If your passport hasn’t arrived before your flight, you may worry about missing your trip. International travel requires a valid passport, so act quickly if your passport is still being processed.
The right steps depend on your travel date, application status, and the type of passport service you used.
Check Your Passport Application Status
First, check your passport application status.
The U.S. Department of State provides online tools to check your passport application status. Your application may still be processing even if you have not received your passport yet.
Check the status before assuming that your application has been lost or delayed.
Check Your Mailing Information
If your passport has already been approved and mailed, check the delivery information.
Make sure:
- Your mailing address is correct.
- You have checked your mail.
- You have reviewed your tracking information.
- Someone at your address has not received it for you.
If tracking shows that your passport was delivered but you cannot find it, contact the appropriate passport service for assistance.
What If Your Flight Is Only a Few Days Away?
If your international departure is approaching and you still do not have your passport, you may need urgent passport assistance.
Do not wait until the day of your flight to address the problem.
Your options can depend on how soon you are traveling. Travelers with urgent international travel may qualify for an appointment with a passport agency or other expedited services.
Can You Get Your Passport Expedited?
If your passport application is already being processed, you may have options to request faster service depending on your circumstances.
If you have not yet submitted your application, you may also be eligible for expedited passport service.
Your travel date matters because it determines which options are appropriate.
What If Your Passport Is Lost in the Mail?
If your passport was mailed but never arrived, you may need to take additional steps.
Contact the appropriate passport authorities and explain the situation. If the passport is considered lost, you may need to complete additional forms or submit a replacement application.
Do not attempt to travel using a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Gather Your Travel Documents
If you need urgent assistance, have your travel information ready.
You may need:
- Flight itinerary
- Government-issued identification
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Passport application information
- Previous passport information, if applicable
- Passport photo
Having these documents ready can make it easier to determine what options are available.
How The Passport Office Can Help
The Passport Office helps travelers who need passports for upcoming international travel.
Our team assists with new passport applications, renewals, lost and stolen passports, child passports, corrections, and expedited passport services.
If your passport hasn’t arrived before your flight, we can review your situation and explain your options based on your travel date.
The Passport Office has locations in Seattle, Wasgington DC, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Hollywood, and Clearwater. Virtual appointments are also available for travelers nationwide.
Final Thoughts
If your passport hasn’t arrived before your flight, don’t wait until the last minute to act.
Check your application status and mailing information first. If your international departure is approaching, look into urgent or expedited passport options as soon as possible.
The sooner you address the problem, the more options you may have.