Visit the U.S. Department of State website. Select the "Passports" tab at the top of the homepage.
Select the "Processing Times" option along the left side of the page. It takes four to six weeks to process a passport, unless you have requested expedited processing.
Select the "Check Status Online" option. The option will be directly under the box that lists processing times for routing and expedited service.
Select "Check Application Status." Passports can only be tracked five to seven days after the application was submitted. Select the "Privacy and Computer Fraud and Abuse Acts Notices and Disclaimers" box. Select the "Submit" tab.
Enter the applicant's last name in the appropriate box. Enter the date of birth and the last four digits of the applicant's Social Security number. Select the "Submit" tab. The site will provide an estimate as to when the passport application will be processed and sent to the applicant.
