The Department of State (DOS) announced that it set new records in March and April for passport production for Americans planning to travel internationally. Because of this increase in demand, passport production time should now average about 10 to 12 weeks; DOS guides Americans to apply for a passport at least 12 weeks before planning to travel internationally.

DOS also provided a list of important points for travelers to keep in mind when applying for their passports. Applicants are guided to check their applications against the DOS checklist, available online at travel.state.gov/passport.

In addition, applicants can use a secure, online form to request a passport.

First Time applicants: https://pptform2.state.gov/DS11/MainDS11.aspx
Renewal applicants: https://pptform2.state.gov/DS82/Eligibility.aspx

Travelers can also check the status of their passport applications online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

For more information on expedited processing for passports, visit travel.state.gov.