Getting a passport is not the rare occurrence that it used to be. Today, more and more people are using them on a regular basis because of the different law changes that went into effect. Anyone asking “How long will it take to get a passport?” would do well to educate themselves on the whole process to make sure that they don’t get caught without the proper documents during travel.
First, it is important to note that passport applications have skyrocketed in recent years. This is not due to a spike in international travel, but is instead due to a new law that requires passports for land travel to border countries. The law, which went into effect on June 1st, 2009, made passports mandatory for travel between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada. Word of this law caused a spike in passport applications as early as 2006.
The process is not a difficult one, as long as the applicant has all of their paperwork in order. One of the first very first thing that needs to be done is to obtain a passport picture. In addition to that, they will also need a valid government recognized ID and proof of citizenship. If all of these items are valid and ready to go, the application process will go much quicker.
After obtaining these pre-application items, the applicant must apply in person at a passport office. These centers are often in a local post office. Depending on the time of day, the actual application can take minutes or hours. It is best to go at odd hours to avoid the rush.
Once the last step has been completed, it is pretty much out of the applicant’s hands. This is the part that takes the longest and it will often just depend on how many other applicants there are at that time. Realize that applications are coming in from all over and they all have to be processed.
Today, the whole process is more efficient and worry free. Anyone that wants to go through normal channels can expect to get their passport in about two months. If that seems excessive, compare it to waiting over six months before these new laws went into effect. The entire process is much more efficient now.
If that time frame still does not work, there is actually an expedited service that is offered for $60. Anyone using this service will have their passport back to them in about two or three weeks. If this is still not quick enough, there are other services that cost a bit more, but the passport application literally gets pushed to the front of the pile.
Clearly, there is no one answer to the question, “how long will it take to get a passport?” It depends on the time of year and the type of year. A fair average is one to two months, but it is impossible to be sure. The best method to ensure that your passport arrives on time is to apply at your local United States passport office long before you think you will need one.