US Passport Delays 2023, How Long Are Passport Processing Delays in 2023?

US Passport Delays 2023

In 2023, a record number of Americans applied for U.S. passports, leading to significant delays in passport processing. The State Department recommends that individuals apply for a passport at least six months before their intended travel or passport expiration date.

These delays, which have persisted from earlier in the year, are due to a backlog of applications caused by the high demand for international travel. While the State Department expects these delays to improve as the year progresses, they advise travelers to continue planning well in advance. Their message to U.S. citizens is to apply at least six months before their planned travel or passport expiration date.

Why are US Passports Delayed?

Passport delays in the United States are primarily due to a surge in passport applications. As the concerns related to the pandemic decreased and more countries reopened their borders to travelers, many Americans planned trips abroad. This led to an unprecedented increase in passport applications. In the fiscal year 2022, the State Department issued a record 22 million passports, and they are on track to break that record again in fiscal 2023.

Typically, passport applications follow a seasonal pattern, with peak demand from March to late summer. However, the high volume of applications has become a year-round phenomenon. Additionally, the State Department had to address staffing challenges caused by reassignments and eliminations during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

How Long Are Passport Processing Delays in 2023?

Passport processing times in the United States vary depending on the service you choose:

• Routine Processing: This option takes approximately 10 to 13 weeks from the time your application is submitted to a passport agency or center.
• Expedited Processing: If you choose expedited service, you can expect your passport to be processed in about 7 to 9 weeks.
• Expedited Processing at an Agency: If you have international travel plans within 14 calendar days, you can expedite your passport application by visiting an agency. This option is for urgent cases and provides faster processing.

These processing times only account for the time your application is at a passport agency or center. Mailing times, which include sending your application and receiving the completed passport in the mail, are not included in these processing times. It's essential to consider the total time it will take to receive your passport when planning your travel.

How to Check the Status of Your Passport Application?

You can easily check the status of your passport application using the Online Passport Status System. Here's how:

Visit the Website: Go to the Online Passport Status System on the official website.

Enter Your Information: Provide the required information such as your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Check Your Status: Once you've entered your information, you'll be able to see the status of your passport application. This status will reflect the processing times as of the day your application was received in the system or the day you upgraded to expedited service.

Additionally, you can learn more about what each status update means by visiting the Application Status page on the same website. This will help you understand where your application stands in the process.

How Much Does a Routine Passport Application Cost?

The cost of a routine passport application varies depending on what you're applying for. Here's a breakdown of the fees for adult applicants (16 years and older) applying for the first time in the United States:

• First-time Adult Passport Book: $130 application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the Acceptance Facility.
• First-time Adult Passport Card (not valid for international air travel): $30 application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 execution fee.
• First-time Adult Passport Book & Card: $160 application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 execution fee.

For adult renewals, the fees are as follows:

• Adult Passport Book: $130 application fee to the U.S. Department of State.
• Adult Passport Card (not valid for international air travel): $30 application fee to the U.S. Department of State.

For minor applicants (under 16), the fees are:

• Minor Passport Book: $100 application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 execution fee.
• Minor Passport Card (valid only for land and sea travel to specific locations): $15 application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 execution fee.
• Minor Passport Book & Card: $115 application fee to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 execution fee.

There are also optional fees, including an expedite fee of $60 per application for faster processing, a 1-2 Day Delivery fee of $19.53 for expedited delivery within the United States, and a File Search Fee of $150 when required.

Are There Any Ways to Speed Up the Passport Application Process?

Yes, there are ways to speed up the passport application process based on your travel needs:

Emergency Service

If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel within 72 hours (3 business days), you can choose the emergency service. Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page for more information on how to make an appointment for this service.

Urgent Travel

This service is suitable for those traveling internationally within the expedited service times, which currently take 7-9 weeks. There are restrictions, so make sure you qualify. If you haven't applied yet, you must schedule your appointment at a passport agency or center within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.

If you've already applied, your appointment must be scheduled within 5 calendar days of your international travel date. To make an appointment, call 1-877-487-2778. Please note that appointments are limited, and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Expedited Service

Choose this service if you're traveling in less than 13 weeks from the date you submit your application. Expedited service typically takes 7-9 weeks. You can expedite your application at an acceptance facility or expedite a renewal by mail.

Remember that mailing times are not included in processing times. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times. 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's printed.

Routine Service

If your international travel is planned more than 13 weeks from the date you submit your application, you can choose the routine service. Routine service usually takes 10-13 weeks. You can apply for routine service at an acceptance facility or renew by mail. Similar to expedited service, remember that mailing times are not included in processing times, and the total time to receive your passport includes both processing and mailing times.

Is it Necessary to Renew a Passport If It’s Expiring Soon?

Yes, it is advisable to renew your passport if it's expiring soon, especially if you have upcoming international travel plans. Many countries, including popular destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, China, and Brazil, have a requirement of at least six months of validity on your passport before allowing entry.

To avoid any potential travel disruptions or issues at immigration, it's a good practice to renew your passport well in advance of its expiration date, even if it still has some validity left. This ensures you meet the entry requirements of your destination country and have a smooth travel experience.

What Are The Passport and Visa Requirements for Specific Countries?

A United States passport allows its holders to travel to 185 countries and territories without needing a travel visa or with the option of obtaining a visa upon arrival. This level of travel freedom ranks the United States passport seventh on the Henley Passport Index, tied with Lithuania. Additionally, it holds the fourth position in the Global Passport Power Rank. It's important to note that some regions or specific areas within countries may have different visa policies.

For certain nearby destinations like Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean islands, travelers have the option of using the United States Passport Card instead of the traditional passport booklet. However, this card is only valid for travel by sea and land at maritime ports-of-entry or land border crossings. It cannot be used for international air travel; in such cases, the passport booklet is required.