Why You Should Renew Your Passport Now
Given the lingering threat of the coronavirus and continuing travel restrictions , it may be some time before your next international flight. But that doesn’t mean you should wait to apply for or renew your passport, because there may be a long queue ahead.
As USA Today reports , the State Department has cut the number of passport transactions from mid-March to early June as part of efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. At this time, according to the agency’s website , they stopped processing expedited applications and issued passports only in case of death or death. As a result, backlogs rose to 1.8 million by the time workers returned in June.
While passport agencies are slow to open, the State Department is not operating at full capacity, and there will still be a delay for those applying for non-emergency passports. You can check the job status of your local passport agency here . You may have the option to apply in person at a reception center, or you may be able to renew your passport by mail .
While the State Department does not currently list expected wait times on its website, some users receive ratings via Twitter. “All applicants should still expect processing delays of several months as we work to process a large number of applications,” the agency said in a statement on August 10.
Even if your passport does not expire for several months, you should start the renewal process now. This can save you the stress of waiting to get your passport after you’ve already booked your trip, and you can avoid additional expedited service charges later. After submitting your application, you can check the status of your application online or by calling the agency at (877) 487-2778.
Another reason to apply now: it will give you a reason to look forward to the end of the pandemic. While it may be hard to imagine flying to exotic destinations right now, getting this shiny new passport in the mail will still be exciting. You can even start working on a travel reward strategy or save money for a future trip. With a new passport in hand, it will be easier to travel again as soon as it is safe.