Short answer
The National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of the Department of State's large processing centers, handling mailed applications rather than walk-in customers. You cannot visit it for service; you mail your application to the address printed on the form's instructions for your state and service level.
What happens to your envelope
- 1Delivery and intake: the packet is opened, the payment separated, and the application scanned into the system.
- 2Adjudication: an examiner reviews your citizenship evidence, photo and signature.
- 3Suspension, if something is missing: you receive a letter, and the clock effectively pauses until you respond.
- 4Printing and shipping: the book is printed and shipped; your old passport comes back in a separate mailing.
Address it correctly
The DS-82 instructions list different addresses for routine and expedited service, and different addresses depending on the state you live in. Using the wrong one adds days. Write 'EXPEDITE' on the outside of the envelope only if you paid the expedite fee.
If you need to reach a human
Processing centers do not take public calls. The National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 is the phone line for status questions and urgent appointments.
Frequently asked
Official sources
PassportOffices.com is an independent resource and is not a U.S. government agency. Official requirements come from the sources below.
- U.S. Department of State — Processing Times
Routine and expedited processing times
- U.S. Department of State — Passport Forms
Official passport application forms
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