State Department warns of delays in processing passport renewals

YOUNGSTOWN — An expected 45 million U.S. passports will expire between this year and 2018, with 17.4 million expiring this year nationwide, and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown warns Ohioans the renewal process will take much longer than usual due to the surge of renewals.

“As passport applications are expected to surge, Ohioans who need a passport or need to renew an expiring passport ahead of international travel should take action as soon as possible,” said Brown, D-Cleveland, in a news release. “There are many resources available on the [U.S.] State Department’s website, and my office is always here to help.”

The delay, Brown said, means it will take about six weeks rather than the usual four weeks to fully process the renewal.

In the week of spring break, students and other Ohioans looking to vacation in other locations outside of the U.S. most likely will prolong the projected processing length longer than six weeks, according to Ron Clifton, supervisor for the auto title department of the Mahoning County clerk of courts office. The clerk’s office also handles passport applications and renewals.

Americans also can renew passports by mail for a fee of $10.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com