With the summer travel season on the horizon, U.S. citizens are urged by government officials to review their passport expiration dates and apply for new or renewed passports well in advance of planned travel. This reminder comes alongside the introduction of new REAL ID requirements at U.S. airports set to take effect on May 7, 2025, for domestic flights. The U.S. Department of State is also encouraging travelers to consult travel advisories and country information found on travel.state.gov for those planning ventures abroad.
The department is currently setting passport processing records, issuing over 500,000 passports to American citizens weekly in 2025.
Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, as routine passport processing takes four to six weeks, with expedited processing taking two to three weeks, exclusive of mailing times. It is recommended to apply for both a passport book and card, where the book is required for international air travel, but both can serve as official federal identification and proof of citizenship.
From May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will enforce REAL ID requirements at domestic airport security checkpoints. U.S. passport books and cards are valid alternatives to REAL ID for domestic travel. Travelers should ensure they possess a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative by the deadline.
The department highlights the availability of an online passport renewal system, allowing eligible Americans to complete their renewal applications, payments, and photo submissions digitally, without the need to send anything by mail. Over two million Americans have utilized this system.
Travelers can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows Americans traveling abroad to enroll their trips. This service helps the government contact travelers in emergencies and provides real-time updates about health, weather, safety, and security.
For more information related to U.S. passports, including special passport acceptance events, citizens are directed to visit travel.state.gov or contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
