What Does "Passport Status: In Process" Actually Mean?
Comprehensive guide to understanding the internal adjudication stages, typical timelines, and action steps when your U.S. passport tracking displays "In Process".
When your U.S. passport tracking shows "In Process," it signifies that your application has cleared initial mail-in lockbox intake, your check or money order has been deposited into the U.S. Treasury, your unique 9-digit locator number has been generated, and your physical file has entered the active adjudication queue at one of 29 regional federal passport centers.
The Four Internal Stages of "In Process"
While the public government tracker simply displays "In Process" for weeks at a time, your application passes through four distinct internal operational phases behind the scenes:
Intake & Scanning
Envelopes mechanically unsealed at Philadelphia or Irving lockboxes, checks deposited, paperwork digitized.
3 to 5 DaysSecurity Vetting
Automated background checks run against FBI, INTERPOL, federal felony warrants, and child support arrears.
2 to 4 DaysAdjudication Review
A Passport Specialist manually verifies citizenship evidence, legal identity validity, and photo compliance.
1 to 3 WeeksPersonalization & Print
Polycarbonate biometric chip page laser-engraved, assembled, cryptographically signed, and quality inspected.
24 to 48 HoursHow Long Does a Passport Stay "In Process"?
Turnaround windows depend directly on the processing tier selected at the time of submission:
Routine Service
Total door-to-door window including postal transit is approximately 6 to 8 weeks from physical mailing date.
Expedited Service
Total door-to-door window is approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Prioritized for printing at Portsmouth or Hot Springs.
Online Renewal (OPR)
Paperless direct digital renewal submissions move from "In Process" to "Approved" with zero mail transit delay.
What to Do If Your Passport Has Been "In Process" for Too Long
If your application has exceeded the published processing windows without updating to "Approved," execute this checklist:
The State Department may have mailed Form DS-5520 requesting a new compliant photo or certified birth certificate.
Look at the first two digits of your 9-digit locator. Check our 29 Agency Directory to evaluate seasonal backlogs.
Contact customer service at 1-877-487-2778 (Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time).
If originally filed routine, provide a credit card to authorize the $60 expedite upgrade directly on your pending locator.
Does "In Process" Mean My Passport Is Approved?
In Process ≠ Guaranteed Approval
"In Process" confirms receipt and file digitization at a regional agency. Approval is authorized only after a designated Passport Adjudicator validates citizenship documents against federal databases.
- All primary citizenship certificates validated as state-issued certified documents.
- 2x2 biometric photograph complies with lighting, crop, and no-glare mandates.
- Personal check or money order cleared U.S. Treasury accounts for exact fees.
- Result: Transfers to secure laser printing and generates USPS tracking.
- Photograph rejected due to shadows, reflection on glasses, or improper facial scale.
- Payment short by fee amount (e.g. omitted $35 execution or $60 expedite check).
- Missing ink signature on Form DS-82 or damaged prior passport book.
- Result: Letter mailed requesting cure item; file paused under 90-day response rule.
Related Passport Tracking Resources
Status: Not Available
Why your application displays "Not Available" for the first 14 days and the bank check clearing trick.
Not Available Guide →29 Locator Codes Directory
Look up the first two digits of your 9-digit locator number to find your regional processing center.
Explore Locators →USPS Shipping Tracking
Track Priority Mail Express delivery milestones and learn when supporting documents arrive.
Track Delivery →