Passport delays are mounting. Head to these North Jersey fairs to speed up the process
New Jerseyans with plans to travel out of the country this year should start putting in their applications for a passport immediately if they need a new one or have never had one.
That's because as more of us are shedding pandemic caution and traveling overseas, the processing times for passports are getting longer and longer, officials say.
Latest processing times
The U.S. State Department's website shows that as of March 24, routine processing times for passports were 10 to 13 weeks. Expedited processing will still take seven to nine weeks, according to the agency.
And that doesn't include the estimated two weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and two weeks to receive a completed passport in the mail.
Booker issues warning
The processing time has increased by two weeks just since February, when U.S. Sen. Cory Booker sent out a release urging his New Jersey constituents to renew their passports soon if the expiration date was less than a year away.
“Having a new passport in hand will not only help you avoid the stressful wait before an upcoming trip, it is an important precaution in the event of a travel emergency," the Democrat said.
'Unprecedented' demand
The State Department also warns that the processing times may get even longer as the summer vacation season gets closer. According to the AAA travel club, international travel has more than tripled so far this year compared with 2022, based on booking data,.
The department also cited increased travel compared with previous years, saying it has seen "unprecedented" demand for passports in 2023.
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Special passport fairs in NJ
For those needing a passport to travel internationally within 14 calendar days, the State Department recommends calling 877-487-2778 to make an appointment at a passport center or agency.
North Jersey adults and children who have never applied for a passport can do so at upcoming special passport fairs being held at locations in Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties. The following fairs are taking place soon and are open to the public, with the exception of the Verona event, which requires an appointment.
Bergen
Conlon Hall, 18 N. William St., Bergenfield: April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Passaic
Woodland Park Municipal Building, 5 Brophy Lane: April 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Totowa Public Library, 537 Totowa Road at Cherba Place, Totowa: April 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prospect Park Municipal Building, 106 Brown Ave., Prospect Park: April 18, 5 to 7 p.m.
North Haledon Municipal Building, 103 Overlook Ave., North Haledon: April 20, 5 to 7 p.m.
Passaic County Clerk's Office, 401 Grand St., Room 130, Paterson: April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and April 25, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Passaic County Clerk's Satellite Office, 1237 Ringwood Ave., Haskell (Wanaque): April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and April 25, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Essex
Verona Public Library, 17 Gould St., Verona: April 18 and 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ricardo Kaulessar is a culture reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Atlantic Region How We Live team. For unlimited access to the most important news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com
Twitter: @ricardokaul
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passport renewal delays: NJ fairs can help expedite renewals
