NEW YORK – If you’re looking to get a new passport or renew an old one, you better act sooner rather than later.

The State Department announced that people applying for a new passport or trying to renew an outdated one may have to wait up to 18 weeks, which is equivalent to four and a half months.

As the COVID-19 pandemic slows and restrictions are being lifted, travel has increased. As such, there is increased demand for passports, leading to major delays and a lack of appointments with the U.S. Postal Service, according to officials.

There is a way to speed up the process, however: For a fee, your application can be expedited and the wait can be shaved down to 12 weeks, or three months.