Triple A booking data shows a 200% increase in international travel compared to 2022. And that is creating a sizeable increase in passport renewals and first-time applications. Lori Weaver Hawkins is the public and government affairs manager for Bluegrass Triple-A. She said U.S. State Department info is demonstrating a record 22 million passports issued last year.
“That was up 42% from the previous year and it looks like that data is showing that in this year, 2023 it’s on track to break that record again,” said Weaver Hawkins
There’s been a great deal of attention focusing on acquiring Real I-Ds. Weaver Hawkins says a Real I-D is not a substitute for a passport.
Weaver Hawkins said some countries require a six-month buffer period.
“That travelers passports must continue to be valid for at least six months after their trip. So, if your passport isn’t valid say through the end of this year, you’re possibly going to run into some problems,” said Weaver Hawkins.
Routine passport processing is running over three months currently unless rushed with an added cost.
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