US State Department Updates on Domestic US Passport Processing

On December 18, 2023, the US Department of State (DOS) announced that passport processing times have returned to the agency’s pre-pandemic norm. As of December 18, 2023, DOS said, passport applications will be processed within the US is at 6 to 8 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service, which costs an additional $60. Processing times begin when DOS receives an application at a passport agency or center and do not include mailing times.

DOS said that this year, demand for passports was “unprecedented.” Between October 2022 and September 2023, the agency issued more than 24 million passport books and cards, the highest number in U.S. history.

If you are a US citizen living outside the US, you will apply to renew your passport at a US consular post in the country in which you live. The US Citizen Services Unit within your local US consular post may have a different processing time so you should check on renewing your passport as early as possible. If you require assistance with a US passport application when living outside the US, please contact our office.

Details:

DOS notice (Dec. 18, 2023).

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Principal Lawyer, Janice Flynn at janice@flynnhodkinson.com.