If you’re waiting on a passport and you planned to travel abroad this Summer, you may have to delay your plans.
According to the State Department, the wait time for a passport is now between 12-18 weeks, even if you pay expedited processing.
Rachel Arndt, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services, said the department is increasing COVID-19-reduced staffing throughout the United States as pandemic restrictions are eased. But she said Americans needing to apply for or renew a passport should do so at least six months ahead of when they plan to travel.
The department says the current backlog is between 1.5 million to 2 million meaning that applications submitted now are more than likely not going to be processed until the fall.
For more information on applying for passports and wait times, click here
