US Passport Processing Times Return to Pre-Pandemic Standards
![](https://www.travlisto.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/654268df50649eaa0d3a7633_how-to-renew-passport.webp)
The United States Department of State has announced that passport processing times have returned to pre-pandemic standards. Effective December 18, passport applications will be processed within 6-8 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, with an additional $60 fee. This marks the third reduction in processing times in 2023, reflecting the State Department’s efforts to meet the increased demand for passports as international travel resumes.
![](https://www.travlisto.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231218-passport-sj-1139-d65dce-1024x683.jpg)
In the last fiscal year, the State Department set a record by issuing over 24 million passports, the highest in U.S. history. To ensure timely processing, travelers are encouraged to apply well in advance, preferably 6-9 months before their passport’s expiration date.
Author