In the 1970s, the U.S. issued 3 million passports annually, a number that is projected to exceed 25 million this year. This represents a significant increase from the 1990s, when only 5% of Americans held passports, a figure that has now risen to 50%. The State Department processes millions of applications, employing over 1,000 adjudicators to verify applications and prevent fraud. Despite record demand and prior backlogs in 2023 that caused months-long waits, a new online passport renewal system has significantly streamlined the process.
The online renewal system, launched less than a year ago, now handles nearly half of all U.S. passport renewals. The system has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 94% of respondents in government surveys reporting a positive experience. Over 3 million Americans have successfully renewed their passports online, leading to an 86% increase in trust in the government among users.
This surge in passport ownership reflects a broader societal shift, with the number of passports in circulation doubling since 2007 to over 160 million. While factors like increased wealth and cheaper air travel contribute, the internet is seen as a major catalyst. The number of Americans traveling to countries other than Canada and Mexico rose from 27 million in 2011 to 49 million last year, recovering strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
