documents and approving your application. It isn't necessarily the address you mailed the forms to (always Irving or Philadelphia for renewals) nor the facility where the book is physically printed and mailed (often Tucson or Hot Springs).
10: Boston
11: NYC
12: Honolulu
14: Stamford, CT
15: Portsmouth, NH
17: Aurora, CO
18: Chicago
19: Washington, DC
20-29: Portsmouth, NH
34: Charleston
40-42: New Orleans, LA
50: Los Angeles, CA
51: Miami
53: Seattle
54: Minneapolis
55: Dallas or Hot Springs, AR (?)
56: Detroit
57: San Francisco
58: Philadelphia, PA
61: Tucson
62: Tucson
67: San Juan, PR
68: Portsmouth, NH
69: Portsmouth, NH
71: US embassies/consulates abroad
74: Atlanta
75: St Albans, VT
76: San Diego, CA
77: Buffalo, NY
78: El Paso, TX
79: Houston, TX
95: Online
A list of agencies and their locator numbers is listed on this page under the heading, "List of passport agencies and centers with locator numbers."
H/T Nayef, txviking, and various individual posts both here and on Reddit. If you have a locator not in the above list, check the return address agency name or postmark/ZIP on your returned citizenship docs, or passport card if you applied for one, which may be the processing office, although the address itself is likely to be a PO Box in Sterling, VA in all cases (which appears to be a lockbox location that processes mail for all locations). The passport books are printed in fewer locations, often Hot Springs and Tucson, and may not correspond to the agency where the processing steps occurred. If it doesn’t match the list above, please add or correct.
Current US passport wait? (Merged Threads)
Mar 17, 23, 8:21 am
#2296
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP; HHonors Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; NEXUS
Posts: 783
Originally Posted by mauve
Looks like all of you are doing a lot better than me. I renewed online on Jan 5 with expedited processing and it still shows "in process." That's ten weeks when they are quoting up to seven for expedited, and were saying less back then.
At this point, I've pretty much decided there must be some red flag, even though my Global Entry renewal last year was processed in less than 24 hours. Or they just don't want to issue passports to people with my political and/or ethnic background.
At this point, I've pretty much decided there must be some red flag, even though my Global Entry renewal last year was processed in less than 24 hours. Or they just don't want to issue passports to people with my political and/or ethnic background.
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
Mar 17, 23, 11:25 am
#2297
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Alaska 75K, Delta Silver, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 7,293
Originally Posted by sullim4
There's likely no red flag, they are just very slow and the online system is held together with strings and duct tape. What does your F12 status say?
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
Mar 17, 23, 2:26 pm
#2298
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
Good to know. I have a co-worker that is due to fly overseas to run a big meeting in the latter part of April.
Submitted his renewal online Jan 11 - expedited - and has been stuck as still processing as of today. Meanwhile his wife renewed via post office 3 weeks ago and already has hers back.
I am his backup but have other things to do, so I am trying to help him solve it.
Submitted his renewal online Jan 11 - expedited - and has been stuck as still processing as of today. Meanwhile his wife renewed via post office 3 weeks ago and already has hers back.
I am his backup but have other things to do, so I am trying to help him solve it.
Mar 17, 23, 2:45 pm
#2299
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA Plat Pro >3 Million miles,HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 2,727
Originally Posted by mauve
Looks like all of you are doing a lot better than me. I renewed online on Jan 5 with expedited processing and it still shows "in process." That's ten weeks when they are quoting up to seven for expedited, and were saying less back then.
At this point, I've pretty much decided there must be some red flag, even though my Global Entry renewal last year was processed in less than 24 hours. Or they just don't want to issue passports to people with my political and/or ethnic background.
At this point, I've pretty much decided there must be some red flag, even though my Global Entry renewal last year was processed in less than 24 hours. Or they just don't want to issue passports to people with my political and/or ethnic background.
Mar 17, 23, 3:27 pm
#2300
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SFO, OAK
Programs: UA GS 0.7MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 166
Originally Posted by anandrg
Thank you. I just got a notification that they are sending my passport by UPS Next Day Air! So, it looks like I may actually be able to travel tomorrow!
Mar 18, 23, 12:37 am
#2301
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 226
Originally Posted by sullim4
There's likely no red flag, they are just very slow and the online system is held together with strings and duct tape. What does your F12 status say?
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
But I wonder if there could have been some trick where paying the expedite fee after your application will bump you ahead? Not that useful since the details will probably be different when or if they re-open online renewals.
Mar 18, 23, 12:40 am
#2302
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 226
Originally Posted by worldiswide
ok..I'll bite..what did you mean by your last sentence?
Mar 18, 23, 9:03 am
#2303
Moderator: Avianca, Travel Photography, Travel Technology & USA
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Far western edge of the La-La Land City limits
Programs: Emeritus VIP Fromins Deli Encino grandfathered successor program - UA Plat / DL & HH Diamond
Posts: 3,690
Let's not stray into Omni-land
Please keep the thread focused on wait time. Thanks
Mar 18, 23, 9:19 am
#2304
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 100,449
Originally Posted by anandrg
So, the good news is that my status using this amazing approach (thank you sullim4) switched over to "Closeout" yesterday. But I never got any shipping notification on USPS informed delivery this morning. And also got no tracking number from MyTravel website either. Has anyone else whose status showed "closeout" ended up receiving their passport without any notification on USPS informed delivery?
Last edited by GUWonder; Mar 18, 23 at 9:24 am
Mar 18, 23, 10:37 am
#2305
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: United Plat
Posts: 422
Originally Posted by sullim4
There's likely no red flag, they are just very slow and the online system is held together with strings and duct tape. What does your F12 status say?
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
The only way I got movement on my application was to pay the $60 expedite fee. I suspect being a December application, paying it in March got it bumped up in the queue. I was moved from adjudication to exception and then to fulfillment in 2 business days after paying the fee.
Here is my own history:
2/2: applied renewal online with expedited service and express delivery
2/4: State sent me an email to confirm "in process" status with 3-5 weeks processing time. MyTravelGov account remained "in process" since then.
3/12: Found F12 trick from this thread but the website couldn't take my password.
3/13: Called tech support 855-865-7750 to unlock my account. (Long hold with two agents. First tech support to verify my error message. Another to actually send me a new password.)
3/13: Status: "Exception".
3/16: Status changed to "Fulfillment" in the afternoon. At this moment, I can't change contact info anymore. (Looks like if you can't change contact info, it is a good sign.)
3/18: State sent me an email saying the passport has been shipped. Go back to the website. It said "Shipped", with a tracking number. However, it is a Saturday. USPS only shows the label has been created. I trust USPS is able to deliver my passport early next week!
It has been 30 working days! Although it meets the current timeline (expedited 5-7 weeks), still not meeting the timeline it suggested on the first confirmation email.
Last edited by sfo3388; Mar 18, 23 at 11:00 pm
Mar 18, 23, 2:35 pm
#2306
Join Date: May 2007
Location: IAD
Posts: 301
So, here's my timeline ... (My travel was initially planned for March 6 and postponed twice.)
1/22 Submitted for online renewal (BIG mistake!) with expedited processing and expedited delivery
2/2 Receipt acknowledgment
2/6 In process
... and there it sat, and sat, and sat ... I spent many hours on hold trying to get an update or an appointment to no avail. ("No appointments available nationwide.") I was disconnected numerous times, and it seemed that 9 times out of 10 the online system for status checking was down.
3/12 (Sunday) Sent an email to my senator's office
3/13 Received email from senator's office, stating that a case worker and case number had been assigned and I would be contacted shortly
3/14 Caseworker called directly to let me know that they had arranged an appointment for me at the passport agency in DC for Thursday, 3/16 since they could not confirm when my passport might actually show up since it was still in process in Minneapolis.
3/16 Arrived at 8 AM for a 9 AM appointment. By 9:15 AM everything had been processed and I was told to return in 3 hours to pick up my passport. Had passport in hand by 2 pm.
1/22 Submitted for online renewal (BIG mistake!) with expedited processing and expedited delivery
2/2 Receipt acknowledgment
2/6 In process
... and there it sat, and sat, and sat ... I spent many hours on hold trying to get an update or an appointment to no avail. ("No appointments available nationwide.") I was disconnected numerous times, and it seemed that 9 times out of 10 the online system for status checking was down.
3/12 (Sunday) Sent an email to my senator's office
3/13 Received email from senator's office, stating that a case worker and case number had been assigned and I would be contacted shortly
3/14 Caseworker called directly to let me know that they had arranged an appointment for me at the passport agency in DC for Thursday, 3/16 since they could not confirm when my passport might actually show up since it was still in process in Minneapolis.
3/16 Arrived at 8 AM for a 9 AM appointment. By 9:15 AM everything had been processed and I was told to return in 3 hours to pick up my passport. Had passport in hand by 2 pm.
Last edited by eerickso; Yesterday at 10:24 am
Mar 18, 23, 2:48 pm
#2307
Join Date: May 2007
Location: IAD
Posts: 301
Originally Posted by anandrg
This whole system is absolutely designed to ensure maximum stress and minimum results. Like I've said before DO NOT apply online - be grateful that option is currently closed.
Mar 19, 23, 2:27 am
#2308
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards, SPG Gold, United 1K, Jade Golden Circle
Posts: 134
Prompts in the wiki seem to be for new passports only. Does anyone know if they change for renewals? (I know the prompts change on the phone, but are the prompts suggested because of how quickly they can get you on the phone with an agent?)
I have emergency travel tomorrow and my passport is expired (although it is not technically life/death). Cannot reach anyone on the weekend.
I have emergency travel tomorrow and my passport is expired (although it is not technically life/death). Cannot reach anyone on the weekend.
Mar 19, 23, 9:38 am
#2309
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA Plat Pro >3 Million miles,HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 2,727
Originally Posted by worldiswide
Data points..daughters application
Applied online Feb 5
Status received Feb 5
in process status ..personalized email March 13
shipped Status March 16
Not able to access the application page to view tracking information ..get the hmm..Can't find the page message.
Traveling in April so feel a little better but want to have in hand. This post thread has been great to share info but also adds to anxiety over the process for those if us who loken not having a passport to mot having a DL ..or worse. Wish there were some stats on what % of renewals are made within the stated window so we could better assess whether what we see are outliers or a systemic problem.
Will post once actually received.
Applied online Feb 5
Status received Feb 5
in process status ..personalized email March 13
shipped Status March 16
Not able to access the application page to view tracking information ..get the hmm..Can't find the page message.
Traveling in April so feel a little better but want to have in hand. This post thread has been great to share info but also adds to anxiety over the process for those if us who loken not having a passport to mot having a DL ..or worse. Wish there were some stats on what % of renewals are made within the stated window so we could better assess whether what we see are outliers or a systemic problem.
Will post once actually received.
Mar 20, 23, 11:12 am
#2310
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: AA
Posts: 60
Originally Posted by robinsondg
Whats the difference b/w fulfillment and printed? Any history on how long it takes from printed > shipped > received? Traveling on 4/30 so have plenty of time but for would like to get this resolved for my peace of mind.
Passport received on 3/16. two days BEFORE I got an email notifying me that it had shipped
