Passport renewal process may take longer

By BRUCE WALTON

bwalton@vindy.com

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.”

It usually takes about six 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 $110.

In addition to the renewal surge, applicants soon will have to expect changes in the coming years to their use of identification.

Some driver’s licenses and identification cards may not meet the new requirements of the new regulations under the REAL ID Act. Those with rejected identification cards will need an alternative form of identification acceptable to the new Transportation Security Administration regulations.

Ohioans can continue using their accepted identification until Oct. 1, 2020. The REAL ID Act, announced in December 2013, aims to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification for a more uniform and acceptable set of viable identification,” according to the Department of Homeland Security website.

Brown also gave Ohioans these three reminders to ensure a smooth passport-renewal process.

First, many foreign countries will require traveler’s passports to have at least six months of validity. Second, the processing time takes longer if travelers delay their renewal. Finally, Ohioans can learn more about applying for and renewing passports at the State Department website – www.state.gov – by clicking on the site’s passports link.

Though the surge may become a problem for passport holders, the State Department said Ohioans shouldn’t worry if they took the necessary measures to prepare themselves.