Recorder?s office asks you to apply for your passports early

Due to an anticipated increase in passport applications, the Washington County Recorder?s office recommends submitting your passport application well ahead of your planned travel dates in order to avoid possible delays.

In 2007 there was an unprecedented surge in passport applications as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requiring passports for travel to Canada and Mexico. Nearly 10 years later, those passports are beginning to expire, creating an increase in passport renewals.

If you are applying for the first time or are under 16 years old, you must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility. The recorder?s office is the only acceptance facility in Washington County.

Processing time is currently four to six weeks; an expedited service is available at an additional cost. Nationwide, over 15.5 million passports were issued in 2015, and the increased demand is expected to continue through 2018.

For more information, contact the Washington County Recorder?s office at 319-653-7727 or jgreiner@co.washington.ia.us.