Current passport processing times can take as long as 6 weeks for routine processing and up to 3 weeks for expedited processing. This is a significant delay if you have international travel plans. These delays could cause you to postpone or even cancel your trip abroad. So, what causes these delays and what can you do about them?
There are various reasons why application processing times change or become delayed. Of course, some delays are beyond your control; however, other reasons can easily be avoided with careful attention to detail and due diligence.
Let’s look at some factors that can cause delays in passport application processing and find out what you can and can’t control as well as the actions you can take to navigate the passport application process best to avoid having to postpone or cancel your trip abroad.
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Passport Delays You Can’t Control
1. Unprecedented Demand for Passports
When there is a surge in passport applications, the State Department can easily become overwhelmed. This backlog can lead to significant delays in processing times.
For example, a busier travel season, such as spring break or the summer, can extend turnaround times for passport applications by weeks. Based on recent history, an expedited passport application could go from taking 2 to 3 weeks to two to three times as long—that’s a major delay!
2. Natural Disasters
Extreme weather and other unpredictable natural disasters can wreak havoc on the State Department’s ability to process passports quickly. Hurricanes, floods, blizzards, wildfires, and earthquakes can stretch government resources thin, leading to significant delays in passport application processing.
3. International Crises
Wars, pandemics, and other geopolitical events can slow down passport processing times. Similar to natural disasters, the State Department may need to divert resources to respond to these events, causing significant delays in passport processing.
4. National Holidays
Unlike natural disasters and international crises, national holidays are predictable days when government agencies, including US Passport Offices and the USPS, are closed for business. During these times, your passport application isn’t being processed, which can add to delays. Holidays are also peak travel times, so passport applications must be submitted early to avoid last-minute, holiday-related delays.
Passport Delays You Can Control
1. An Unacceptable Passport Photo
One of the top reasons applications are delayed or denied is due to issues with passport photos. There are very specific passport photo requirements that must be followed. You can avoid these common passport photo mistakes by dressing appropriately and having a professional take your picture. You can also save time by finding a passport office that offers photo services, allowing you to get your photos and submit your passport application at the same time.
2. Application Mistakes
Errors on the passport application can cause major delays. If there’s a mistake on your application, the State Department will contact you to correct it; however, fixing application mistakes adds to processing times.
Another common application mistake is sending the incorrect payment. You must include the correct amount for the type of passport you are applying for and any additional fees for expediting, rush delivery, or other services.
If you are paying your passport fees by check or money order, the payment must be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Be advised: you cannot pay by sending cash or credit card information with your application.
3. Missing or Incorrect Documentation
Applicants must submit additional supporting documents along with their passport application.
New passport applicants must provide an original birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Citizenship, or Naturalization Certificate.
Passport renewal applicants can use a valid, undamaged passport. Avoid submitting photocopies instead of originals or certified copies. Rest assured, original documents will be returned after processing.
4. Issues with Your Current Passport
For renewals, you must submit your current passport book or card. If you can’t, you must start over with a new application. A current passport won’t be accepted if it was:
- issued when you were 15 or younger,
- issued over 15 years ago,
- is significantly damaged, or
issued under a previous name without legal documentation of the name change.
5. Parental Custody Issues
There are a lot of important rules to follow when applying for a minor’s passport. Most of the regulations involve documenting parental custody, proof of relationship to the minor, and permission to apply. Both parents must provide evidence of their parental relationship and legal custody arrangements. Without consent from both parents or proof of sole custody, the minor’s passport application will be delayed.
Please note: if more than $2,500 in child support is owed, the federal government will not issue a passport.
6. Submitting Your Passport Application Too Late
The US Department of State strongly encourages Americans to apply for a passport well in advance of their travel plans. Processing times begin when your application is received, not when you send it.
If you have a tight travel timeline, consider expedited service if you’re approaching a travel deadline. For immediate urgent travel needs or emergencies, you can get a passport in 3 business days or less by applying in person at a Regional Passport Agency or through a registered passport expediter.
How to Track Your Passport Application Status
To check if an error is delaying your passport, visit the State Department’s U.S. Passport Application Status page. You’ll need your last name, date of birth, and the last four numbers of your social security number for an update.
Keep in mind: this is only an estimate. Until your passport is issued, mailed, and received, you are still at the mercy of the possible delays mentioned above.
How to Respond to a Passport Application Letter or Email from the U.S. State Department
In some cases, the State Department requests additional information. Respond promptly to avoid further delays. You must include the letter you were sent explaining the issue and mail the corrections within 90 days. The faster you respond, the sooner your application will be processed.
How to Get a Passport and Avoid Delays
With over 20 years of experience helping travelers with their travel document questions, our best advice is to plan ahead to ensure a delayed passport doesn’t ruin your travel plans. Apply for a new passport or renewal as far in advance as possible before any planned international travel.
If you have urgent international travel needs and expedited service isn’t fast enough, you still have options. By providing proof of urgent travel, you can get a passport in as few as 1 to 3 business days by making an appointment and visiting a Regional Passport Agency.
Additionally, you can expedite the process by using a reputable, registered passport expediter. These experts can visit a passport agency on your behalf, saving you the hassle of securing an appointment and reducing costs and time. Passport expediters also have the experience to identify and correct application errors before submission, significantly reducing the chances of delays.
Get Your Passport on Time
Getting your passport on time requires careful attention to detail and proactive planning. While some delays are beyond your control, many can be avoided by ensuring your application is error-free and submitted well in advance of your travel plans.
Based on over 20 years of helping readers like you with their passport needs, we recommend using a trusted passport expediting service whenever you need to get a passport fast. Their support through the application process and ability to submit your documents on your behalf can be the difference between getting your passport in time or having to endure frustrating delays.
For more helpful travel document tips and travel advice, be sure to visit the U.S. Passport Service Guide and Blog. Safe travels!
