The LA Times is reporting that things are slowing down at the Sate Department. The number of passport requests are dipping so low that people that are applying are getting their passports in three weeks or less.

The State Department said last week that it expects to issue 12 million passports in this fiscal year, which is down 25% from last year.

Demands is dropping so fast and furious that the State Department has been force to make “painful reductions” to the number of contract employees.

Still, if you’re planning on taking a trip anytime soon that will require a passport, you’d be well advised to get your paperwork in sooner rather than later…while there are still people working there to file it.