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With the dust settling from prolonged hold-ups, US passport processing times now average back to normal. The Bureau announced that regular services will require six to eight weeks, while expedited services (with an additional $60 fee) take two to three weeks. This new norm applies to applications submitted on or after December 18th.
The agency expressed delight as they fulfilled their commitment to restore services to pre-pandemic levels. "Our dedicated staff serve the American people, investing their efforts towards this goal," they stated in their announcement.
In 2021, escalating delays that reached up to 18 weeks left travelers disheartened and even forced some to dismantle their plans due to untimely document submissions. Over the summer, the Department of State revealed a backlog of 1.5 to 2 million applications.
Post a record-breaking fiscal year, US expedited the issuance of more than 24 million passports from October 2022 to September 2023 – the highest number in US history.
In 1990, only 5% of Americans held a passport, a figure that now stands at 48%. With over 160 million active passports today, the number almost doubles from 2007.
Though improvements bring relief, some Americans may still wrestle with acquiring passports in time for their planned escapades. With the return of normalized wait times, domestic travelers might be more inclined to explore international destinations.
Pondering a European journey for your next adventure could now be within reach with the improved US passport wait times.
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When opting for routine or expedited services, be prepared to wait:
- Routine Service: Anticipate a 4-6 week turnaround time for your passport.
- Expedited Services: Expect your passport to arrive within 2-3 weeks, but with an additional $60 fee.
Several factors are contributing to passport delays:
- Executive Order Impact: Implemented on January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14168 recognizes only two sexes, male and female, while stipulating passport issuance with M or F gender markers that align with the applicant's birth sex. Discrepancies in documentation could lead to delays or denials.
- Enhanced Screening: The Trump administration's emphasis on immigration enforcement and sweeping immigration checks may cause longer processing times for USCIS applications, including passport renewals.
- Application Volume: Handling a large volume of applications contributes to delays, especially if over 1.5 million applications, like in 2023, have been processed through the OPR system.
- Urgent Travel: In rare life-or-death emergencies or urgent travels within two to three weeks, apply in person at a passport agency or center. Appointment availability is uncertain.
- Online Renewal Limitations: Online renewals are accessible to eligible U.S. citizens aged 25 and above, but not for travelers due to depart within six weeks. Routine services are the sole option in such cases.
