U.S. passport processing times increase as spring break, summer vacation approaches
If you’re planning a trip outside of the country, now’s the time to renew or apply for your passport.
The State Department reported an increase in passport application processing as U.S. travelers prepare for spring break travels.
Whether you’re flying out of Dallas Love Field or Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, here’s how to make sure your passport is good to go before you travel.
How long does it take to process a U.S. passport?
Routine processing times have increased from six to nine weeks up to eight to eleven weeks and expedited services went from three to five weeks to five to seven weeks. Processing times begin the day the department receives the application at a passport agency or center.
If you are traveling within seven weeks, travelers can apply for an urgent travel processing appointment at an agency or center. The appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of the international travel date.
Processing for emergency — life or death — travel can be made on a limited basis at passport agencies and requires international travel within 72 hours.
Where can I renew my U.S. passport in Tarrant County?
There are five passport acceptance locations at subcourthouses in Tarrant County. The subcourthouses are located in Fort Worth, Hurst, Arlington, Lake Worth and Southlake. Wait times for these locations are listed on the website.
Other acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other local government offices.
Search passport acceptance facilities near you through the State Department’s “Passport Acceptance Facility Search” page.
How can I renew my U.S. passport?
As of March 2, passports can only be renewed through mail or, if ineligible for mail, in person.
To renew by mail, all five of the following requirements must be met:
Passport must be in your possession to submit with application
Undamaged outside of normal wear and tear
Passport was issued when you were 16 years or older
Passport was issued in the last 15 years
Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change
If renewal applicants don’t meet all five requirements to renew by mail, they must go in-person to a passport processing facility.
In August 2022, the State Department launched a trial run of its online passport renewal service but temporarily closed it to new customers on Feb. 7.
The department plans to periodically reopen the service to new customers in a limited release before a full release later this year.
Since August, over 500,000 customers successfully submitted an application online, according to the State Department. Survey feedback is under review to improve the online renewal experience before it is reopened.
How much does a U.S. passport cost?
If you’re applying for a passport for the first time, the application fee is $130 for a passport book along with a $35 acceptance fee. Expedited processing is an additional $60.
If you’re renewing a passport, the application fee is $130 for a passport book.
Passport books are the only acceptable passports for international air travel.
Travelers can apply for a passport card if they are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean countries and Bermuda. Application fees for a passport card are $30. For first-time passport card applicants, an additional $35 fee is required.
