The Department of State (DOS) has started the second phase of passport operations in some passport service centers and agencies following a COVID-19 lockdown.
DOS is resuming passport processing in three phases at its service centers and agencies nationwide to protect the health and safety of customers and its staff. Each passport center or agency is scheduled to reopen based on local conditions. The agency has authorized six service centers to enter Phase 2 of a three-phase reopening plan. In this phase, most staff will return to working onsite. Application processing will also increase for service centers in Phase 2. Applications will be processed on a first-in basis, which means that applications submitted first will be processed first.
Even though DOS offers expanded services in Phase 2, emergency cases are still prioritized. Anyone with an emergency must schedule an appointment for services. Strict health and safety protocols will be implemented and enforced at the agency’s service centers for all in-person appointments, including a mandate to wear facial coverings and social distancing requirements. The agency also encourages individuals to wait to submit new or renewal applications during Phase 2, as they will still experience delays for non-emergency application processing.
