Since Jan 1, 2021, the Postal Service has accepted more than 3.5 million passport applications compared to the 3.2 million accepted during the same period prior to the pandemic.

In addition, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (enacted in 2009 that requires a passport or passport card when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and other countries of the Caribbean by land and sea) has added to the surge. Those passports expired in 2017, creating a surge in passport applications and renewals a trend which has continued each year since. The Postal Service accepted applications for more than half - 9.8 million. In 2007, more than 18.3 million passports were issued. See ‘How do I renew my passport?’ in the FAQs listed below for information on renewal by mail. During these events, USPS processes first-time passport applications and passport renewal applications for those not eligible to renew by mail. Appointments are not required during the fairs, but customers are encouraged to arrive early as applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until the applicant maximum has been reached. You can find a list of passport fairs at the Department of State Travel Newsroom.

The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler application has been updated recently to include the option to schedule Photo Services Only appointments. Customers have the option to schedule these appointments at on a desktop or mobile device, at a retail counter in more than 17,000 Post Offices or at a self-service kiosk at 2,200 USPS locations. Customers can schedule first-time passport application and Photo Services Only appointments through Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler (RCAS) tool. Passport acceptance service is offered at 4,800 Post Office locations nationwide. USPS is currently holding passport fairs, expanding off-site availability of passport services and extending appointment hours across the country.

Most of these locations can also take passport photos. The Postal Service accepts first-time applications and offers passport-related products and services at 4,800 Post Offices across the country. It’s important to note that the Postal Service does not process or issue passports Department of State since the 1970s and works very closely with its Passport Agency. The Postal Service has operated as an agent of the U.S. Additional information can be found on our Passport Page on. Following are some passport application tips to help speed the process along. A valid passport should be the first item on your travel check-off list. Passport fairs will resume only after it is safe to do so.Īpplying for a passport is just a few clicks away As a temporary measure due to the pandemic, please use our online scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. In accordance with new safety guidelines, the Postal Service has made changes to its passport application process.īeginning March 25, 2020, the Postal Service began processing all passport application services by appointment only. The Department of State has issued updated passport guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful traveling begins with a passport

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