The US State Department has cut passport processing times by an average of two weeks, according to an official release made at the start of October 2024.
Background
The Covid-19 pandemic caused widespread chaos in the US consular system and saw waiting times for the world’s eighth most powerful passport soar to over four months. The problems were so bad in 2023 that two Democrat lawmakers proposed legislation to streamline the application and renewal process. The duo’s Passport Act proposed to address last-minute applications and backlogs by notifying passport holders a year ahead of their passport’s expiration and by warning customers about passport requirements when booking international travel.
Pre-pandemic service levels were only resumed in December 2024, and even since then, ongoing backlogs and delays in issuing documents have remained a hot discussion topic.
Passports now issued within a month and a half
But now, things are looking up, especially for impromptu vacationers. After months of successfully issuing passports within a promised six to eight week turnaround period, the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs is slashing two weeks from that commitment, undertaking to process both online and paper applications within four to six weeks.
For expedited passport applications, meanwhile, the anticipated processing time will remain at two to three weeks, starting from the date of receipt by the State Department and not the date of mailing.
Efficiency, equity and accessibility
Hailed as showcasing the Bureau’s progress on “the efficiency, equity, and accessibility of the U.S. passport application process”, the reduced passport waiting times follow on the heels of a fully-fledged online renewal system introduced in mid-September. The online platform is a development Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called “a significant step forward in ensuring that Americans can more easily access passport services.”
U.S. passport renewal just got easier! We've fully launched our Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system. You can skip the printing and mailing. Renew from the comfort of your home (couch!) completely online, 24/7. It's secure, convenient, and ready for you to use. See if you qualify… pic.twitter.com/RulCs5hDFi
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 18, 2024
Open to most adults aged 25 or above, the new online option for the passport renewal process only requires that applicants be on US soil, and have already held a passport for 10 years that is still in their possession and expired less than five years ago, or is still valid for less than a year.
Illustrating perhaps how much of the pressure on the system comes from travellers’ lack of preparation, the latest press also dedicates a paragraph to urging US citizens to “check their passport expiration date and apply early”, and to consider using the online renewal system to “save time and effort”. It also encourages them to research their destination and any travel advisories on the travel state government website.