Passport processing services delayed
(Photo by Jeff Sandquist/ CC by 2.0)
Today, United States Department of State Passport Services has updated their website to include additional information concerning the turnaround processing times for routine and expedited passport applications.
These changes directly address the realities concerning the mailing process. Mail times vary and delays have been significant. Internally the processing times of applications will not change.
Our processing times (up to 12 weeks for routine; up to 6 weeks for expedite)
do not include mailing times.
What to Expect:
• Mail delays are impacting when we receive passport applications for processing. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application, not the day you mail it.
• Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from when an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
• Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 10 weeks from when an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 10-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 4 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Please adapt your message to the public to include these facts and this information.
This clarification is for public consumption; please share it freely.
An appointment to apply for a passport can be made by calling: 208-267-2242.