The time it takes for the State Department to process a passport application has dropped to the "pre-pandemic norm," according to a spokesperson.
The department announced on Monday that passport applications will be processed within six to eight weeks, or two to three weeks if expedited service is requested for an additional $60.
"This past year, the Department experienced unprecedented demand for passports," the department said in a statement. "Between October 2022 and September 2023 (the federal fiscal year), the Department of State issued over 24 million passport books and cards — the highest amount ever in our nation’s history."
The statement added: "We have worked hard to modernize and improve the service we provide to the American people. We will continue to do so in 2024."
White House chief of staff Jeff Zients wrote on social media: "The time it takes for you to get a passport has been cut by almost half — thanks to the good work of [the State Department] and [the White House Office of Management and Budget]. Important progress for Americans across the country."
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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