Passports applications in the US are taking an average of 10-12 weeks to process due to backlog. Kiplinger’s offers a few tips to speeding up the process.
- Pay extra for expedited State Department Service ($60).
- Leaving within 2 weeks? Call 877-487-2778 and schedule an appointment at one of the 15 regional passport offices. Bring your tickets and/or itinerary. [via Consumerist]
I’d also recommend getting any of your friends who work in the Federal government to go with you to a nearby passport office, they often get priority. Remember, passport restrictions have been temporarily eased depending on your destination. Things are not likely to get better anytime soon, as 80% of Americans don’t have a passport – the best advice is to apply early!
