The Department of State is committed to providing the best possible service for passport customers while upholding strict national security standards. Between October 2022 and September 2023 (the federal fiscal year), the State Department issued more than 24 million passport books and cards, the most ever in U.S. history.

In addition to issuing more passports than ever before, the State Department will provide these services 2 weeks faster than prior processing times. Beginning October 2, 2023, passport processing times will be 8-11 weeks for routine service and 5-7 weeks for expedited service. These new processing times only apply to applications received on or after October 2. Processing times begin the day an application is received and do not include mailing time.

The staff is working to reduce passport processing times. They are continuously reassessing operations to maximize efficiencies and are introducing innovations to customer service and processing models. Further, the State Deparment is investing in supporting and modernizing their technology, increased staffing levels by 10%, and have hundreds of additional staff in the hiring pipeline. They remain focused on lowering processing times, and this reduction is an important first step.

The State Department encourages anyone considering future international travel to check their passport’s validity early and often. Apply well in advance of your potential travel and at least 6-9 months ahead of your passport’s expiration date. Check your passport’s expiration date today and visit travel.state.gov to plan your 2024 travel with the latest passport guidance and travel information.