While in-person appointments at one of the nation’s 26 regional passport agencies are technically available for those within 72 hours of a trip, they are extremely limited, and primarily reserved for those with life-or-death emergencies. If you’ve submitted a passport application, you can check the status online. It’s extremely difficult to get through to the State Department with questions by phone. Those fortunate enough to connect with a live agent may be able to expedite service, but that can still take up to 12 weeks, which could be way too long if you’re scheduled to travel soon.

Here are some tips that may help usher your passport along:

• Request expedited service.

• If you’ve already applied, reach out to your local Congressional office for help. While not guaranteed, a Congressional inquiry may help expedite the process.
• Check social media for tips. It turns out that some regional passport agencies do accept walk-ins; they’re just not publicized. But beware of scammers offering appointments for a fee. Even if legitimate appointments are “for sale,” they’re non-transferrable, so you may run into issues when you arrive.
• Look for Special Passport Acceptance Fairs for first time applicants and children.

State Department officials expect delays to continue for some time,

Check now to see when your passport will expire. If it’s any time in the next year, it’s a good idea to start the application process now.