How Long Does It Take to Get an ESA Letter from RealESALetter.com?
When someone decides they need an ESA letter, one of the first things they want to know is: “How long does it take to get an ESA letter from RealESALetter.com?”
The short answer?
Usually within 24 to 48 hours after approval.
But let’s break that down in detail, step by step. From the moment you fill out the form to the time you receive your letter, here’s exactly what to expect and how to make the process go even faster.
1. Step One: Filling Out the Online Questionnaire
The first thing you do is go to RealESALetter.com and fill out a short online form. This is called the prescreening questionnaire. It asks about:
Your mental and emotional health
Your pet and its role in your life
Your current living situation
Any past diagnoses or emotional difficulties
This part usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You don’t need to upload anything complicated or write long answers. It’s all in simple language, with multiple-choice and short text fields.
Once you submit the form, your answers are securely sent to a licensed mental health professional.
2. Step Two: Therapist Review Begins
After you submit the questionnaire, a licensed therapist from your state is assigned to review your answers. This is an important legal step—your letter won’t be valid unless it’s written by someone who is licensed in your state of residence.
The therapist will:
Review your answers carefully
Decide whether your symptoms qualify you for an ESA
Sometimes contact you by phone or video for a short call (if needed)
This process can be quick, especially if you filled out the form completely and clearly. Most users hear back within a few hours to one business day.
3. What If the Therapist Needs More Information?
In some cases, the therapist might need more details before making a decision. This could include:
Asking about your pet’s behavior
Clarifying how your pet helps your condition
Scheduling a short video or phone session
These follow-ups are normal and don’t slow the process much. In fact, it shows RealESALetter.com takes the law seriously—they don’t just send out letters without reviewing your needs.
If there is a call or extra step, it usually adds just one more day to the process.
4. Approval and Letter Issuance
Once the therapist confirms you qualify, they write and sign your ESA letter. After that, RealESALetter.com sends it to you by:
Email (PDF): Usually within 24 hours
Physical Mail (if requested): Sent via standard shipping (arrives in 3–5 days)
You can also choose priority mail or overnight shipping for faster delivery of your printed copy.
So if everything goes smoothly, most people receive their digital letter the same day or the next business day.
5. Can You Get Your ESA Letter Faster?
Yes, if you're in a hurry, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:
a. Fill out the form early in the day
Therapists work during business hours. If you submit your form in the morning, you’re more likely to get same-day review.
b. Provide clear and honest answers
Don’t leave anything blank. Be clear about how your pet helps you emotionally.
c. Respond quickly to emails or calls
If the therapist needs more info, answer them fast so there are no delays.
d. Request expedited processing or shipping
If you're on a deadline, RealESALetter.com offers options for faster physical delivery.
6. What If You’re Not Approved?
Not everyone gets approved. If the therapist decides you don’t meet the legal or clinical criteria, you won’t receive an ESA letter—but you also won’t be charged.
RealESALetter.com has a "100% refund if not approved" policy. So even if you're not eligible, there’s no financial risk.
This process can take the same 24–48 hours, including therapist evaluation and communication.
7. Does It Take Longer on Weekends or Holidays?
Yes, weekends and holidays can affect the timeline. Licensed therapists may not review forms during:
Sundays
National holidays (like Christmas, July 4th, etc.)
After-hours (late night requests may be reviewed the next day)
If you're in a rush, try submitting your form on a weekday morning for best results.
8. Getting an ESA Letter for Housing vs. Travel
The housing ESA letter is the most common and the fastest to get.
Travel letters, especially for psychiatric service dog (PSD) purposes, may take slightly longer because:
They sometimes require a live video consultation
Airlines may have stricter documentation rules
Additional forms might be required (e.g., DOT travel form)
Even in those cases, RealESALetter.com typically delivers documents within 2 to 3 days—still faster than most local clinics or outdated services. For more information, you can also read the Airlines Policies for ESA and PSD
9. What Happens After You Get the Letter?
Once you receive your ESA letter, you can:
Send it to your landlord or property manager
Use it when applying for new housing
Show it at hotels, vacation rentals, or other pet-restricted areas
Keep it on file for personal security and peace of mind
RealESALetter.com also offers support after delivery—if your landlord questions the letter, they will help you respond.
10. Real Customer Experiences with Letter Delivery Time
Here are a few real stories from users who received their letters quickly:
Ashley – Los Angeles, CA
“I filled out the form at 9 AM and got my ESA letter in my inbox by 3 PM the same day. I was shocked how easy it was.”
Michael – Chicago, IL
“I got a phone call from the therapist the next morning. We had a short chat, and by evening I had my letter. Very professional.”
Karen – Austin, TX
“I needed the letter for a new apartment. I got it in 24 hours, emailed it to my landlord, and my dog moved in with me the next week.”
These stories show that RealESALetter.com lives up to its promises—especially when time matters.
13. Renewal Time for ESA Letters
ESA letters are usually valid for one year. RealESALetter.com offers easy renewal, which takes even less time:
You log in to your account
Request a renewal
A therapist confirms your condition hasn’t changed
You get an updated letter—usually within 12 to 24 hours
Renewals are fast because most of the process is already done. Returning users also get discounted renewal prices.