Passport Wait Times Are at Their Highest in Months

In 2022, the U.S. State Department issued nearly 22 million passports, marking a record high that hasn’t been seen since record-keeping began in 1974. This trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2023, particularly with the busy spring and summer travel seasons approaching.

Travelers in the U.S. looking to renew or obtain their passport for the first time should prepare for longer wait times. As of March 24, the standard processing time has now extended to 10 to 13 weeks, according to the latest update from the State Department. This is an increase from 8 to 11 weeks between February 6 and March 23, and from 6 to 9 weeks prior to February 6.

The processing time for expedited passports has also risen to 7 to 9 weeks, compared to the previous 3 to 5 weeks as recently as January.

Unfortunately, there’s a chance that processing times may continue to rise (though we hope they will eventually decrease).

“We expect to implement further adjustments to our processing times later this spring or early summer,” the State Department states in its latest update. “We are closely monitoring the unprecedented demand for passports and anticipate that demand will continue to rise through spring and remain elevated throughout the summer.”

The State Department indicates that passport demand typically peaks from late winter into summer. “We recommend planning ahead and applying during our quieter months from October to December, when processing times are usually quicker,” the agency advises.

The fee for renewing a passport or applying for a new one for adults is $130. While you can upgrade your application from routine to expedited processing, this comes with an additional $60 fee, bringing the total to $190 for expedited service.

The State Department clarifies that processing times start the moment the application is received at a passport agency or center, not when it is mailed or submitted. The actual mailing times “may extend the overall duration it takes to receive your passport,” according to the federal agency.

Passport applicants have the option to pay a fee of $19.53 for one-to-two-day delivery to expedite the shipping of their issued passport from a processing center. This fee is in addition to the $60 charge for expedited processing mentioned earlier.

For U.S. residents with urgent international travel plans within 14 calendar days, or those facing a life-or-death emergency requiring travel within 3 business days, the State Department provides an appointment-only service at 26 regional passport agencies. To schedule an appointment, applicants should call 1-877-487-2778, as walk-ins are not permitted.

At present, U.S. passport renewals can only be completed in person or via mail. Although an online renewal option was briefly available in 2022, the pilot program was suspended in February and is not anticipated to resume until later in 2023.

This article was originally published on March 2, 2023, and has been updated to reflect the latest information.