The United States is reducing processing times for passports, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs announced on Oct. 3. The application process will now take 4 to 6 weeks as opposed to 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited passports will still take 2 to 3 weeks.
The announcement comes after months of administering passports well under the prior commitment of 6 to 8 weeks. The updated timeline applies to submissions both by paper and online. However, processing times begin when an application is received by the State Department and do not include mailing times.
As previously announced, Americans who wish to renew their documents now have the option to use the Online Passport Renewal system. U.S. citizens are encouraged to check their expiration dates and apply early, research their intended destination and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
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