Buffalo, NY (WBEN) One signal of a return to normal is the significant uptick in travel, and a major increase in requests for new and renewed passports necessary for international travel.
For the growing number of those who need to get or renew a passport, the process won't be a rapid one.
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Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns says he's been told by the State Department passport times could take up to 18 weeks for standard processing, and 12 weeks for expedited requests.
"This is a result of the pent-up demand for travel due to COVID19," says Kearns. "Now that international restrictions are lifted, and the world is reopening, travelers are making overseas plans, and they're discovering to require a passport, you'll need to be prepared and plan out many months ahead."
Kearns says some passport holders are realizing their passports will expire in a matter of months. "They're going through their documentation and they must reapply on their own prior to raveling," notes Kearns. If you need help, you can go to Old County Hall in downtown Buffalo or Southgate Plaza in West Seneca. He adds no appointment is necessary.
Kearns recommends getting the expedited passport, which can take a few weeks sooner to get. It does cost an extra $60, but Kearns believes it's worth it.
In the event of an emergency, Kearns says you could seek help from Washington. "You can reach out to your congressional delegation, they do have good contacts at the State Department," says Kearns. "I'm not looking to flood their offices, but I do believe Congressmen Higgins and Jacobs have good constituent service and I know they'd be willing to help." But Kearns says he won't guarantee results. "The best you can do is preparation and planning," advises Kearns.