WARWICK, RI – Don’t let passport delays ruin the overseas trip of a lifetime – check your passport expiration date today and plan ahead: post-pandemic processing times for a new passport are taking up to 13 weeks, according to the U.S. State Department.

The State Department says the demand for U.S. passports is greater than it’s ever been.  As of mid-July, the U.S. State Department reports receiving 430,000 weekly applications.

Mistakes on the application can sometimes cause delays in passport processing.  If Rhode Islanders need help navigating the passport application or renewal process, they can contact U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s office directly for expert assistance.  Reed says his office is getting over three times more calls about passports this year than during the same period in 2022.  He has a special section of his website where Rhode islanders can get personalized assistance with passport applications.

Senator Reed is also working with his colleagues in the U.S. Senate to ensure the State Department implements systemic fixes that will streamline and speed up the passport application process.

Today, at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Senator Reed outlined new efforts to assist Rhode Islanders with passport applications and renewals, and what options Rhode Islanders can pursue if they experience delays.

Reed’s office has been in active contact with the State Department, and the agency is taking multiple steps to ease the passport renewal process, including hiring and reassigning more workers to help with the surge in passport requests.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Senator Reed recently shepherded through the U.S. Senate includes multiple provisions in the State Department authorization that would help address delays.  It would give the Secretary of State special hiring authority for new personnel, require the development of an online chat tool to check the status of individual’s passport application, and improve the existing online status tool to include more detailed data about an application and increase transparency in passport processing.  

“I am doing everything I can to help Rhode Islanders get their passports faster.  First, ensuring accountability and improvements from the State Department.  That means surging staff to process passports and expanding the number of in-person appointments that are available.  Yesterday, the Boston Passport Agency informed me they will have special hours a week from Saturday -- on August 12.  So if you have not applied for a passport and have urgent travel within 14 days of August 12, please contact my office immediately.  I am also working with my Congressional colleagues on a series of fixes to prevent future delays and improve customer service,” said Senator Reed, who is also coordinating with State Department and local officials to hold a special passport fair in September to help local residents apply for new passports using their documentation before the holiday travel rush.

September is Passport Awareness Month and the Special Acceptance Fair will give residents an in-person, convenient, and accessible experience in applying for or renewing a U.S. passport.

The State Department expects to process 25 million passport applications overall this year, up from 22 million last year.  The pre-pandemic processing time was between 4 and 6 weeks.

Some countries require that a passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of a trip.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT

Rhode Island currently has over 20 Passport Acceptance Facilities across the state, mostly at local U.S. Post Offices or select public libraries.   First time applicants will be required to complete a Passport Application Form and present a valid photo identification and an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate.  Special passport photos may be taken on-site.

For passport renewals, a completed Passport Application Form, an old passport, and a recent passport photo will be required, along with the passport renewal fee. The validity and fees for first time applicants and passport renewals are as follows:

U.S. Passport Book: Valid for international travel by air, sea, and land.

  • Validity: 10 years for adults (age 16 and older); 5 years for children (under age 16)
  • Cost for First Time Applicants: $165 for adults (age 16 and older); $135 for children (under age 16)
  • Cost for Renewal Applicants: $130 for adults (age 16 and older)

U.S. Passport Card: Valid when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land or seaports-of-entry. Not valid for international travel by air.

  • Validity: 10 years for adults (age 16 and older); 5 years for children (under age 16)
  • Cost for First Time Applicants: $65 for adults (age 16 and older); $50 for children (under age 16)

If you are applying for a passport: What to bring

  • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, citizenship certificate)
  • Proof of identity (driver's license, military, or government ID)
  • Completed, but not signed DS-11 form
  • Passport photo (can be taken on site for a $10.00 fee)
  • Check or money order to pay the U.S. Department of State fee (fees can vary, be sure to visit www.travel.state.gov)
  • Cash, check or money order to pay the library execution fee