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Who Wants a Passport? Nobody?

We already knew cash-strapped Americans are in no rush to vacation outside of the country, but now we've got official data to prove it. The State Department says it expects to issue just 12 million passports during the current fiscal year (Oct. '08 – Sep. '09). That may sound like a lot, but it’s a full 25 percent less than the number of passports issued the previous fiscal year.

The good news? That means your passport should be coming quicker than ever—current applicants are getting theirs back in three weeks or less. The bad news is that the State Department has started getting rid of many of the contract employees paid to process the applications. (Aside to President Obama: May we propose subsidized vacations as part of the economic stimulus plan? No passport applications = job losses!)

Despite the decline, you still shouldn't leave your passport app 'til the last minute. Officials expect demand to rise again, especially as new passport rules go into effect this spring. Starting June 1, Americans driving back from Mexico or Canada, or returning from a Caribbean cruise, will have to show a passport or other high-tech ID card to cross the border. (Previously a birth certificate along with a driver's license would do.)

· Passport applications plunge as recession chokes off foreign travel [LA Times]
· Passport Applications [State Department]
· Passports Coverage [Jaunted]

Photo: [clappstar]