U.S. Passport wait times are at record high. Here’s how to get or renew yours in Georgia

Chelsea Madden
·3 min read

The U.S. Department of State is currently seeing “unprecedented demand” for international travel this year.

In fact, the State Department said 2023 could surpass all previous records and become the highest demand year ever.

During the winter months, the State Dept. received more than 500,000 applications. Since March, processing times have been 10-13 weeks. Expedited applications are estimated to take 7-9 weeks.

However, that doesn’t account for the two weeks it takes for the application to be received and the time it takes for it to be delivered.

“We encourage all Americans to check their passport expiration date before making any definitive plans for international travel, and to take action to renew their passport well in advance of international travel this year,” warned the State Department on its website.

How to get a passport:

First-time applicants will need to download and print out an application online. First-time applications must be submitted in person at a passport center, while renewals can be submitted via mail.

The department advises applicants to:

  • Make sure the image of the application covers the entire page.

  • Use vertical, portrait format. Do not print your form horizontally. Doing so will cause delays with your application.

  • Print your form single-sided on 8.5 inch by 11 inch letter-sized paper. We do not accept double-sided forms.

  • The only handwritten marks we will accept when you use the Form Filler tool are your original signature and date.

You’ll also need specific documents to go with your application: original proof of U.S. citizenship (which can be an expired passport, birth certificate or a certificate of citizenship); a photocopy of your proof of citizenship; a passport photo; an ID; and a photocopy of your ID.

How much does it cost?

First-time applicants (16 and older) will need to pay two fees: an application fee of $130 and an acceptance fee of $35. If you also need a passport card, for travel to the northern and southern U.S. border, such as Canada and Mexico, there’s another fee of $30.

If your child is 16 or under and you are applying for their passport for the first time, you will also need to pay two fees: an application fee of $100 and an acceptance fee of $35. Passport cards are an extra $15.

If you are renewing your passport, the fee is $130 and renewing a passport card is $30.

If you need your application expedited, you can pay an extra $60.

How to renew your passport:

According to the department, you can renew your passport by mail if you can answer yes to all of the following:

  • I can submit it with my application.

  • It is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear).

  • I have never reported it lost or stolen.

  • It was issued within the last 15 years.

  • It was issued when I was age 16 or older.

  • It was issued in my current name, or I can provide another document such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree that is evidence of my name change.

  • It was not limited to less than the normal 10-year period of validity for an adult passport due to multiple passport thefts or losses, or due to issues with passport damage or mutilation.

Where to go in Georgia:

If you are applying for a passport for the first time (for an adult or child), you’ll need to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

You’ll need to call ahead to make sure you have all the necessary documents and if an appointment is needed.

Here are some Middle Georgia passport centers:

Here are some passport centers in Columbus, Georgia:

Find additional passport centers in Georgia online.

Are you planning to travel outside of the country soon? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com