It's never too early for travelers to start preparing for their spring and summer trips in 2024, even as the national passport processing backlog has narrowed.
And there is a US Postal Service location in Los Angeles that is willing to help travelers with their passport applications.
The Barrington Post Office in Brentwood organizes a passport fair on Sunday between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. Appointments are not required on a first-come, first-served basis, but the USPS said it can only help the first 175 applicants. Customers are encouraged to come early to the post office, located at 200 S. Barrington Ave.
For an efficient visit, the post office recommends that visitors fill out their forms in advance, and if someone is applying for a passport for the first time, they should bring a valid photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship.
Earlier this year, those with wanderlust abroad had to keep their feet on U.S. soil due to the backlog of national passports.
In March, normal passport processing took 10 to 13 weeks, while the expedited service took seven to nine weeks.
Officials said the pileup was the result of travel restrictions imposed earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic. When restrictions were lifted, passport renewals and first-time applications increased.
Now processing times have been reduced by three to four weeks.
It is from November 6 reportedly took seven to ten weeks to process a standard application, with the expedited service taking three to five weeks.
These timelines, provided by the U.S. Department of State, do not include the time it takes to mail an application and receive a passport back, which is approximately two weeks.
“Customers are encouraged to get ahead of their travel needs to ensure their planned travel plans are met and to avoid last-minute issues,” said Natashi Garvins, a spokesperson for the USPS.
For more information about what documentation is required for a first passport, passport renewal or a passport for a minor, visit the USPS website.
Garvins said the USPS accepts passport applications year-round; the The State Department has suggestions on its website for when travelers should initiate the process based on their travel needs, including urgent travel due to a life-or-death emergency.
Post offices are some of the places that can assist with or accept passport applications. You can also visit A federal passport agency in big cities, incl Los Angeles, or try one of the following options:
Where can you get help with passport applications?
Once your application has been submitted, you can do so check status online or sign up for email updates.
Please note that if you have lost your passport in a major disaster, you may be eligible for a renewal fee waiver through the Disaster Recovery Reform Act.
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