Recent Applicants

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2022-01-29

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
Long journey but stressful.

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2023-01-06

Received Date:
2023-02-24

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2023-01-13

Received Date:
2023-03-16

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency

Experience:
4 Star – Easy

Optional Comments:
January 13th – Applied at the post office, non-expedited and standard shipping both ways
January 18th – Application processing in Philly
March 13th – Passport status changed to “shipped”, tracking number given, estimated to arrive on March 19th
March 14th – Passport status changed to “approved”, tracking number removed from page but still working, passport estimated to arrive by March 21st
March 16th – Passport received

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2022-12-19

Received Date:
2023-03-14

Application Method:
Online Application

Passport Agency:
National Passport Center

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
Status stayed at “Received” for 11 weeks then went from “In Process” to “Shipped” in two days. Trying to get status on why it was stuck in “Received” was both frustrating and useless. When I applied, the stated time was 6-8 weeks.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-01-02

Received Date:
2023-01-02

Application Method:
Online Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful

Optional Comments:
Now on Day 72 after submission, the online system tells me that my application has status “Received”. And it says that there are five steps. I’m at the second step. The third step is called “In Process”, and that’s next. The website says the wait time for this upcoming “In Process” step will be 8-11 weeks. This is AFTER I have already waited 72 days (10 weeks) at the second step. How can I plan an overseas trip with this horrible service? – Andy in CT

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-01-17

Received Date:
2023-03-16

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
National Passport Center

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
I renewed my passport 6 months before expiration as most countries will not let you in with less than 6 months to expiration. Even though our travel would be completed 2 weeks before expiration. I’m relieved I started it when I did. At the time my passport was received, marked in process and the check cashed, the wait time was 6-9 weeks. (I filled out the online form and submitted a paper application with the barcode.) I did not expedite, but paid for overnight shipping both ways. I checked daily and became nervous when the time changed to 8-11 weeks. I contacted my congressman office at 8 weeks and they called me right away. Since my travel date was not for several weeks she put it on her calendar to follow up in 2 weeks. I do not know if they prompted any action on my behalf or not. But when I checked yesterday my status showed approved and to expect it on the 17th. I received it today the 16th. The changes in photo requirements were obvious to me. I kept expecting mine to be rejected because it looked odd with the background digitally whited out, even though I had them taken by a passport photo specialist. So my stress was fear of photo rejection and then taking even longer to correct. With the current wait times, I highly recommend expediting and paying for overnight delivery. If you are running out of time, contact your congressman. Mine was working hard to help those in need.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2022-11-16

Received Date:
Not Received

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful

Optional Comments:
16 weeks and still not arrived.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-02-10

Received Date:
2023-03-16

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
New Orleans Passport Center

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
Mailed application on 2/10, USPS advised it would take 8-11 weeks for routine processing. Website showed application in-process on 2/16 (Locator 42). Passport in hand 3/16 (mailed from Arkansas).

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-02-10

Received Date:
2023-03-16

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-03-06

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Colorado Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
We call our House Representative and they expedited the passport.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-02-08

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency

Experience:
3 Star – Average

Optional Comments:
Adult Renewal, expedited service, overnight mail both directions.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-02-10

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful

Optional Comments:
Website shows received date 3/4/23 and the status is In Process. Why did it take them so long to receive it when I filed the application at the USPS on 2/10/23? It says to use the first 2 digits to determine the passport agency, but 62 is not listed in the list of agencies. I’m traveling 5/17 and have no idea if it will be here in time. Didn’t request priority mail because postal rep said I wouldn’t need it.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-02-07

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
New York Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
Overall – the experience was quick, but the unreliable communication for passport updates was insane!

Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)

Application Date:
2023-01-03

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
Where to start. When we applied for the child passport and the 16–17-year-old passport back on January 3, 2023, the postal employee told us “Seeing as your trip isn’t till April 1st, there is no need to expedite seeing as the turnaround times are 6-9 weeks. In process date at the Charleston office started January 9th 2023 and it sits and sits and sits. Towards the middle of February, bang, now it’s an 8–11-week turnaround time. At the end of the 9th week, we contacted the 877 number, was told nothing they can do until 2 weeks out. We reached out to our state representative. They notified Charleston that we were looking for status, letting them know our situation and they heard nothing as well. Monday March 13, we reached out to our government official again, it was mutually agreed upon to expedite and pay for the next day shipping. We gave them our form of payment and WALLAH, Tuesday evening we get the notification that the passports have shipped with our tracking numbers. Truth be told, the passport services seems to be a money grab nothing more nothing less. We have been told, Spring break makes them busy, yup, hire seasonal employees like the rest of the real world does. Good luck and safe travels.

Type of Application:
First Child Passport (16-17)

Application Date:
2023-01-03

Received Date:
2023-03-15

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful