Bureau of Consular Affairs

FILE - This May 25, 2021, file photo shows a U.S. Passport cover in Washington. Americans hoping to travel abroad this summer may have to delay their plans if they need new or renewed passports. Would-be travelers are overwhelming federal offices as the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions unleashes a pent-up demand for passports. Wait times for new passports and renewals are now up to 18 weeks and those seeking expedited appointments can take up to 12 weeks. (AP Photo/Eileen Putman, File)

State Dept processing passports at pre-pandemic levels, despite ‘unprecedented’ demand

The State Department processed over 24 million passport books and cards in fiscal 2023 — a new record. And it’s back to processing passport applications…

Agency Oversight

(AP Photo/Eileen Putman)

FILE - This May 25, 2021 file photo shows a U.S. Passport cover in Washington. The United States has issued its first passport with an “X” gender designation, a milestone in the recognition of the rights of people who don't identify as male or female. (AP Photo/Eileen Putman)

Fed up with the State Department’s passport delays? So are its employees

Federal Report

Warner says passport backlog ‘not sustainable,’ as State Dept aims for pre-pandemic processing times

Agency Oversight

Getty Images/iStockphoto/metamorworks

People network concept. Group of person. Teamwork. Human resources.

How the government drives its employees crazy

Federal Report

In this May 9, 2017 photo, U.S. passports lie on a table in Dallas, Texas. The U.S. State Department is in the middle of a record year for processing passport applications, with 20.5 million renewals and applications for new passports expected. Adult U.S. passports must be renewed every 10 years, and the 2017 surge comes a decade after a law went into effect requiring passports for U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. (AP Photo/Benny Snyder)

State Dept surges hiring amid ‘historically high’ demand for passports to drive down wait times

Hiring/Retention

NIH

NIH, National Institutes of Health building

NIH breaks up its technology executive roles

Reporter's Notebook

(Getty Images/iStockphoto/RandyHarris)

State Dept rainy day fund for passports took hit from COVID-19, may take years to recover

Agency Oversight

This State Department IT project started in 2009 and it’s nowhere near finished

Agency Oversight

FILE - This Aug. 10, 2006, file photo shows the sign used as the backdrop for press briefings at the U.S. Department of State in Washington. More of the first volunteers are starting to trickle back to their desks at federal agencies in the coronavirus lockdown. In the third month after Americans began sheltering in place and worksites began closing, the Energy Department says the first voluntary returns of a small number of headquarters workers began Monday. The State Department and Agriculture Department also have some workers returning to job places this month. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak. File)

IG links State Dept. staffing issues to delays in decade-long IT modernization project

IT Modernization

State Dept. looks to resume ‘normal operations’ at passport agencies within 6-8 weeks

Agency Oversight

State Dept outlines plan to reopen passport facilities with ‘limited staff’

Workforce