Earlier this week I posted about the delays that are occurring in the US Passport system, and how it is important to start any passport applications or renewals many months in advance of when you will actually be needing them. A reader posted that she had already sent in her application before she knew about the delays and sought advice as to what to do now. It’s not her fault that she was not aware of the delays; the wait times listed on the processing times websiteare apparently not being updated with any kind of accuracy. Here are some ideas of how to get your application moving along when you have already submitted it:

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  First, check this website to learn your application’s status. I've read online that they're having delays with applications showing up in the system as well, so your application may not be showing up yet, depending on when it was sent in. It should take 7 to 10 days to show up in the system, but you never know.
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  Next, try calling your regional passport office and tell them that you just submitted your application but forgot to expedite it and want to have it expedited. With any luck, they should give you an appointment to come in and pay the extra fee to have it expedited, or tell you where to send the fee if the office is not close by. If they are unable to help, call the National Passport Information Center.
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  This site claims that you can get a passport issued to you on the spot at the local regional office as long as you have all the required documentation. If your office is no help over the phone, it might be worth a try.
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  Congressional offices are getting involved in this mess. Some have devoted staffers to working only on passport cases. You could call your local congressional office, plead your case and see if they can help get your application expedited.
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  It seems that passport and congressional offices are more willing (or in some cases, only able to) help if you have a travel date within 2 weeks (which you need to prove with an itinerary, plane tickets, etc.) If you are not traveling soon, but need your passport number to fill out adoption paperwork, I would ask your agency how to handle this. It is likely that they have other families in the same situation.

Good luck, and if anyone has any tips or advice, please share in the comments section or email me at rebeccah@adoptionblogs.com


Related Reading:
US Passport Delays Continue
Documents Required For a Viet Nam Adoption

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