Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Since January, a new policy requires all people including children to present a valid passport, even if your trip just takes you to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

So the U.S. State Department has seen a rise in passport applications, causing a delay in processing.

KHQA spoke to Mecki Kosin with the Travel House of Quincy. She suggests anyone taking a trip this year should get a passport now.

"I'd say get your passports first and then worry about going on a trip. Once you have a passport, you can decide today to leave tomorrow," Kosin said.

Blended families need to make sure to get notarized permission from the non-custodial parent saying it's OK with them for the child to get a passport and potentially leave the country.

Aslo, adult passports are valid for 10 years, but passports for children under 16 are only valid for five years.

And, passports must be valid six months past the date of your trip.

It takes 10 weeks to get your passport after you've applied--sometimes longer because of the recent high demand.

If you need it sooner, you can choose the expedited service which takes three to four weeks.

And if you need your passport immediately, Kosin says you can speak to a travel agent or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.