Enrollment issues and long queues: US passport processing now takes months

If you want to travel abroad in the next six months, but you do not have a passport or it is about to expire, start now to apply for a new or renewal of the old one. Why you need to act faster, said the publication USA Today.

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Due to increased demand, staff shortages, and delays with the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of State says that those who apply for a new or renewed passport should expect to receive the document up to 18 weeks. This waiting time is reduced to 12 weeks if you pay an additional $ 60 for expedited processing.

The delays took potential travelers by surprise, and many turned to their elected representatives for help.

US Congressman Greg Stanton, a Democrat from Arizona, said his office was receiving a huge number of requests for assistance in obtaining passports.

Stanton employees typically process 10-12 urgent passport requests from Phoenix residents per month. Last week alone, the office received 20 applications.

“We want to make sure people are aware of the State Department's new recommendation to apply for a passport six months before your planned trip,” Stanton said.

This means that if you are hoping to travel somewhere late this fall or early next spring, it's time to apply.

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“We want everyone to have the opportunity to go on a long-planned vacation or see loved ones. If your passport does expire during the pandemic, it will take some time to get a new one, so we ask people to prepare in advance for this,” the congressman explained.

Difficult to get to the appointment

There are several reasons for the delays. State Department offices were closed for several months last year at the height of the pandemic, and some people have decided to delay renewing their passports as most travel has been blocked.

Combine these factors with a resurgence of travel confidence and you have a strong demand for passports.

Most of the passport collection points are reopening and accepting applications, but have limited accessibility for entry.

“Demand for passports is currently high as customers across the country look forward to expanded travel options. We are working to increase the number of passport applications, but the United States Postal Service (USPS) is not the State Department's only passport agent,” said Rod Spurgeon, USPS spokesman in Phoenix.

He urged first-time applicants to check appointments with county officials, libraries or State Department passport desks. If you just need to renew your passport, the Department of State strongly recommends doing so by mail.

Long waiting for passports

Generally, the Department of State estimates that those seeking routine services can receive their passport by mail within 12 weeks. This period is six weeks if you pay $ 60 for acceleration.

However, processing time starts on the day you receive your application, not the day you mail it, and this is where passport applicants are not immune to delays.

“Some of our service providers are experiencing operational issues that are causing delays in applications reaching our passport agencies and centres. These service providers include the U.S. Postal Service and the receiving facility that processes payments and enters applications into the system,” a State Department spokesperson said.

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The agency said that due to these delays, "normal service can take up to 18 weeks from the date the customer submits the application until the day the new passport is received," which includes six weeks of mailing.

If you choose expedited service, you should expect to receive a new passport up to 12 weeks.

What to do in an emergency

With these delays in mind, Stanton's office is urging people who plan to travel in the next six months to start the application process now.

If you have more urgent plans or an emergency, there are several options for obtaining a new passport.

You can go to one of the Department of State's passport agencies and get service the same day. But there are a few caveats here.

First, you will need an appointment, which is mainly for life or death emergencies. Appointments can be made online at Online.

In an emergency, you can seek help from the office of a Congressional Representative or Senator. They have employees who help voters solve problems with government agencies, including the Department of State.

“If you find yourself in an emergency situation, please contact our office. But if you have a normal situation and just dream of traveling, plan your actions in advance and immediately start processing your passport,” Stanton concluded.

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