Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of State is celebrating Passport Awareness Month during September by launching an “Apply Early” campaign for U.S. citizens thinking about renewing their current passports or applying for the first time.

The Department is expecting an increase in passport applications through 2018 and encourages travelers to submit passport applications well ahead of their planned travel dates in order to avoid delays receiving their travel documents. Typically, applicants can receive their passports more quickly when applying between the months of September to December.

Renewing an adult’s passport may be done conveniently by mail at any time if the applicant meets certain criteria. Children and adults applying for the first time must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, including designated U.S. post offices, clerks of court, and public libraries. Passport acceptance facilities offer routine service (4-6 weeks) and expedited service (3 weeks). The expedited service costs an additional $60. Applying during the off-peak months of September, October, and November can help ensure passports are processed within the service commitments. The Department is offering weekend hours at passport agencies throughout the country on select Saturdays during September and October as an added convenience for people to apply or renew early.

In 2007, the Department experienced an unprecedented surge in passport applications, issuing over 18 million passports as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Nearly ten years later, those passports are beginning to expire, and the Department has been experiencing increased demand for passport renewals. The Department issued 14 million passports in 2014 and the increased demand is expected to continue through 2018.