Passport wait times long as US preps for travel season. How to get yours in Kentucky

If you’re planning a trip out of the country this year and have yet to obtain your passport, you should act fast due to delayed processing times now reaching up to three months.

The long wait times are due to high demand for international travel, which is expected to break records this year, according to the U.S. Department of State.

For routine processing times, people should expect to wait 10 to 13 weeks. For expedited passports, the wait time currently sits at seven to nine weeks. These estimates do not include the time it takes for the application to arrive or the passport to be mailed to your house, which can each take an additional two weeks.

Auto club AAA Bluegrass said its expecting a busy travel season, starting Memorial Day weekend.

Here’s what to know about getting your passport in Lexington, including what you need to bring to your application appointment.

Where can I get a US passport in Lexington?

There are two offices where you can apply for a passport in Lexington, according to the state department:

• Lexington Main Post Office, 1088 Nandino Blvd., 859-231-6843
  
  
• Wildcat Passport Acceptance Facility, 160 Avenue of Champions, 859-257-2619

If you live elsewhere, you can use the agency’s search tool to find a passport office near you.

What do I need to get a US passport?

To get approved for a passport, you have to fill out an application in black ink. It can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website. You also need to provide evidence you’re a U.S. citizen and an up-to-date state- or federally issued identification.

Passport fees vary. If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay an application fee and an acceptance fee, which is an extra $35. It costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card or $160 for both.

For those younger than 16, it costs $100 for a book, $15 for a card or $115 for both.

Do you have a question about Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.