Apply Now to Avoid Delays
FEBRUARY 26, 2016
Plan Ahead! Apply now!

We are expecting an increase in passport applications through 2018. Submit your passport application well ahead of your planned travel dates in order to avoid possible delays!

You can renew a passport conveniently by mail at any time if you meet certain criteria. If you are applying for the first time or are under 16 years old, you must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, including designated U.S. post offices, clerks of court, and public libraries. Passport acceptance facilities offer routine service (6 weeks) and expedited service (3 weeks). The expedited service costs an additional $60. Save the $60 expedite fee by planning ahead!

In 2007, we experienced an unprecedented surge in passport applications, issuing over 18 million passports as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Nearly ten years later, those passports are beginning to expire, and we have been experiencing increased demand for passport renewals. We issued over 15.5 million passports in fiscal year 2015 and the increased demand is expected to continue through 2018.

For more information on how or where to apply, please visit Travel.State.Gov/ApplyEarly or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778/1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD).