The U.S. Department of State Passport Services has notified passport acceptance agents the time for obtaining passports is now taking much longer.
Mail delays are impacting when passports are received for processing. The processing times begin the day applications are received, not the day it is mailed.
With this in mind, the service times are as follows:
- Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted at an acceptance facility or renewed through the mail to the day a new passport is received by the customer. The 18-week timefrance includes up to 12 weeks for processing at the passport agency and up to six weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
- Expedited service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted at an acceptance facility or renewed through the mail to the day a new passport is received by the customer. The 12-week timefrance includes up to six weeks for processing and up to six weeks for mailing times.
- For faster times, customers may opt to pay for 1-2 day delivery service for applications mailed to Passport Services and for the mailing of their new passport.
- Customers who have a life-or-death emergency or urgent travel within three business days should visit their website at travel.state.gov for information on assistance.
