What Happens After Your Passport Application Is Approved?
Learn what to expect after your passport application approval, including delivery, activation, and storage tips for your new passport.
Video transcript
After your passport application is approved, you'll receive your passport by mail, usually within a few weeks. Keep an eye on your mailbox for a secure envelope. If you paid for expedited service, you might receive it sooner. Activate your passport for international travel by signing it and familiarizing yourself with its validity period. Store it in a safe place, and consider making photocopies for emergency purposes.
Questions and answers
How long does it take to receive a passport after approval?
Typically, you will receive your passport by mail within a few weeks after your application is approved. Expedited services can shorten this timeframe.
Do I need to sign my passport before using it?
Yes, it is important to sign the designated page in your passport to activate it for international travel.
What should I do if I need my passport faster?
You can pay for expedited processing when applying, which usually results in receiving your passport sooner.
Is it recommended to make photocopies of my passport?
Yes, making photocopies of your passport can be helpful for emergencies or in case your passport is lost or stolen.