The US Department of State has provided updates on the current status of US Passport operations. Effective October 8, routine processing services can take up to 18 weeks from when the application is submitted to when the passport is received. Expedited service can take up to 10 weeks from when the application is submitted to the day when the passport is received.
The State Department recommends applicants apply at least 4-6 months before planned travel. Due to limited availability for urgent travel appointments, there is no guarantee to receive in-person service at a passport agency or center. The agency is prioritizing customers with life-or-death emergencies.
What to Expect
- The online appointment booking system is turned off to ensure the very limited appointments go to applicants who need them for urgent travel.
- Adults with 10-year passports can renew them by mail instead of appearing in person.
- Children under age 16, all first-time applicants, and applicants who have lost their passport or had their passport stolen must apply in person. These locations include post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices.
- Applicants needing to renew their U.S. passport, change their name, correct an error, apply for a U.S. passport card (if they have a passport book), apply for a U.S. passport book (if they have a passport card), replace a limited-validity passport, or report a passport lost or stolen can apply by mail. Learn more about applying by mail.
- Passport services for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (or 3 business days) due to a qualified life-or-death emergency will be prioritized.
- Some agencies and centers are also offering limited appointments for customers who have urgent international travel in the next 72 hours (or 3 business days) for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency.
At this time, all agencies and centers are processing applications. Not all agencies and centers are offering the same level of in-person service. Applicants can visit the Passport Agency and Center page to learn more about the type of in-person services available at each agency and center, and how to make an appointment if they have urgent travel.
Erickson Insights
Due to COVID-19, government agencies, including passport agencies and centers, significantly reduced operations resulting in lengthy backlogs. In 2020, 11,711,945 were issued, the lowest number since 2005. All agencies and centers are processing applications, but not all offer the same level of in-person service. As the State Department works to reduce processing times for routine and expedited service, the timeline will shorten.