WASHINGTON — After months of long delays, passport processing times are finally easing.
The State Department updated its expected processing times for U.S. passports Monday, shortening the wait times by two weeks. Applications received on or after Oct. 2, will be expected to wait eight to 11 weeks , or five to seven weeks for expedited service.
Earlier this year, the State Department warned travelers about long processing times due to a rise in international travel. Up until Monday, the expected wait time were 10 to 13 weeks for routine service and seven to nine weeks for an expedited service.
Processing times begin the moment a passport agency or center receives the application and does include mailing time, according to the State Department.
"Our dedicated staff have worked countless hours to reduce passport processing times. We are continuously reassessing our operations to maximize efficiencies and are introducing innovations to our customer service and processing models," the State Department said in press release. "We remain focused on lowering processing times, and this reduction is an important first step."
Passport issuances hit a record number this fiscal year with more than 24 million passport books and cards processed between October 2022 and September 2023, according to the State Department. That's the most issuances ever in U.S. history.
Despite the shorter wait times, the State Department is still encouraging Americans to plan ahead and check expiration dates for their current passports. Officials also urge to renew passports at least six to nine months before the expiration date.