How to Track Your Passport with the USPS

The USPS services can be used to track the delivery of your passport. However, the passport application status itself is tracked through the government website and not USPS when it’s in the process of being printed.

To track your passport with USPS, visit the USPS website and navigate to the ‘Track & Manage’ tab. Enter the tracking number provided on your confirmation receipt in the designated field and click ‘Find’ or ‘Track’. This will display the current location of your passport and allow you to monitor its delivery progress until it arrives.

How do I Track My Passport From USPS?

The government has a tie-up with USPS for passport delivery. When you apply for a passport, it’s usually shipped through USPS Priority Mail. The use of USPS Priority Mail services for passport delivery ensures that the passport reaches its intended destination quickly and securely.

Tracking the passport shipped through USPS Priority Mail involves a straightforward process. When the tracking number is issued, it is used to monitor the passport’s whereabouts and its expected arrival time.

You can continue checking the passport’s delivery status in real time until it’s delivered. By staying updated on the passport’s delivery time, you can prepare well for upcoming travel plans. Moreover, you can make yourself available to receive the passport.

How Do I Get a Tracking Number for My Passport?

Once you submit your passport application to the U.S. Department of State by mail or in person, they will provide you with a few delivery method options to receive your new passport.

Once you choose the shipping option, you will receive a confirmation receipt. The confirmation receipt will have the tracking number to help you keep a tab on the passport’s delivery.

Because the tracking number provides a record of the passport’s journey, it becomes a vital tool for the passport recipient. Real-time monitoring aside, the tracking number provides an estimated delivery time and a way to trace the package when the passport gets lost.

Being aware of the passport’s whereabouts also provides great peace of mind. It reduces concerns regarding the critical document getting into the wrong hands. Moreover, it provides a way to keep the courier service accountable during delivery issues.

Where Can I Track My Passport?

• Visit USPS’s official website at  www.usps.com.
• Navigate to the ‘Track & Manage’ tab on the top of the homepage.
• Enter the passport’s tracking number (usually a series of numbers and letters) in the designated field.
• Click the ‘Find’ or ‘Track’ tab to view the passport’s current location.
• You can keep monitoring the passport’s delivery progress till you receive the passport.

USPS usually requires a signature delivery to ensure that the passport is delivered to the rightful owner. And, it’s only delivered to the name mentioned on the passport unless someone else is authorized to accept the delivery.

Platforms Available for Tracking a Passport

Here are some of the common platforms available to track a passport.

Government Passport Tracking Website

The U.S. Department of State provides a tracking number to check the passport’s application status, including its approval status and printing status. The tracking URL is https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

STEP is a free mobile application provided by the U.S. Department of State to receive travel-related updates. While one won’t be able to track the passport’s delivery progress through the app, one receives important passport-related updates, including the passport’s application status updates.

USPS Tracking

Since the government often uses the USPS shipping service for delivering passports, one can use the USPS platform to receive real-time passport delivery updates. Applicants can use the tracking number linked with their passport for package monitoring.

Other Shipping Services

When applicants opt for expedited shipping, courier services like UPS or FedEx are used for passport delivery. In such scenarios, applicants can monitor their passport’s delivery progress on the respective courier service website.

What is the Estimated Processing Time and Delivery Date for My Passport?

A U.S. passport’s processing time may vary based on numerous factors. Generally, it may take anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks to receive the passport from the time of application. For an additional fee, passports are processed and delivered within 2 to 3 weeks.

If there is a need for urgent travel, passports are also provided within a few days or even on the same day. However, immediate passports are issued only during certain emergency situations. For expedited passport delivery, one must visit the nearest passport agency in person.

The U.S. Department of State usually sends notifications regarding the estimated delivery dates for the passport’s arrival. You can also look for the estimated delivery period on the U.S. Department of State’s passport application webpage.

For passports delivered through USPS or any other courier service, refer to the tracking details provided by the shipping company to get the most accurate timeline for your passport’s delivery. With USPS Priority mail, passport delivery usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

What Should I Do if My Passport is Lost or Stolen?

If the passport gets lost or stolen, you should take immediate action. You can take the following course of action:

• Report the passport loss to the U.S. Department of State.
• Report the case to the law enforcement authorities.
• Send an application for a replacement passport.
• Attach the DS-11 form with the new passport application.
• Look for unfamiliar activities in your credit reports.
• Upon suspicion, immediately report to the respective credit bureau.

To report a stolen or lost passport to the U.S. Department of State, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html.

Choose the option ‘Form DS-64’ and submit it online. The DS-64 form is used to collect all the information regarding the lost or stolen passport.

How Can I Contact USPS About My Passport?

If you need to connect with USPS for your passport’s whereabouts, you can contact them at 1-800-275-8777. You can also visit the nearest USPS facility to inquire about your passport package in person.

For general inquiries, it’s better to use their tracking tool, though. You should typically contact them directly only when there is a delay or change in delivery address/instructions.

Other scenarios when you can consider contacting them are when you suspect any postal errors, the package being lost during transit, or when there’s a need for expedited delivery. 

Conclusion

Once the passport is sent your way, tracking becomes very important for the safe and timely delivery of your passport package. Potential delays or issues can be addressed promptly by monitoring the passport throughout its shipping journey, allowing you to plan your upcoming international trips without any hiccups.

After all, a passport is a primary requirement for almost all international trips. You can book your international flight tickets and accommodation with great peace of mind by tracking your passport and knowing about its arrival date. It will minimize the stress of waiting for the passport’s arrival before your upcoming trip.