It happened to me. Don’t it happen to you, too!
Well this is awkward, I’m a travel writer without a passport. Just before coronavirus arrived in the United States, I mailed my passport in for a nice, early renewal. I’ve now been without it for almost four months.
Like many other things, my passport’s become a victim of the pandemic. I’m not the only one. More than 1.6 million passports are backlogged right now. That’s about 9,000 passport applications per day that aren’t being processed or reviewed. The situation is so bad that a group of senators sent a letter demanding that the passport agency get back to work.
In the grand scheme of things, not having a passport right now isn’t that big of a deal Perhaps it’s even ideal. We’re currently under a stay-at-home order so traveling isn’t an option anyway.
But keep in mind that passports aren’t just needed for international vacations. They’re a necessity for those who work and do business abroad.
Here’s how my passport renewal nightmare unfolded…
Passport renewal process
My passport was due to expire in December 2020. With REAL ID looming, plus international trips planned for summer and fall, I decided to be proactive and renew early. (Many airlines and countries require you have 6 months validity on your passport when you travel, so it’s important not to cut it too close.)
I mailed my passport for renewal on February 14th. The government cashed my check on February 19th. I paid $140 for a passport book and card. My husband sent his in for renewal at the same time, but he paid extra to expedite due to upcoming business travel. His passport was returned within two weeks. Mine is still out for renewal. It’s now May 19th, a full three months after my check was cashed.
I check the status of my passport daily. Every day it’s the same thing. According to U.S. State Department website, it’s “In Process.”
At first I wasn’t too worried, then after several weeks I started to fret. Even as I worried, I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t urgent, at least not right now. But as weeks have stretched into months, it’s agonizing for me. I’m a travel journalist. I run a travel website. Traveling isn’t just my passion, it’s also my livelihood.
Passport processing delayed by months
After three months of waiting, I called the U.S. State Department. The nice man on the phone told me I might not receive my passport for several months because we’re “in a public health crisis.” I audibly gasped when he said that. Not for dramatic effect, but it was my honest reaction.
When I pointed out that my check was cashed well before the U.S. government declared coronavirus a public health crisis, he apologized. I pointed out that my check was cashed a full month before passport operations were limited on March 19th. Again, he apologized. I explained that my livelihood was impacted. He said there was nothing he could do unless it were an emergency or a humanitarian crisis. As he said these things to me it was clear many others had also called, maybe they’ve yelled at him or cursed at him. His voice was weary and his responses seemed well-rehearsed.
I inquired about my options. Could he send me my current passport back? No. Could he estimate approximately when my new one would arrive? No. Does he know if passport renewals are still being processed. Yes, but very slowly. I kept asking questions, looking for a magical solution. I was also hoping this guy on the phone would feel sorry for me and have the power to do something. Wishful (and perhaps selfish) thinking, I know. When it was clear that wouldn’t work, I thanked him and hung up, disappointed by the lack of resolution.
That’s when I started sobbing. The more I cried, the more absurd my reaction seemed and yet I couldn’t stop myself. The virus has impacted each of us differently. But I believe that for many of us, the most frustrating aspect is that so much is out of our control right now. What was I really crying about? My missing passport? My cancelled plans? Being stuck at home? My fear of getting sick? Stress from suddenly home schooling my two kids? Maybe it was all of it.
My husband has often joked that one of my superpowers is “paperwork.” I’ve filled out so many forms over the years – for jobs, for homes, for the adoptions of our children. Comparatively, the passport renewal form seemed easy. I did pause for a moment to consider expediting my passport, too. But I didn’t want to spend an extra $60. I opted to be fiscally responsible. Oh, how I wish I’d checked the “expedite” box.
The day I sent it off, I felt a sense of satisfaction over another item checked off my “to-do list.” It all seemed within my control. Until it wasn’t.
I’m a planner. I keep multiple calendars for different aspects of my life – including one just for travel. With a passport I feel powerful. I can go anywhere. Maybe I won’t, but maybe I will. Without a passport, and without knowing when I’ll receive it, I feel unable to plan. I’m unable to take on any new assignments until my passport is renewed. Sadly, I’m now questioning whether I’ll be able to follow-through on the commitments I made for later this year. After all, that state department guy told me it could still take months before I receive my passport.
So, yeah, I’m upset. I need my passport back. It’s essential to my livelihood.
(Not to mention, I don’t think the government should have the right to cash my check and then hold my identification hostage until further notice.)
I’ll get my passport back eventually. I have comfort in that knowledge. For now, I just have to hope that my number’s up soon.
Passport renewal & application advice
If you’re considering applying for or renewing a passport, here’s what you should know. Hold off if you can, because it’s not business as usual right now.
- If you’ve already sent your passport for renewal like me, you can check on the status via the website. However, you may not get any helpful information. Recently, the message was updated to read, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot provide an update on when you will receive your passport and the return of your citizenship documents.” You can call the number of the website to check on the status. I doubt you’ll get any answers.
- Do not apply for a new passport for yourself or your kids. It could take months to receive your passport. Once received, the government will process your check and hold your application materials. That means, you’ll be out the application money plus important citizenship documents, like birth certificates, for months.
- If your passport is about to expire, wait to renew it.
- If decide to apply for renewal anyway, know that it could be several months before your application is processed. Again, the government will cash your check and hold your documents even though it’s not currently processing renewals.
- You don’t need to renew your passport before it expires. Hold onto it until normal operations resume and send it in for renewal at that time. You have five years to renew an expired passport.
- You can’t travel with an expired passport. Remember, that some countries require you have at least six months validity on your passport for entry.
- REAL ID has been delayed by a year. That means you can still fly domestically with your current driver’s license until October 1, 2021.
- Passports are still being processed for life-or-death emergencies. If you have an emergency, you can apply at an acceptance facility like a post office.
- Check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information and advice.
We’ll be anxiously watching to see if the State Department responds to the demand from senators to resume operations.
Additional resources for travelers
Here’s some additional information that you might find helpful.
- How to use the Mobile Passport App to speed up customs upon arrival in the U.S.
- What you need to know when applying for international visas.
- How to use technology to travel smarter.
