Congressman Cohen Recommends Early Action for Those in Need of Passports
Significant delays caused by seasonal travel plans
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today urged constituents to be aware of a significant backlog in U.S. State Department passport application processing and recommended early filing to avoid delays or trip cancellations.
Press accounts and updates at passport services offices suggest that new passport applications can take nine to eleven weeks to process and expedited processing (which requires an additional fee) can take as long as five to seven weeks. See useful links below.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“As the world opens up and we return to something like normal life, Spring and Summer travel plans are rebounding. For those who need new or renewed passports, that resurgence in travel demand has resulted in significant delays in passport processing. I urge everyone planning foreign travel to act expeditiously and get needed paperwork to the proper authorities as soon as possible. For those who believe their applications might be delayed beyond travel deadlines, I urge you to contact my office sooner rather than later.”
Resources:
Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District Office (Passports -- Rick Maynard): (901) 544-4131
To find out what you need to do to apply for a passport or to renew an existing passport, go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/apply-in-person.html#:~:text=You%20must%20submit%20your%20completed,Passport%20Fast%20for%20more%20information.
You cannot apply for a passport online and you must submit supporting documentation to a Passport Services Office in person unless you are an adult renewing an existing passport. First-time applicants must submit an application and supporting documents in person. Adults submitting applications for children must also make application in person. See additional information here.
In Memphis, the U.S. Postal Service Passport Services Office is at 555 B.B. King Boulevard. The phone number is (901) 521-2575. Appointments are recommended.
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