‘Unprecedented demand’ means now is the time to renew passports

Maricopa residents planning an international getaway this year should expect longer than usual processing times for passports, according to the U.S. Department of State.

In March, the department issued an advisory stating it has experienced an “unprecedented demand” in 2023.

“We are on track to set the record for the highest demand year ever, far surpassing volumes seen during previous surges in demand in 2007 and 2017,” the department said in a press release. “During some weeks this winter, the department received more than 500,000 applications, the highest number ever for this time of year, exceeding our official projections.”

Maricopa’s passport acceptance facility has seen similar upticks over the past year. From July 2020 to June 2021, the facility received 1,192 applications, more than a 7% increase over July 2021 to June 2022, when the facility received 1,280 applications.

“There was an uptick when (COVID-19) restrictions lifted,” said Quinn Konold, Maricopa’s communications and cultural services director.

Processing times for routine passport applications has remained 13 weeks since March 24. This is a four-week increase from estimated processing times at the beginning of February.

Obtain or renew a passport at Maricopa library

The Maricopa Library and Cultural Center began hosting a passport acceptance facility in August 2022, after staffing changes required the facility to move from City Hall. Located next to the children’s book section in the library, the passport acceptance facility is available by appointment only.

“The library was selected with the goal of offering services more days of the week,” Konold said.

New applicants can pick up paper applications next to the library circulation desk and can return these during appointment times, along with proof of citizenship, a picture identification, a passport photo and payment.

For more information, visit websites for the Department of State or Maricopa Library.