Passport Delays Leave Travelers Frustrated and Scrambling

Applying for or renewing a passport has become an exercise in patience for many Americans in 2022. Processing times have slowed dramatically, with some waiting half a year or more to receive their new passport or get their expired one renewed.

The delays stem largely from rampant demand as pandemic restrictions have eased combined with staffing shortages at the agency that issues passports, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs. The bureau says it is working to hire more passport agency employees to tackle the backlog, but in the meantime many travelers seeking passports are left frustrated and in limbo.

Here’s a closer look at the passport delays, why they’re happening, tips for applying and how to check your application status.

Massive increase in passport applications

The number of Americans applying for a new passport or renewing an expired one has skyrocketed since pandemic lows. More than 10 million passport applications were filed in the first half of fiscal year 2022, according to the State Department. That’s more than were submitted in all of 2021 and over twice as many as in 2020.

The surge in demand has coincided with severe staffing shortages at the nation’s passport agencies and centers that process applications and print passports. The State Department acknowledges that staffing levels haven’t kept pace with the rebound in passport demand.

In a statement, the Bureau of Consular Affairs said its “surge hiring efforts are working” but acknowledged that “peak summer travel season will continue to be extremely busy.”

Routine service waits extend to 18 weeks

Currently, the expected wait time for “routine service” passport renewals is up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted. That includes the time it takes to mail an application to a passport agency and for the new passport to be processed and sent back. https://www.lapost.com/small-towns-big-experiences-exploring-the-charm-of-californias-central-coast/

Expedited service is faster — around 12 weeks total turnaround time — but comes with a hefty $60 fee on top of the standard $130 renewal cost for adults.

The delays apply both to first-time passport applications as well as renewals. Americans who submit urgent business or emergency passport requests can expect much quicker processing, within three weeks.

Holdups have left many would-be travelers venting frustration and scrambling to secure

passports in time for planned vacations and trips abroad. A State Department official recommends Americans allow “as much time as possible” when applying for or renewing a passport right now

Tips for applying

If you’re applying for or renewing a passport amid the backlog, here are some tips:

• Check if you qualify to renew your passport by mail. If your current passport is undamaged and was issued less than 15 years ago, you can likely use the mail renewal option. Drop-off renewals at an agency require appointments that can be hard to get.
• Make sure your application is complete. Double check you've filled out the application accurately and included all required documents like your current passport, ID photo and citizenship evidence to avoid processing delays.
• Use tracked shipping. The U.S. Postal Service and services like FedEx offer tracking numbers that provide delivery confirmation and visibility into where your passport application is once mailed off.
• Pay for expedited service if timing is critical. The $60 expedited fee per application gets it processed faster, in around 12 weeks versus 18 weeks currently. Expedited applications must be scheduled at an agency office, not mailed.
• Check your status periodically. You can check the status of your passport application online or by phone. Don’t rely on expected processing times. If your application is outside normal wait periods, contact the agency.
• Make passport appointments 6 months out or more. Right now there are passport agency appointments available several months out in major metro areas like New York City, San Francisco and Miami. If you're applying in person, book your appointment with as much lead time as possible.
• Contact elected representatives for urgent issues. If you have imminent international travel within 4 weeks and have been unable to resolve your passport issue through normal channels, reach out to your U.S. House rep or senator. Their offices can contact the State Department on urgent matters.

The passport agency is strictly enforcing appointment requirements, so travelers can’t get into centers without having booked one online in advance. Same-day appointments are only available for those with proof of imminent international travel within 72 hours.

The State Department has taken steps to ease the passport backlog, but it still advises Americans to avoid waiting until the last minute to apply for or renew a passport. For now, patience and planning months in advance remain key for anyone who needs a new or renewed passport in time for summer and fall travel abroad.