Cheddars News' Chloe Aiello explains why getting your passport takes so long. 

Cheddars News' Chloe Aiello explains why getting your passport takes so long.&nbsp;

Need2Know Headlines

Cheddar Explains: Why Getting a Passport Takes So Long 

And on to other news as international travel is on your summer bucket list and you don't already have a valid passport. Well, you'll need to get right on that because you could be waiting more than three months for processing here with more news. Senior reporter Chloe. A thank you for being here, Chloe for this important topic. So what's going on with these processing times of passports? Uh They're pretty lengthy right now, just like you said, if you submitted an application on or after March 24th, it could be from 10 to 13 weeks for processing or 7 to 9 weeks for expedited processing for people who apply between February six and March 23rd. Those wait times are slightly less 8 to 11 weeks for routine service and 5 to 7 for expedited. Now, you can always go in person to a passport office, but you have to have travel within 14 calendar days and you'll also have to call for an appointment. So those are pretty restricted. Also. Remember that quoted wait times do not include mailing, which could add weeks to the overall total. Shannon and usually the wait times are long, but why are they even longer now? Sure. Well, delays are partially seasonal and they're partially related to pent up demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, historically, the busiest season for passports kicks off in late winter, early spring and extends to late summer. That's according to the US Secretary of State Secretary Department, excuse me, Department of State. But demand has been elevated for quite some time with the agency fielding 30 to 40% more requests than last year at this time according to the points guy. And that's saying something, the Department of State processed more passports in 2022 than ever before. Likely because some people had waited and pushed off travel during the pandemic. Shannon. Ok. Well, we need your help. What are some tips or best practices when it comes time for us to apply for updated passports? Well, if you have the luxury of time, the best thing to do, of course is renew at least six months ahead of an expected trip or if you can renew during the less busy season, which as I mentioned before, it's usually between October and December if you don't have time. However, there are some ways to expedite that process, but it will cost you the cost of a new or renewed passport application for adults is $130 if you want expedited service, that's an extra $60. Plus you can actually pay for faster shipping and that's another $20. So all told for expedited service that will cost you about $210. As I mentioned before, there are some circumstances in which you can go in person. So for travel within 14 days or emergency travel within three days, you must uh visit a regional passport agency that's only possible through appointments and they will have to verify that you need those passports. Shannon. Alright, some great advice there especially for people that need to go out of town for a travel or wanna just a vacation overseas, important to go ahead and get on top of that now. So that's why Chloe is always here to keep us posted on important information. Thank you so much Chloe A.