How Long Does It Take to Replace a Lost Passport?

Traveling out of the country is an exciting time for many people. The opportunity to explore new areas of the world and different cultures often leads to unforgettable memories. However, you'll want to ensure one very important part of the trip is in order early on in the planning process — your passport.

Unfortunately, it's often common for people to misplace or lose their passports when they haven't used them for some time. While replacing a lost passport is possible, the wait time to get a new one has increased in 2023. The extended timeline is one of the reasons why we recommend utilizing a passport tracking device to keep an eye on your passport. 

In the following sections, we'll discuss the timeline for a replacement passport and strategies to help prevent losing your passport in the future.

Lost Passport Replacement Timeline

Even though the U.S. Department of State offers an updated timeline for processing passport requests, the time it takes to get a replacement passport can vary throughout the year. The most recent report provided an estimated 10 to 13 weeks for an individual to receive their new passport.

Below is a breakdown of the estimated length of time for each step of the process:

• 2 weeks — Application to arrive by mail at passport agency

• 10-13 weeks — Passport agency reviews and processes request

• 2 weeks — Passport is printed and mailed back to the applicant

How Quickly Do Expedited Passports Arrive?

If you need to have your passport sooner, there is an option to expedite the passport. In most instances, people who opt for an expedited passport will have the processing time reduced from 10-13 weeks to 7-9 weeks. However, the decreased wait time will cost substantially more than other options.

How to Prevent Losing Your Passport in the Future

While misplacing items is unfortunate, there are ways to help prevent losing your passport. For example, utilizing a Bluetooth tracking device like the Tile Slim can allow you to identify the location of your missing passport quickly. 

Along with a passport tracker, you can try one of the following strategies to help keep track of your passport:

• Designate a specific location for your passport to live

• When traveling, don't store it in your checked baggage

• Only take your passport out when you need to

• Don't place your passport in the outside pocket of a backpack or purse

Utilize Tile to Help Avoid the Process of Replacing Your Passport

There's nothing worse than preparing for an international trip and realizing you don't have your passport. Whether it's lost somewhere in the house or stolen during your last trip, not finding your passport can be stressful. Avoid the stress and hours of searching with the help of a passport-tracking device like Tile. 

Tile offers multiple ways to track your passport, including the Tile Slim and Tile Sticker. Try one of our Bluetooth Tracking Devices and instantly track your passport's location.