After years of COVID-19 pandemic delays, passport processing has become quicker, according to the U.S. State Department. The latest change – a drop of as much as two weeks in some cases – means applicants will get their documents back even sooner.

Passport processing time has changed several times in 2023 and, as of Nov. 6, routine applications are being processed in 7-10 weeks and expedited applications are taking 3-5 weeks. Just a month ago, regular applications were taking 8-11 weeks with 5-7 weeks for expedited services, about two weeks quicker than the same time from the previous year.

Despite the quicker processing, applicants are still advised to apply early.

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“We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide regular updates about passport processing times, and to encourage Americans to apply for their passport well in advance of any planned international travel to avoid last-minute issues,” the State Department said in a release.

Processing times begin with the application is received at the passport agency or center and do not include mailing times and it can take up to two weeks for the department to receive your application after it’s mailed. Add on another two weeks to ensure it has time in the mail to arrive back to you.

State Department officials said it has seen “unprecedented demand” for applications this year. Between 2022 and September 2023, the agency issued more than 24 million passport books and cards, the most ever in the nation’s history.