September is National Passport Awareness Month and the U.S. Department of State is marking the occasion by issuing a warning to all U.S. citizens that are thinking about renewing their current passports or applying for the first time: Apply Early!

Why the warning?  Well, it seems that back in 2007 they issued an unprecedented 18+ million passports.  And these passports will be coming due for renewal in the next few years, on top of the present surge in new passport applications as a result of the current interest in overseas travel.

Travel Tip: apply or renew your passport early as significant backlogs are expected in the coming years!

Renewing an adult’s passport may be done conveniently by mail at any time if the applicant meets certain criteria.  Children and adults applying for the first time must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, including designated U.S. post offices, clerks of court, and public libraries.  Passport acceptance facilities offer routine service (4-6 weeks) and expedited service (3 weeks).  The expedited service costs an additional $60.  Applying during the off-peak months of September, October, and November can help ensure passports are processed well within the service commitments.   The Department is offering weekend hours at passport agencies throughout the country on select Saturdays during September and October as an added convenience for people to apply or renew early.

For more U.S. Passport Tips, and the procedures for obtaining or renewing your passport, CLICK HERE.
 
 
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