Processing Time for Travel Document Applications

Every year from April through July, the Civil Affairs Department experiences an increase in the number of applications for travel documents. This year, that increase is greater than usual. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people did not renew their passports or ID cards. Now that travel restrictions have largely been lifted, people are once again applying for travel documents. As a result, many residents are facing longer wait times than usual.

With summer vacation approaching, the municipality advises residents to schedule an appointment well in advance to renew their travel documents or driver’s licenses. When scheduling an appointment, you can also immediately book a new appointment to pick up the document six business days later. There are no delays at the manufacturer of travel documents and driver’s licenses. This way, you’ll know in advance whether you’ll receive the requested document in time for your vacation.

Required Documentation

The Civil Affairs Department sees many residents coming in for appointments who haven’t brought all the necessary documentation. You can find out what you need for your application on the municipality’s website. So be sure to prepare well before you come in; this will help avoid disappointment during your appointment at the municipal office.

Website

To ensure that wait times don’t increase, the municipality is currently operating the maximum number of service counters. If there is still extra staff available, an additional counter will be opened. As a result, an appointment may become available on short notice. So please keep an eye on the website to see if a spot becomes available sooner. If so, don’t forget to cancel your other appointment to give another resident the opportunity to submit an application.

If you can't get an appointment in time, you can use the expedited process. You can find more information about this on our website.