Why is it taking so long to get a passport?

COVID-19 and the economy of scarcity, worker shortages and slow delivery has produced a massive backlog in passport applications. Now, the U.S. Department of State, which issues passports, says “Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.”

How long are passports taking right now 2021?

8 to 11 weeks
The current processing time for U.S. passports is 8 to 11 weeks (for a $110 fee), down from the estimated 18 weeks it had been throughout summer and into early fall, according to the latest update from the U.S. State Department.

Are passports taking longer to process?

Extra-long waits for a new or renewed passport are getting shorter. The State Department said Friday that routine processing of a passport application is now taking eight to 11 weeks. Expedited processing, which costs an extra $60, takes five to seven weeks.

What do I do if my passport hasn’t arrived?

The first step is to call and make an appointment with the emergency passport service. Call 1 877-487-2778 or 1 888 874-7793 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The service is closed all federal holidays.

Why is it so hard to get a passport?

Due to increased demand, a shortage of appointments and delays with the U.S. Post Service, the State Department now says that those applying for a new or renewed passport should expect to wait up to 18 weeks for their document. That wait time drops to 12 weeks if you pay $60 extra for expedited processing.

Are passport renewals delayed?

If you’re renewing an existing passport That’s based on a combination of processing delays from two different government agencies. For standard passport processing service, the State Department anticipates 12 weeks for processing.

Can a passport arrive in 2 weeks?

If this will be your FIRST passport: You’ll need to drop your application off at a passport acceptance facility, like a local post office or library. It will arrive in two to three weeks, if you pay the $60 expedite fee, in addition to the general application fee ($105 for 15 and younger, $135 for 16 and older).

How do I know if my passport application is being processed?

You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to check on your status. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.

Can I get passport same day?

When expediting your US passport with a private passport expediting agency like 24 Hour Passport and Visas, you can get your passport in as soon as 8 hours. Not only will expediting with a private agency speed up the processing time but it will also save time required to gather your documents and apply in-person.

Why would a passport get denied or delayed?

Reasons Why a Passport Would Be Denied Failure to Provide Required Information. To get a passport, you fill out Form DS-11. Illegible Copies. You’re required to bring photocopies of the documents you use to apply for your passport, and a passport application can be denied if those copies don’t meet precise Failure to Pay. Getting a passport comes with a fee. Legal Issues.

What is the average wait time for a passport?

Associated Fees and Wait Times. The typical wait time prior to receiving a passport is between 4 and 6 weeks; however, there do exist cases in which passports can be expedited – doing so can lessen the wait-time from 2 to 14 days.

Why does it take so long to get a passport?

Still there are many important factors that determine the duration like: Total number of applications that passport services have received, at the time you have applied. It is also affected by the office you have applied in, and the location you have applied for. The date of your departure would also make some difference.

When should you renew your passport?

US passports are valid for ten years from the date they are issued. It seems logical to assume that you should renew your passport for two or three months before it expires. In fact, you may need to start the renewal process as early as eight months before your passport’s expiration date, depending on your destination.