The U.S. Department of State is anticipating a significant increase in the number of people applying for passports in 2016 and 2017. As a result, the processing time for routine applications has been increased to six weeks. The processing time for expedited service remains at three weeks. Processing times can change at any time and are representative of the entire passport issuance system. At times, passports may be processed more quickly than the posted processing time, but this can change quickly if system issues are experienced or a higher number of passport applications is received. From October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015, the U.S. Department of State issued 14.5 million passports. For the time period from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, it is projected that 16 to 18 million passports will be processed. For the time period from October 1, 2016, to October 1, 2017, it is projected that 20 to 22 million passports will be processed.

Rhonda R. Deters, Grundy County Auditor, states that citizens who need a new passport can apply for one at the auditor’s office at the Courthouse in Grundy Center. Janell Ramsey and Heather Greiner, employees of the Grundy County Auditor’s Office, and Deters have completed training as Passport Application Acceptance Agents and are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to accept applications on behalf of Passport Services.

In order to obtain a first-time passport, an applicant needs to fill out an application for a U.S. Passport which is available on the county’s website, www.grundycounty.org, or in the auditor’s office. The applicant may then deliver the application together with a citizenship document, such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate; an identification document, such as a valid driver’s license; and a passport photo to the auditor’s office. A passport book is valid for ten years.