US Passport Application Update | Phase 2 Reopening (PROGRESS!)

TL;DR

US passport operations are gradually reopening in different phases, with more staff returning to work and processing more applications. The backlog of 1.3 million passport applications can be addressed at full capacity, and as more cities enter phase two, the number of passports issued each week is expected to increase.

Transcript

Many of you have been waiting for months for your passport, so I wanted to provide a quick update on US passport operations. Also, several viewers have shared their recent passport experiences and how long it took for them to get theirs. So, if you're curious, stick around till the end and I'll share some of their timelines. For more updates like t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛂 Five passport agencies are in phase two of reopening, enabling more staff to process passport applications, resulting in increased passport issuances.
• 🛟 Phase one of reopening allows agencies to serve individuals with life or death emergencies only, with limited staff processing a small number of applications.
• 👶 The State Department issued 274,000 new passports last week, showing progress in reducing the backlog of 1.3 million applications.
• 🈷️ The full backlog can be handled in one month at full capacity, as demonstrated by the average issuance of two million passports per month in 2019.
• 📞 Timelines for receiving passports vary among cities and states, with some applicants waiting for months, while others receive their passports relatively quickly.
• 🗺️ Travelers in cities in phase two should contact the passport agency for appointments within two weeks of their travel, while phase three promises a resumption of normal operations.
• 🏙️ As more cities enter phase two of reopening, the number of passports issued each week is expected to increase further.

Questions & Answers

Q: Which passport agencies are in phase two of reopening?

Passport agencies in cities like Boston and New York are in phase two of reopening. The full list can be found in the video's description.

Q: What does phase one of reopening for passport agencies entail?

Phase one of reopening only allows agencies to serve people with life or death emergencies who require a passport within 72 hours. Appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are not allowed.

Q: How many passports did the State Department issue last week?

The State Department issued 274,000 new passports last week, indicating progress in the passport application processing.

Q: Is the backlog of 1.3 million passport applications significant?

Although the backlog may seem large, considering that the State Department issued an average of two million passports per month in 2019, they can handle the backlog in one month at full capacity.

Q: Can passport applicants expect faster processing when more cities enter phase two?

Yes, as more cities enter phase two, the weekly number of passports issued is expected to increase. This means that applicants can anticipate faster processing times.

Q: What should travelers do if their city is in phase two and they have upcoming travel?

They should contact the passport agency to secure an appointment for a passport within two weeks of travel. However, if the city progresses to phase three before their trip, they should be able to secure an appointment for their passport.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Five passport agencies are in phase two of reopening, allowing more staff to process passport applications, while 12 agencies are in phase one, only open for life or death emergencies.

• The State Department issued 274,000 new passports last week, showing progress in reducing the backlog of 1.3 million applications.

• Timelines for receiving passports vary in different cities and states, with some applicants waiting since March and others receiving their passports relatively quickly.