If your passport is stuck in processing, it usually means a passport agency or center is still reviewing your application. The State Department says how long your status stays “In Process” depends on the service you chose and current processing times. A long wait isn’t always a sign that something is wrong.
Below, we cover what “In Process” means, why applications take longer than expected, and what you can do when your trip is getting close.
What “In Process” means
“In Process” means your application is being reviewed at one of the State Department’s passport agencies or centers. It’s the longest stage. Your status stays there until the review finishes, and then it changes to “Approved.” For the other statuses, see our guide to checking your passport status.
First, compare your wait to the posted times. The State Department lists routine processing at 4 to 6 weeks and expedited processing at 2 to 3 weeks. Those times don’t include mailing, which can add up to 2 weeks each way. If you’re still inside that window, your application is likely on schedule. Our guide to how long it takes to get a passport explains how the pieces add up.
Why passport applications get delayed
Processing can slow down for a few common reasons.
High seasonal demand
The State Department says the busiest time runs from late winter through summer. More applications arrive at once, so your wait can run longer. It also says October through December is the easiest time to apply.
Incomplete or incorrect paperwork
Small mistakes can pause an application. Common ones include:
- A photo that doesn’t meet the requirements
- A missing signature
- Missing documents
- An incorrect payment amount
If something is missing, the State Department will contact you, usually by mail, and that adds time.
Mail time
Your application travels to the State Department and your passport travels back to you. If you mailed your application, add up to 2 weeks on each end.
Holds on your application
Sometimes the State Department puts your application on hold. A hold isn’t a denial, but processing stops until the issue is resolved.
The State Department needs more information
If you get a letter or email asking for more information, your status shows “Additional Information Needed.” Your application is on hold, and your processing time can run longer. You have 90 days from the date on the letter or email to respond, or your application can be denied. Follow the instructions, and send what they ask for to the mailing address on the letter. Don’t send it to a passport agency’s street address. The State Department explains this on its application status page.
“Pending approval”
If you call and hear that your application is “pending approval,” it means the State Department found something during its review that it needs to clarify or look into further. It doesn’t always say what. Sometimes it does, and child support is a common reason. The timeframe is unknown, because it depends on the issue and on how long it takes to hear back from other offices and agencies.
In some cases, you can do something about it. In others, the State Department just needs more time on its end. Either way, call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to ask what you can do. If you’ve applied and your trip is close, tell them your travel date.
Child support debt
Federal rules don’t allow the State Department to issue a passport if you owe more than $2,500 in child support. If you’ve already applied, the State Department holds your application for 90 days. Pay the debt through the state where it’s owed. If the state releases your case before the 90 days end, call the National Passport Information Center and give them the release date. If the release comes after 90 days, you’ll need to submit a new application. See the State Department’s page on passports and child support debt.
Seriously delinquent tax debt
If the IRS certifies seriously delinquent tax debt, the State Department can deny your application. For 2026, that means more than $66,000, and the amount adjusts each year. If you apply, the State Department sends you a letter and holds your application open for 90 days so you can make payment arrangements with the IRS. The IRS explains the process on its page about passport denial and revocation for unpaid taxes.
Legal matters
A federal arrest warrant, a federal or state criminal court order, a probation or parole condition that bars you from leaving the country, or a request for extradition can also stop an application. We can’t resolve a legal matter for you. If this applies to you, talk to a lawyer or to the court or agency involved.
What you can do while you wait
- Check your timeline. Count from the day you applied, and add mailing time on both ends. Our status guide shows how to check where you stand.
- Watch your mail and email. If something is missing, the State Department sends you a letter or email, and the 90-day clock starts on the date it carries.
- Call the National Passport Information Center. The number is 877-487-2778. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern. They can tell you whether your application needs anything else.
- If you’re traveling abroad within 14 days, ask about a passport agency appointment. The State Department offers them for urgent international travel.
Getting your passport faster
Traveling sooner than the State Department’s timeline allows? That’s what we do. We’re a registered courier service, and we hand-carry applications to a U.S. passport agency when your trip is close. You still pay the government fees, including the $60 to expedite, and our service fee is on top of that. See our pricing.
With our Emergency service, we can get your passport in as fast as 2 to 3 business days.
One limit to know about: we can only take on an application we submit ourselves from the start. We can’t speed up one you’ve already mailed in.
Frequently asked questions
How long is too long for a passport to be in processing?
Compare your wait to the State Department’s posted times: 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, not counting mail. If you’ve gone well past that, call the National Passport Information Center.
Does “In Process” mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. It means a passport agency or center is reviewing your application. Problems usually show up as a request for more information, often by mail.
How long does the State Department hold an application?
It depends on the reason. For a request for more information, you have 90 days from the date on the letter or email to respond. For child support debt and certified tax debt, the State Department holds the application for 90 days. For other reviews, including “pending approval,” there’s no set timeframe. If the issue isn’t resolved, the application can be denied, or you’ll need to apply again.
What if my status went from “Approved” back to “In Process”?
The State Department found a problem during the final review. It’s fixing the issue and preparing a new passport to print.
Need your passport soon? Call us and we’ll walk you through your options. Contact The Passport Office.