As vaccination rates increase and public health guidelines begin to ease, many Arapahoe County residents have travel on their minds.

Anticipating a rush of eager travelers this summer, the Clerk and Recorder’s Office is resuming offering appointments for passport application services on Thursday, April 1. The service had been on hold since March 2020, when social distancing guidelines forced many County departments to suspend in-person services.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer passport services again,” said Juan Guzman, deputy director of Recording. “We hope it won’t be long before our residents can visit loved ones and take vacations abroad.” He added that demand for appointments is already exceeding expectations—and availability.

“Customers are booking appointments as fast as we post them,” he said. The Recording Division will gradually increase the number of appointment slots as managers and staff retrain on the process. Applicants should also note that passport applications can be processed at several facilities across Colorado, so residents don’t have to use an office within their home county. 

Guzman said current turnaround time from the U.S. State Department for passport applications is 10 to 12 weeks for routine service, or four to six weeks if expedited; given the pent-up demand across the country, he urged applicants to plan ahead. He also encouraged all applicants to review requirements on the Recording Division’s website and complete paperwork before their appointment, to ensure a smooth process.

Arapahoe County is not required by law to offer passport services, but Guzman said the services are one more way the Clerk and Recorder’s Office fulfills the County’s mission of enhancing residents’ quality of life. “It’s a service we provide because we want to, not because we have to,” Guzman said. “It’s just another advantage of living here.”

To review all requirements, download application forms and make an appointment, go to www.arapahoegov.com/passport.