Because of new passport laws, many new people are applying for
passports. One of the most common questions people ask is, 'how long to
get a passport?' This is a complicated question and there is no definite
answer. The following article will try to explain the passport process
and inform a new applicant what they can expect in terms of a passport
time frame.
First, it is important to note that passport
applications have skyrocketed in recent years. This is not due to a
spike in international travel, but is instead due to a new law that
requires passports for land travel to border countries. The law, which
went into effect on June 1st, 2009, made passports mandatory for travel
between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada. Word of this law caused a spike
in passport applications as early as 2006.
The applicant is
responsible for the first step of the application process. The applicant
must obtain passport photos, a government issued ID card, and a proof
of citizenship. The faster this part of the application is completed,
the faster the whole process will go.
When everything is together,
it is time to head to a pass port office to start the application
process. In the United States, local post offices are the primary
sources to get a passport application. While not every post office
processes passport applications, many of them have this ability. It is
best to check the USPS website for exact locations that offer this
service.
Once the application has been approved by the application
center, it is sent off for processing. This is the longest part of the
application process. This is also the part of the application that
worries most new applicants, as this part of the application has been
known to take a great deal of time.
Today, the whole process is
more efficient and worry free. Anyone that wants to go through normal
channels can expect to get their passport in about two months. If that
seems excessive, compare it to waiting over six months before these new
laws went into effect. The entire process is much more efficient now.
The
State Department also offers a passport-expedited service. Currently
the waiting period for expedited passports is two to three weeks. The
cost of an expedited passport is $60 plus the cost of overnight
delivery. The State Department also offers various types of super-rush
passports for dire emergencies. Obviously, it is best to try to plan
ahead to avoid this kind of hassle. Applicants can also save significant
money by obtaining the passport through standard channels.
Clearly, there is no one answer to the question, 'How long to get a passport?'
It depends on the time of year and the type of year. A fair average is
one to two months, but it is impossible to be sure. The best method to
ensure that your passport arrives on time is to apply at your local American passport office long before you think you will need one.
