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

“Check your passport before you need it,” said Rep. Peters. “Due to high demand for summer travel, it is increasingly harder for the U.S. State Department to process passports, even in cases of emergency. Search for your passports and check expiration dates long before you make any reservations or arrangements to travel abroad. My district office staff is working hard to assist, but there are no guarantees of success. It takes around two weeks to assess and submit requests, and receive responses from the U.S. State Department to notify if the passport will be processed by the planned date of travel. ”

The U.S. State Department’s processing times for passports are currently 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing. Mailing times are not included in these processing times. It may take up to two weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to two weeks for applicants to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is printed.

The U.S. Passport Agency cautions applicants against paying outside entities for their services. Courier or expeditor companies cannot make any guarantees as to when applicants receive their passports. 

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 pending, you may contact the district office for a status update 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 reason for (e.g., wedding invitation, note from doctor, letter from supervisor).

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