Guys: The looming government shutdown means that those who need to renew their passports should be used as soon as possible. If there is any potential shutdown delay, it may eventually slow down processing.
The U.S. State Department currently estimates that its regular passport service will be four to six weeks and two to three weeks for expedited services. These estimates apply to new passport and renewal applications.
Remember that you should renew your passport at least six months before planning your trip, as some countries require visitors to have a passport valid for six months before they can visit. Ensure further inspection of the requirements of a specific country in case the relevant location needs to be valid from six months Entry dateor six months later Booked departure date.
Current processing time
As we mentioned, the current processing time is only four to six weeks for a regular passport. These estimated waiting times do not include mailing time, which may contribute several weeks to the time required to receive your passport indoors.
Of course, remember that you can also pay an additional $60 to speed up your slightly faster service application in two to three weeks.
Other things to know
For select emergency international trips, you can make face-to-face appointments to speed up passport processing. To qualify, your situation must fall into one of two categories:
- Emergency of life or death: Travel internationally within 14 days because immediate family members outside the United States have died, died (hospice care) or life-threatening illness or injury.
- Emergency Travel: International travel in less than two to three weeks.
For emergency travel, do not mail your application or apply at the acceptance facility. Instead, the State Council recommends that the group personally apply for a visa 14 days before the passport agency or center, or 28 days in advance. If you haven’t applied, you need to make an appointment online; if you have applied, please call 877-487-2778 to update your situation.
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U.S. Department of State
However, even if you are eligible for expedited services based on the above information, the State Council does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.
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You can also apply for renewal online. All U.S. citizens aged 25 and older can update online; however, remember that if you are traveling within six weeks, you are not eligible for online renewal. Please follow this link to launch the online application.
According to a spokesperson, the State Council has made more than one million applications through the OPR system since its full launch in September 2023.
“By moving away from the traditional paper application process, we are embracing digital transformation to provide Americans with a safer, more efficient and convenient passport renewal experience,” a spokesperson said via email. “Every applicant applying for a U.S. passport must establish their identity, U.S. citizenship, and passport rights. Protecting the personal information of our customers is one of our highest priorities.”
Bottom line
Regardless of your travel plan, submit your passport early for processing – six to nine months before expiration and/or travel plan. Remember that if the government shuts down, processing time may slow down.
The State Council regularly provides travelers with the latest passport processing time to update its website.
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