If you are planning on traveling abroad, please ensure your passport is up to date. The US State Department is projecting 2023 to be the busiest summer international travel season on record. This unprecedented passport application demand means you should plan for some extra time if you need to renew your passport or get your first one ever.
Processing times may take a little longer as the passport backlog increases. Normally, passport processing takes 10-13 weeks. If you can spend the extra $60, you can choose the expedited route which takes 7-9 weeks.
Processing times can vary. The State Department is anticipating the processing time will only increase as we approach summer. Delivery times are not included in the estimated processing time which need to be considered.
The State Department encourages Americans to check its website to both learn how to apply and to check the status of their passport application. Some travelers who meet certain requirements may also be able to speed up the process by applying for their passport renewal online. An online renewal pilot program briefly shut down in February but is expected to resume as a permanent program.
