Passport Renewal

[Anonymous]

DH and I applied for our passport renewal at the end of March (the day after they increased the wait times). They received both 3/29/23. DH received his over a week ago (5/8/23). Mine still says in process. Not too worried as our trip is not until the end of July, but still would like to have it soon!

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Thanks.. I applied ONLINE and it seems the onilne system is a nightmare. [/quote]

It's really unfortunate, because when it first opened last summer it seemed really fast and great- people were getting their passports within 2 weeks. Then it seems like something happened with it over the fall and it became really slow/messed up. Probably why they paused the program for now. Sucks for those like you that applied online late in 2022 or early 2023 based on the earlier reports of quicker service.[/quote]


My ONLINE application took 16 and a half weeks. Expedited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH and I applied for our passport renewal at the end of March (the day after they increased the wait times). They received both 3/29/23. DH received his over a week ago (5/8/23). Mine still says in process. Not too worried as our trip is not until the end of July, but still would like to have it soon!

This sounds almost exactly like my situation. DD and I applied 3/23 for late July travel, applications were received and checks cashed 3/29, passports arrived today (non-expedited).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I applied for our passport renewal at the end of March (the day after they increased the wait times). They received both 3/29/23. DH received his over a week ago (5/8/23). Mine still says in process. Not too worried as our trip is not until the end of July, but still would like to have it soon!

This sounds almost exactly like my situation. DD and I applied 3/23 for late July travel, applications were received and checks cashed 3/29, passports arrived today (non-expedited).

Thanks - I am hopeful but it seems so hit an miss for something that is simple (a renewal).

[Anonymous]

They're taking so long and now we're moving and the State Dept website indicates that to update your mailing address you need to call.

So I spend 40 minutes on hold, after calling at 8:00 on the dot, just to get a form emailed to me! That could be posted on the website!

It's incredible how bad this all is...

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand why it’s such a difficult and convoluted process to get a passport in the US. It should be as simple as getting ID like a Drivers license/permit.

Why does our government make this so difficult and painful? More Americans would probably have a passport if the process were easier.

In my area, you have to find the specific places that accept passport applications (very select county office, two libraries or a few post offices). Then you have to make an appointment (no walk ins)and appts are booked up at least 1-2 months in advance. The passport acceptance facilities don’t take passport photos or make copies or print anything, so you better have everything correct or lose your appointment. They also differ in forms of payment accepted for their services (many do not accept debit/credit for the facility fee so you have to bring separate checks or money orders).

The whole process is painful and I hate it.

[Anonymous]

I overnighted application for expedited processing yesterday to Philly, paying the fee for expedited mailing for travel on 6/30. Nat'l Passport Center call center told me at the two-week mark and they could further expedite it, if passport not yet received. Called ENH office and she said the same thing, contact her office at two weeks out.

[Anonymous]

I sent mine in weeks ago, expedited, and it still says status unknown. I have time, not traveling until August. But would love to just know it's in progress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DH and I applied for our passport renewal at the end of March (the day after they increased the wait times). They received both 3/29/23. DH received his over a week ago (5/8/23). Mine still says in process. Not too worried as our trip is not until the end of July, but still would like to have it soon!

This sounds almost exactly like my situation. DD and I applied 3/23 for late July travel, applications were received and checks cashed 3/29, passports arrived today (non-expedited).

Thanks - I am hopeful but it seems so hit a miss for something that is simple (a renewal).

I am so jealous! I sent mine in mid-March, processing started the 22nd, and it’s still “in process”. I travel in mid-June and I’m checking the status every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any recommendation for a passport expediting company? We are leaving end of June.

You sure?

It does seem that at the two-week mark they can be pushed to make it happen: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/status.html. But also, I called congresswoman's office and she said that they have been successful agitating - if you paid for expedited service, which I did.

[Anonymous]

Anyone with an estimate for how long from "approved" to passport in hand?

My status changed today. It was processed at the Washington Passport Office and we live in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone with an estimate for how long from "approved" to passport in hand?

My status changed today. It was processed at the Washington Passport Office and we live in DC.

Mine was approved early Tuesday am, shipped from Arizona and received in Arlington today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone with an estimate for how long from "approved" to passport in hand?

My status changed today. It was processed at the Washington Passport Office and we live in DC.

Just got USPS update that it is scheduled to arrive Monday!

Timelines for others:
MLK Library - Sat March 4th
Received Passport Status - March 13th
Approved May 19th
Tentative receipt - May 22nd

11 weeks end to end

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any recommendation for a passport expediting company? We are leaving end of June.

You sure?

It does seem that at the two-week mark they can be pushed to make it happen: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/status.html. But also, I called congresswoman's office and she said that they have been successful agitating - if you paid for expedited service, which I did.

[Anonymous]

Why are they lying about the processing times? What is the point of that?