Dear Neighbor,

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently explained to Congress that the State Department receives approximately 500,000 passport applications a week - a 30% to 40% increase in passport application volume over 2022. While the State Department has taken various steps to accommodate the increase in demand, including hiring hundreds of new staff, authorizing overtime, and opening satellite offices, passport processing time has increased.

For routine passport service, processing time is now 10 to 13 weeks. For expedited service, processing time is 7 to 9 weeks. These estimates only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center. Mailing times are not included in these processing time estimates. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is processed and printed. More information about processing times can be found here.

We cannot over-emphasize the importance of planning ahead if you are considering international travel. Please provide this reminder to anyone who may benefit from a gentle reminder. It is strongly recommended that you apply for your passport at least 6 months prior to travel. The State Department provides updated processing times, and you should plan around this information. Please know that there are no guarantees you will receive your passport prior to your travel date if you do not allow ample time for processing.

To apply for a first-time passport or apply for a passport renewal, complete the appropriate application and return it by mail, or visit a Passport Acceptance Facility for in-person assistance. Passport application forms can be found here. You can find the Passport Acceptance Facility nearest you by using this link.

Once your application is submitted, it goes to a passport agency or center to be reviewed by a passport specialist. If approved, the application information is digitally transferred to a book print facility for printing. Once the passport is printed, it is mailed to you.

Additional Passport Tips, Information and Reminders

Send applications via trackable mail.
Apply as soon as possible. It is recommended you apply for a new or renewed passport at least 6 months prior to travel.
Check the expiration date on your passport.
Research the travel requirements for the country where you are traveling. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.
Plan ahead. Do not rely on a last-minute appointment or expedited service. Plan around the current processing times.
Respond to requests for additional information as soon as possible. Send the requested information via trackable mail.
Anyone who owes $2500 or more in child support, is not eligible to receive a U.S. Passport. Pay your child support arrears before applying for your passport. More information can be found here.
If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, you cannot be issued a U.S. Passport. Your current U.S. Passport may also be revoked. Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to resolve seriously delinquent IRS debt before applying for a passport. More information can be found here.

My Office has seen a large increase in the number of requests for assistance regarding passports. I am hopeful that the information and reminders included in this email will help you to properly prepare for your travel and ensure a smooth passport process.

Should you need assistance obtaining your passport, please complete my digital privacy release form and one of my Constituent Services Representatives will contact you regarding the case. Please be sure to include your application number and proof of travel with your query. I recommend you contact my Office 2 weeks prior to your travel date if you have not received a passport after filing the appropriate application.

My Constituent Services Representatives and the State Department’s Passport Specialists work hard to assist with passport matters. However, as your travel date gets closer, it may get harder to break any logjams caused by the increased volumes described above. Should you have any other questions regarding passports, please contact my District Office at (410) 685-9199.

Sincerely,

Kweisi Mfume
Member of Congress