Passports
 

Does anyone know how long it takes to get a new first-time passport nowadays?

A few months unless you want to pay for expedited processing. I think if you do that you can have it in as little as a week (not counting the time it takes to get your photos done).

FWIW, I was told to apply for my passport now for a trip that's in August because it takes longer to get one during the summer.

Check out this link from our gov:
How to Get Your Passport in a Hurry

When I needed my passport quickly, I was told to go apply in person at the Passport Office in the Federal Building in Westwood*. (As opposed to, for instance, the Post Office.) I think I received it in less than two weeks and didn't have to pay any extra. Well, I didn't pay extra money, I paid in time spent waiting the gawd-awful long lines at the PPO.

*Obviously, if you're not in LA, you'd need to check where the nearest Passport Office is.

i got mine in under 4 weeks when I went to the library and applied for one...

You can pay like $80 for expedited processing.

If you think you might be going somewhere that you need one, I'd say go ahead and get it as soon as possible so you don't have to worry about paying extra. They're good for a good chunk of years. If you're leaving within a few months, you should do expedited delivery.

I got mine through a post office in Burbank last month (they took the photo too) and it arrived in one week. One week!! I nearly fainted in surprise...

:snap: :snap: To whomever was responsible for the stellar service.... :snap: :snap:

I think the last time I got mine it took 2 or 3 weeks. However, I think they want you to allow for 6 or 8. That's just may be their own way of CYA, but, since they're good for 10 years now, It's hard ot judge what the real time frame will be at this point.