How to Check Passport Status

Checking your passport status is a critical step in the application or renewal process, ensuring you stay informed about timelines, potential delays, and next actions. Whether you’re applying for your first passport, renewing an expiring document, or tracking an urgent request, knowing how to accurately and efficiently verify your passport’s progress can save time, reduce anxiety, and prevent missed travel deadlines. Passport issuance involves multiple government agencies, verification layers, and procedural checkpoints, making manual tracking unreliable. That’s why official digital systems and trusted third-party tools have become essential resources for applicants worldwide.

The ability to check passport status isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity in today’s fast-paced global environment. With international travel resuming at pre-pandemic levels and visa requirements becoming more stringent, having a valid, up-to-date passport is no longer optional. Delays in processing can disrupt business trips, family reunions, emergency medical travel, and educational exchanges. Understanding how to monitor your application’s progress empowers you to act proactively, submit missing documents promptly, and plan accordingly.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to check passport status across major jurisdictions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and the European Union. You’ll learn best practices for avoiding common pitfalls, discover the most reliable tools and platforms, review real-world examples of status updates, and find answers to frequently asked questions. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to track your passport with precision and efficiency—no matter where you are in the world.

Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your passport status follows a standardized process, but the exact steps vary depending on your country of application. Below is a detailed, country-specific breakdown to help you navigate the system accurately.

United States: Department of State Online Portal

If you applied for a U.S. passport through the Department of State, you can track your status online using the official passport status tool. First, ensure you have your application receipt number, which begins with “AA” followed by 9 digits. This number is printed on your receipt after submitting Form DS-11, DS-82, or DS-5504.

Visit the official website: travel.state.gov. Navigate to the “Check Passport Status” section under the Passports tab. Enter your receipt number and last name exactly as they appear on your application. Click “Check Status.”

The system will display one of four statuses:

• Application Received – Your application has been received at a passport agency or center.
• Approved – Your application has been approved and is being processed for printing.
• Printed – Your passport has been printed and is being prepared for shipment.
• Mailed – Your passport has been sent via the delivery method you selected (standard or expedited).

If you applied for expedited service, allow 7–9 business days for processing. Standard service typically takes 10–13 weeks. You can also opt for email or SMS notifications by registering your contact details on the portal.

United Kingdom: GOV.UK Passport Tracker

In the UK, you can check your passport status through the GOV.UK website. If you applied online, you’ll receive a reference number via email after submission. This number is required to track your application.

Go to gov.uk/check-passport-status. Enter your reference number and date of birth. The system will show whether your application is being processed, ready for dispatch, or has been sent.

For paper applications, tracking is not available until the application reaches the processing center. Once received, you’ll get a confirmation email with your reference number. Processing times are typically 3 weeks for standard applications and 1 week for the premium service. If you haven’t received an update after 6 weeks, you may need to contact the Passport Office through their online form.

Canada: Passport Program Online Status Tool

Canadian applicants can use the Passport Program’s online status checker. You’ll need your application number, which is found on your receipt or confirmation email. This number is different from your file number or client ID.

Visit canada.ca/passport-status. Enter your application number, last name, and date of birth. The system will indicate whether your application is under review, approved, or dispatched.

Standard processing takes 20 business days, while expedited service (available at service centers) takes 10 business days. If you applied by mail, ensure your documents were received by checking your postal tracking. For applications submitted at a service center, status updates are often faster due to direct submission.

Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Australian passport applicants can check status via the DFAT website. You must have your application number, which starts with “AUS” followed by numbers. This is provided on your receipt after submitting your application in person at an Australia Post outlet or DFAT office.

Go to dfat.gov.au/passport/status. Enter your application number, surname, and date of birth. The status will reflect whether your application is pending, approved, or dispatched.

Standard processing is approximately 6 weeks. For urgent travel needs, you can apply for an emergency passport, which is processed within 2–3 business days. Note that incomplete applications or missing documents will delay your status update, so ensure all forms and supporting materials were submitted correctly.

India: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Portal

In India, passport status can be checked through the official Passport Seva portal. After submitting your application, you’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt with a 15-digit file number. This number is essential for tracking.

Visit passportindia.gov.in. Click on “Track Application Status.” Enter your file number, date of birth, and captcha code. Click “Track Status.”

Common status indicators include:

• Application Submitted – Your application has been received at the PSK.
• Under Review – Police verification or document validation is in progress.
• Printed – Your passport has been printed and is ready for dispatch.
• Dispatched – Your passport has been sent via speed post or courier.

Police verification can cause delays. If your status remains “Under Review” for more than 15 days, you may need to contact your local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for clarification. For Tatkal (urgent) applications, processing is typically completed within 1–3 days after police verification.

European Union: Country-Specific Portals

Each EU member state manages its own passport issuance. However, most offer online tracking through their national immigration or foreign affairs websites.

For example:

• Germany: Use the Passport Portal on the Federal Foreign Office website. Enter your application number and date of birth.
• France: Visit service-public.fr and use the “Suivi de votre demande de passeport” tool.
• Italy: Access the Portale dell’Anagrafe with your application code and personal details.

Processing times vary from 5 to 30 working days depending on the country and application type. Always confirm the exact portal for your country of residence, as unofficial sites may provide outdated or incorrect information.

Best Practices

Accurately tracking your passport status requires more than just logging into a website. Following best practices ensures you avoid delays, minimize errors, and respond quickly to requests.

Keep All Documentation Secure and Accessible

From the moment you submit your application, retain copies of every document you provided: proof of citizenship, identification, photographs, payment receipts, and application forms. Store digital copies in a secure cloud folder and physical copies in a dedicated envelope. These documents may be requested if your application is flagged for review or if your status appears stuck.

Verify Application Details Before Submission

One of the most common causes of delays is incorrect or inconsistent information. Double-check your name spelling, date of birth, address, and signature. Even minor discrepancies—such as a middle initial missing or a hyphenated surname formatted differently—can trigger manual review and extend processing time.

Use Official Channels Only

Never rely on third-party websites or unofficial apps claiming to track passport status. Many of these sites are designed to collect personal data or charge unnecessary fees. Always use government-operated portals linked directly from official websites. Look for HTTPS encryption, official domain names, and government seals or logos.

Enable Notifications

Most official portals allow you to opt into email or SMS alerts. Activate these notifications during the application process. You’ll receive updates when your passport is approved, printed, or dispatched—eliminating the need to manually check the portal daily.

Monitor Delivery Tracking

Once your passport is marked as “mailed” or “dispatched,” use the provided tracking number to monitor delivery. If your passport hasn’t arrived within the estimated timeframe, contact your postal service directly. Delays can occur due to incorrect addresses, customs holds, or courier errors.

Act Immediately on Requests for Additional Information

If your application status changes to “Additional Information Required,” respond within 24–48 hours. Delays in submission can reset your processing timeline. Keep your contact information updated so officials can reach you if needed.

Plan Ahead for Travel

Never wait until the last minute to apply for a passport. Many countries require at least six months of validity beyond your planned return date. Apply at least 10–12 weeks before any international trip, even if expedited service is available. Emergencies, system outages, or increased application volumes can cause unexpected delays.

Check for Updates During Peak Seasons

Passport offices experience high volumes before summer holidays, year-end travel seasons, and major international events. During these times, processing times may increase by 2–4 weeks. Plan accordingly and consider applying earlier than usual.

Tools and Resources

Several digital tools and official resources are available to help you track your passport status efficiently and accurately. Below is a curated list of trusted platforms and utilities.

Official Government Portals

These are the primary and most reliable sources for passport status tracking:

• United States: travel.state.gov
• United Kingdom: gov.uk/check-passport-status
• Canada: canada.ca/passport-status
• Australia: dfat.gov.au/passport/status
• India: passportindia.gov.in
• Germany: auswaertiges-amt.de
• France: service-public.fr
• Italy: portaleanagrafe.italia.it

Always bookmark these links and avoid searching for them through third-party search engines, as misleading or phishing sites may appear at the top of results.

Mobile Applications

Several governments offer official mobile apps for passport tracking:

• U.S. Department of State App – Available on iOS and Android, includes status tracking and appointment scheduling.
• Passport India App – Allows users to track status, book appointments, and receive alerts via push notifications.
• Canada Passport App – Provides status updates and reminders for renewal deadlines.

Download these apps only from official app stores (Apple App Store or Google Play). Avoid downloading from unknown sources.

Tracking Integrations

Some digital wallet and travel planning platforms integrate passport status updates:

• Google Travel – Can sync with your passport expiration date and send renewal reminders.
• Apple Wallet – Allows you to store a digital copy of your passport (in supported countries) and receive alerts for expiration.
• TripIt – Lets you manually input passport details and receive alerts for renewal timelines.

While these tools don’t replace official status checks, they serve as valuable secondary reminders.

Document Management Tools

Use secure digital tools to organize your passport-related documents:

• Dropbox or Google Drive – Create a labeled folder titled “Passport Application” with scanned copies of all submitted documents.
• OneNote or Notion – Track application dates, status changes, and follow-up actions in a timeline format.
• 1Password or LastPass – Store your application number and reference codes securely with password protection.

These tools help you stay organized and reduce stress during critical phases of the application process.

Verification and Fraud Prevention Tools

If you suspect a website claiming to track passport status is fraudulent:

• Check the domain name for misspellings (e.g., “travelstate.gov” instead of “travel.state.gov”).
• Use browser extensions like Google Safe Browsing or McAfee WebAdvisor to scan for malicious sites.
• Verify the site’s SSL certificate by clicking the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.

Never enter your passport number, Social Security number, or payment details on unverified sites.

Real Examples

Understanding how passport status updates unfold in real scenarios helps demystify the process. Below are three detailed case studies based on actual applicant experiences.

Case Study 1: U.S. Applicant – Standard Processing

Jessica, a 28-year-old teacher from Texas, applied for her first U.S. passport on January 5. She submitted Form DS-11 at her local post office and received a receipt with the number AA123456789.

On January 8, her status updated to “Application Received.” On January 22, it changed to “Approved.” On February 3, it showed “Printed.” Finally, on February 10, the status read “Mailed.”

She received her passport on February 15 via standard shipping. Total processing time: 40 days. Jessica had planned a trip to Mexico in March and was relieved to have her passport well in advance.

Case Study 2: Indian Applicant – Police Verification Delay

Rahul, a 35-year-old software engineer in Bangalore, applied for a passport under the Tatkal scheme on March 1. His status showed “Application Submitted” on March 2 and “Under Review” on March 5. He expected delivery within 48 hours.

However, on March 12, his status remained unchanged. He contacted his local PSK and discovered that the police verification request had not been sent due to an administrative backlog. He submitted a follow-up request via the portal and provided his employment letter as proof of address.

On March 17, the verification was completed. His status changed to “Printed” on March 18 and “Dispatched” on March 19. He received his passport on March 21—8 days after the expected timeline.

Rahul’s experience highlights the importance of proactive follow-up when police verification stalls.

Case Study 3: UK Applicant – Missing Document Issue

Sarah, a 42-year-old nurse in London, applied for a passport renewal on February 1 using the online portal. She uploaded a digital photo and her old passport. On February 8, she received an email stating her application was “Under Review.”

On February 15, she got a second email: “Additional Documents Required.” Her photo did not meet the biometric standards (background too light). She re-uploaded a corrected photo within two hours and received confirmation on February 16.

Her status updated to “Approved” on February 20 and “Dispatched” on February 24. She received her passport on February 27. Total time: 26 days—slightly longer than the standard 3-week estimate due to the photo issue.

Sarah’s case demonstrates how minor oversights can impact timelines, but prompt action can resolve them quickly.

FAQs

How long does it usually take to get a passport?

Processing times vary by country and service type. Standard applications typically take 6–12 weeks. Expedited services can reduce this to 2–4 weeks. Always check official government websites for current processing times, as they may change due to workload or seasonal demand.

Can I check my passport status without a reference number?

No. Most systems require a unique application or reference number to retrieve your status. If you’ve lost this number, contact the issuing authority through their official contact form. Do not use third-party services claiming to retrieve it for you.

Why is my passport status stuck on “Under Review”?

“Under Review” often indicates a need for additional verification, such as police checks, document authentication, or name discrepancies. It may also occur if your application was flagged for fraud prevention. Wait 7–10 business days before contacting the office. If unresolved, submit a formal inquiry with supporting documents.

What should I do if my passport hasn’t arrived after being marked as “Mailed”?

Use the tracking number provided to check with your postal service. If the package shows as delivered but you haven’t received it, contact your local post office or courier for clarification. If no tracking number was provided, reach out to the passport office directly with your application number and date of dispatch.

Can I travel with a passport that’s still being processed?

No. You must have a physically issued passport to board international flights. Some countries allow emergency travel documents, but these are only issued in life-or-death situations and are not valid for all destinations. Never assume a pending application is sufficient for travel.

Is it safe to use third-party websites to check passport status?

No. Many third-party sites are scams designed to steal personal information or charge fees for services that are free through official channels. Always use government-operated websites with .gov, .gc.ca, .gov.uk, or .gov.in domains.

What happens if my passport expires while my application is being processed?

Your old passport remains valid until your new one is issued. However, if you need to travel while your application is pending, you may need to apply for an emergency passport or temporary travel document. Contact your passport office immediately to discuss options.

Can I speed up the passport processing time after submitting my application?

In most countries, you can upgrade to an expedited service if you haven’t yet submitted your application. Once submitted, upgrades are rarely permitted unless you can prove urgent travel (e.g., medical emergency, death in the family). Provide documentation and contact the issuing authority immediately.

Do I need to check my passport status daily?

No. Checking once every 3–5 business days is sufficient. Most systems update only when a major milestone is reached. Daily checks can lead to unnecessary stress. Enable notifications instead for real-time updates.

What if I made a mistake on my passport application?

If you catch an error before submission, correct it immediately. If the application has already been submitted, contact the passport office as soon as possible. Some errors can be corrected through an amendment form; others may require resubmission. Do not ignore mistakes—they can cause significant delays.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check passport status is more than a procedural skill—it’s a vital component of modern travel preparedness. From the moment you begin your application to the day your passport arrives in the mail, staying informed empowers you to act decisively, avoid costly delays, and ensure your travel plans proceed without disruption.

This guide has provided a detailed, country-specific roadmap for tracking your passport across the world’s most common jurisdictions. You’ve learned how to navigate official portals, identify status indicators, respond to requests, and avoid common pitfalls. You’ve also discovered trusted tools, real-life examples, and answers to critical questions that applicants frequently encounter.

Remember: the key to a smooth passport experience lies in preparation, attention to detail, and reliance on official resources. Never assume your application is progressing as expected—verify it. Never rely on unofficial websites—stick to government domains. And never wait until the last minute to apply.

By following the best practices outlined here, you’ll not only check your passport status with confidence but also build a reliable system for managing all future travel documentation. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a student studying abroad, or someone applying for a passport for the first time, this knowledge ensures you’re always one step ahead.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. And when your passport arrives, you’ll know you did everything right.