Here's how long passport applications are currently taking

• Standard passport processing times are currently 4-6 weeks, not including mailing time.
• Expedited service costs an extra $60 and takes 2-3 weeks for processing.
• The busiest application period is late winter through summer, with October to December recommended for faster processing.

If you need a new passport, it's the busiest time of year to be applying, but the good news is that processing times are normal.

According to the State Department, it should take 4-6 weeks for standard passport application processing, and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, which costs an extra $60.

Those estimates do not include mailing time, but Scott Keyes, founder of Going, previously told USA TODAY that the estimates are generally accurate.

If you have international travel coming up (or if you don't have a REAL ID-compliant drivers license), here's what you need to know about getting a passport.

How much does a passport cost?

A first-time passport application or a non-renewal application costs $130 for all travelers 16 and older, plus a $35 facility fee. A passport renewal also costs $130 but the facility fee is not applied.

For children under the age of 16, the application fee is $100 and the $35 facility fee is also charged.

How long does it take to process a passport application?

According to the State Department it takes 4-6 weeks for routine passport processing, and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, not including time in the mail.

What if I need a new passport faster?

If you are traveling within the next 14 days and don't have a valid passport, you can apply or renew at a passport agency with an appointment.

When is the best time to apply for a passport?

Late winter through the summer is when the State Department sees the highest volume of passport applications. The department encourages travelers to consider applying between October and December for faster processing.

Is a passport REAL ID compliant?

Yes. Passports are considered acceptable forms of identification for REAL ID purposes, so if your driver's license is not compliant, you can use your passport to board domestic flights and access other federal facilities.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [email protected].