Compare your personal information with your application. Go over your passport application line by line to ensure you have written the appropriate information in each line. Make sure you spelled your name correctly and wrote in a neat manner. It is best to write in upper case letters so the passport official processing your passport will easily be able to input the information. Passport applications that are illegible will not be processed and this will delay receiving your passport because you will have to reapply. Taking your time the first time around will certainly save you time and frustration in the long run!
Check on processing of your passport. Once you mail your passport it will take four to six weeks for processing. However, during this time you can visit the Department of State website to check on your passport's processing. By inputting your last name, birthday, and last four digits of your social security number, you can find out if your passport is being processed, if it has been mailed to you, delivered, and whether or not it made it into the system. If you can't track your passport online within two to three weeks you need to call because something is probably wrong. Be sure to have your delivery confirmation from the post office with you when you call so you can reference who received the envelope and the Department of State passport staff can track it down.
Review your new passport for errors. You may be so excited when your new passport arrives that you simply look at the photo and then store it in a safe place. Don't make this mistake. Instead, sit down with your passport and go over each line ensuring your name is spelled correctly and all of your personal information is correct. Catching an error now could save you a big hassle at the airport security checkpoint and when you are on your way on vacation or to a business meeting delays are the last thing you want!
