Tips for Getting Your Passport Fast
Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the US passport system. Passport agencies closed, new passport application plummeted, and a massive backlog built up. Now, as travel rebounds, millions of Americans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new or renewed passports. Unfortunately, processing times have skyrocketed, with routine service taking up to 18 weeks.
We personally experienced this, as one kiddo’s passport last Fall just took just a few weeks, and this spring we had a nail biter where we got our passports 2 hours before departure of a 5 week European trip. I spent countless hours on hold, researching, and worrying about the passports coming in time. Here are my top tips to shortcut the wait if you are also waiting for a passport for an upcoming international trip.
If you have upcoming travel plans but no valid passport, this delay can seriously dampen your vacation or trip abroad. While the State Department is working to address the backlog, here are a few tips to help expedite your passport application:
1. Pay for Expedited Service
This is the easiest but most expensive option. Expedited service costs an additional $60 on top of the $130 passport fee for adults, and cuts routine processing times down to 12 weeks. While still long, paying the expedited fee gives your application priority and is your best shot and receiving your passport in time for your trip. Make sure to request expedited service when mailing your application. I would suggest combining this with #3 below.
2. Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency
If you have less than 3 weeks before your trip, the only option is to make an appointment at one of the 26 regional passport agencies across the country. Appointments are released two weeks in advance online or you can call 1–877–487–2778. There are a limited number of appointments so persistence pays off. Bring proof of your urgent travel plans to your appointment- they will need to see your itinerary. Routine in-person service is also available but delays are likely.
3. Contact Your Representative
Reaching out to your congressperson or senator can also help prioritize your application or renewal. Find that representative here. Many elected officials have caseworkers dedicated to resolving passport issues. Provide details on your upcoming trip and ask their office to contact the passport agency on your behalf. While not guaranteed, a call from a congressperson can definitely spur faster processing. Be persistent and patient when leveraging this option. We found our representative’s office to be communicative and transparent, a breath of fresh air after dealing with the opaque passport agency and website.
While the backlog has severely disrupted many vacation plans, being proactive provides hope for obtaining yours in time. For future trips, be sure to renew your passport at least 9 months in advance. At this time I believe they are doing their best to prioritize by the date of travel, so you’ll see some inconsistency in how early others renew vs how fast they get it. With planning and a little luck, you can still salvage your international getaway this fall.
And if you’re looking to go to Iceland in the fall, take a look at my tips and itinerary here.
Safe travels!
