U.S. Passport Wait Times Keep Getting Longer… and Longer…

The passport wait is on. If business is taking you outside of the United States this year, meaning you’re planning to go abroad sometime soon, you might want to get your paperwork in order.

Like right now.

Yesterday probably would have been better.

Whether you need to renew the one you already have, don’t have enough pages left to travel to the destination you need to travel to, or have never had one (or at least not in the last 10 years) … the wait times for passports keeps getting longer.

Current wait times

U.S. passport wait times are now sitting around four months or longer due to “unprecedented” demand for international travel. Americans hoping to go abroad in late 2023 or 2024 should complete their applications as soon as possible to avoid mishaps. Turnaround times have been extended at least 3x already this year. Horror stories from those stuck “in-process” are all over the internet. And when frustrated callers can get through, wait times are consistently 3 or more hours. Just to speak to a representative for assistance. There’s no promise they can help once you get through, either.

Why is it taking so long? In addition to the demand spike, the State Department (DOS) is short-staffed and currently working to rehire workers in positions that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, you can expect these delays to get worse throughout the summer travel season.

At this time, in-person applications for a new passport – if you can get an appointment – are limited to those with emergency travel. These appointments must be made by phone, and when the lines aren’t completely full and callers can get through, wait times are consistently 3 or more hours to reach a representative for assistance. Routine applicants can expect a 10-13 week waiting period with up to an additional four weeks of processing and shipping expected on the end of that.

Don’t have that kind of time or don’t want to cut it that close?

Here’s what you can do to try to shorten the waiting period:

Use expedited service

The DOS offers expedited passport application services for an additional cost. Those who choose to pay the $60 fee at in-person appointments can cut the waiting period down by a month or longer. Routine applications with expedited service will be completed within 7-9 weeks. Mail applications will still take up to 13 weeks but can be in your hands sooner if you pay additional for overnight delivery and Priority return shipping.

Renew online

Americans who need to renew a passport can attempt to speed up the process by submitting their application online. The DOS plans to relaunch the service once new “improvements based on customer feedback” have been addressed. Online applications are required to meet certain eligibility requirements such as holding a valid passport for 10 years, living in the United States (state or territory), and providing payment through a credit/debit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction. More details on eligibility available here.

When originally tested last year, the online renewal service was expected to shorten the waiting period by two weeks or more.

Try a courier company

You can also submit your application through a courier service. These companies, like VISAHQ or Rushmypassport.com, charge additional fees to speed the passport process. Fees vary based on how quickly the applicant needs their credentials for travel. They are not affiliated with the U.S. government, meaning the DOS “is not responsible for any issues arising from, caused by or otherwise attributed to a courier company,” but most of them have guaranteed slots with the in-person facilities and pick up your completed passport themselves and mail it back to you. This allows them to offer much faster turnarounds.

Anyone who utilizes these services will still need to bring all their personal documentation to an acceptance facility. These are available locally for most at places like post offices, libraries, or government offices. (Note: many facilities require appointments now.) Courier companies generally require proof of upcoming travel and other additional documentation to submit applications.

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