SAN DIEGO — Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50) released the following statement amid a surge in requests for passport assistance in the CA-50 district office:

“I urge the people I represent to check their passports before making any reservation as many international tickets are non-refundable,” said Rep. Peters. “Due to heightened demand, the US Passport Agency indicated that expedited services are reserved for emergencies and special life events, such as a wedding or funeral. On average, my office is receiving 30 requests every week for assistance with passports. Although my staff cannot guarantee any outcome, they can help if you are traveling for one of the aforementioned reasons.”

The U.S. State Department is currently receiving half a million applications for passports every week, and recently updated processing times to 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing.

Recommendations for those traveling for work, family emergencies or significant life events:

• If you are applying for a new passport or passport renewal, consider paying the $60 expedited service fee along with your application fee.
• If your passport or renewal application is already pending, you may contact the district office no sooner than two weeks before your travel date.
• If you have not submitted a passport or renewal application and have planned departure within two weeks, you may contact the district office.
• If you would like to have your application expedited, please provide documented proof of travel need (e.g., wedding invitation, note from doctor, letter from supervisor).

For help with passports, constituents can visit Congressman Peters’ website.