Passport Guidance - April 2023 - U.S. Passport Processing Assistance

Sep 19, 2026

U.S. passport processing guidance explains how to seek support while international travel demand increases after the COVID backlog. It covers what travelers should do when checking a pending application online, and how release forms are submitted for adult and minor applicants. Step-by-step instructions list required identifying details, supporting proof for travel bookings, and how the office reviews requests. Guidance also outlines limits on processing appointments, expedited contact options, and follow-up steps for existing applications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

U.S. Passport Processing Assistance

Adult Passport (age 17+)

Minor Passport (16 or younger)

Apply for a Passport

For Further Assistance

U.S. Passport Processing Assistance International travel is back and in higher demand than ever before. Our oﬃce is seeing a major inﬂux of passport processing requests due to the signiﬁcant backlog of applications and renewals after the end of the COVID pandemic. Whether you’re traveling abroad for the ﬁrst time or are a frequent international ﬂier, we’re happy to help. If you’re just looking to check the status of a pending passport application , please note you are able to check it for yourself online here. Have you already applied for a passport? → YES Congratulations , you’ve already completed the hardest part and the State Department is currently processing your request. If you need further assistance , please note the instructions below for adults and minors are diﬀerent. Adult Passport (age 17+) The intended recipient of the passport must submit an online release form allowing our oﬃce to provide support. The form can [be found at](be found at casework.civicapp.us)[ ](be found at casework.civicapp.us)[casework.civicapp.us](be found at casework.civicapp.us). Please select the agency “Dept. of State” and enter the following information into the “Brieﬂy explain your problem” ﬁeld: 1. Full name 2. Passport Application Number 3. Date the application was submitted 4. Date of Travel 5. Travel Destination Please upload proof of the ﬂight , bus , or train booking in the “supporting documents” ﬁeld. Our oﬃce will review your request and let you know if we are able to provide support! Passport Guidance , Spring 2023 1 Minor Passport (16 or younger) The parent or guardian of the passport recipient must submit an online release form allowing our oﬃce to provide support. The form can [be found at](be found at casework.civicapp.us)[ ](be found at casework.civicapp.us)[casework.civicapp.us](be found at casework.civicapp.us). Please select the agency “Dept. of State” and enter your own name and date of birth at the top of the form. Then please enter the following information into the “Brieﬂy explain your problem” ﬁeld: 1. Full name of the child 2. Date of birth of the child 3. Social Security Number of the child 4. Passport Application Number 5. Date the application was submitted 6. Date of Travel 7. Travel Destination Please upload proof of the ﬂight , bus , or train booking in the “supporting documents” ﬁeld. Our oﬃce will review your request and let you know if we are able to provide support! Have you already applied for a passport? → NO The ﬁrst step to getting a U.S. passport is completing the appropriate application form. Apply for a Passport ● New U.S. Passport Application Form (Form DS-11) ● Existing U.S. Passport Renewal Form (Form DS-82 when eligible) ● Learn where you can submit your passport application ● Learn about passport application and renewal fees Please note , some countries require a passport to be issued and not due to expire as early as six months before the date of the trip. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with your destination’s requirements ahead of time so it doesn’t come as a surprise at the airport. Passport Guidance , Spring 2023 2 For Further Assistance Our oﬃce has an extremely limited capacity for passport processing appointments. These are reserved for life-or-death situations , and even then we cannot guarantee availability. If you have not yet applied for a passport but are within 14 days of your international trip , contact the State Department directly for an expedited appointment at 877–487–2778. If you have not yet applied for a passport but are facing a life-or-death situation within four days of travel, please follow the request process in the “Have you already applied for a passport? → YES ” section above. When doing so, please include a brief description of the circumstances in the issue ﬁeld below the required identifying information. If you have already applied for a passport, it is easier and fas

FAQs

How can I check the status of a pending U.S. passport application?

You can check the status of a pending passport application online yourself. The document directs readers to an online status-check option.

What information is required for an adult (age 17+) release form?

The passport recipient must submit an online release form selecting “Dept. of State” and provide the full name, passport application number, submission date, travel date, and travel destination in the “Briefly explain your problem” field.

Is appointment support guaranteed, and what should I do for urgent travel?

Passport processing appointments are extremely limited and reserved for life-or-death situations; availability cannot be guaranteed. For trips within 14 days, contact the State Department directly for an expedited appointment, and for life-or-death within four days, follow the request process described in the “Have you already applied… → YES” section.

Sep 19, 2026

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