Department of State experiencing passport backlog
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The United States Department of State is experiencing large delays in processing and approving passport renewal applications.
Local Rep. Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is advising anyone who is planning on traveling within the next eight months to take care of the necessary paperwork as soon as possible.
Currently, the only way to schedule an emergency appointment is to call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY) 1-888-874-7793. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Applicants can only schedule and emergency appointment if they’re traveling within two weeks, or within four weeks if they need a visa. Appointments can only be scheduled within three business days of travel, or 10 if using a visa. Proof of travel time will be required when travelers arrive at the emergency appointment.
Once scheduled, an emergency appointment can’t be transferred to another person.
Jacobs said he sent a letter to the State Department asking to take additional steps to address the backlog of applications. Click here to read it.
Jacobs said constituents with questions concerning passports or federal agencies can call his Geneseo District Office at 585-519-4002.
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