The Waiting Game for Passports

If your passport application was among the more than 200,000 that piled up during the government shutdown brought about by the budget battle and January’s blizzard, patience is the key.

A State Department spokeswoman said passports are being processed in the order of travelers’ departure dates, which are entered in computers when applications are received. The spokeswoman urged consumers to renew by mail if eligible and to use passport centers in post offices and courthouses rather than brave the crowds at federal passport agencies such as that in the Federal Building in Westwood.

However, travelers who have submitted applications and are facing departure dates of less than three weeks may call the agency for a status report and assistance. In Los Angeles, the number is (310) 235-7070.