When To Apply For A Passport

There are many reasons you will want to get a passport. Many Americans use their passport as an ID for employment. Some Americans use their passport as proof of ID for domestic travel, which is often required by most airlines. All international travel requires that you hold a valid passport. But with long processing times and an often confusing process, it can be hard to know when to apply for a passport. We recommend applying for your passport early as passport processing times can take 6-8 weeks or longer. If you are traveling soon, you may need to expedite your passport.

What does it mean to expedite a passport?

To expedite your passport means to get the passport processed faster. Your passport processing speed will depend on how fast you need your passport. In 2007, the U.S. Department of State processed record numbers of U.S. Passports. Since most passports are valid for 10 years, 2017 is expected to be the largest passport processing time in history. Previously, routine passport processing could take 4-6 weeks if everything goes smoothly. However, if you have any mistakes on your forms or documents, or if the U.S. Department of State requires additional verification or documents, your passport will take much longer. There is an option to expedite your passport for three week service through the post office. This option is not guaranteed to be faster though, so use it at your own discretion. One of the benefits to using a service like our passport expediting is that you have an agency that will work on your behalf to ensure your passport is ready in time for your travel plans.

When is the best time to apply for a passport?

The best time to apply for a passport is well before you need it. Since passport processing can take months, you will want to plan ahead. A valid adult passport (16 and older) is good for ten years, and a minor passport (15 and younger) is valid for 5 years. If you are unsure when to apply for a passport, you should apply then. However, if you find yourself with upcoming travel plans and you wish to get your passport in time, you can expedite your application.

When to Apply for a Passport

Apply early. Your passport is a vital document that allows you to prove your identity and citizenship. Your passport is your ticket to see the world! If you are trying to decide when to apply for a passport, the day is today. Apply now for routine service through your local passport agency or by using our expedited service.