Feedback, experiences, timelines, tips and useful information from people that have recently been through the US passport application process.
1st Adult Passport
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-02-22
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
I do not know
Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Optional Comments:
Processing 3/6
Approved 4/13
Received 4/15
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-02-22
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
I do not know
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-02-21
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
Dallas Passport Agency
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Adult Renewal Passport
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Application Date:
2023-02-21
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Optional Comments:
I mailed my renewal application USPS express on Feb 14. It was entered as received on Feb 21.
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Application Date:
2023-01-04
Received Date:
2023-04-10
Application Method:
Online Application
Passport Agency:
I do not know
Experience:
3 Star – Average
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Expedited Service
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-08
Received Date:
2023-04-11
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
National Passport Center
Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Optional Comments:
I was past the 5 year grace period and had to submit a new application in person at USPS. BTW – DO NOT take the word of anyone who tells you if your renewal app is in the same calendar year you’re okay – NOT TRUE! They kicked mine back 3 weeks after applying for a renewal despite what the well know auto club rep had assured me. Aside than that faux pas, the USPS in person experience (and window clerk) was 5 star, it took only 15 minutes – 20 total. Be early! Book your in person appointment ASAP, even before you have your app and photos because appointments book quickly – I didn’t realize I didn’t need my completed app in hand to make the appt and that cost me 8 days for the next available slot so I chose expedited to be safe. Also, my status showed In ‘Process’ the entire time. My appt was March 8, 2023, the app arrived in the US PP Center the afternoon of 3/9, was acknowledged 3/13 and my check was processed 3/14. So, based on the 3/13 acknowledgement date until I had my new passport in hand was just 30 calendar days. Because of April 30 travel commitments I was a bit concerned after hearing several news reports re 13 week waiting times and called their 877# – hold time was 90 minutes, then I spoke with an excellent rep who couldn’t access any specifics about individual track #s but assured me that based on app date (March 8) and my 5-7 week turn time, despite any of the news reports, it was locked in the expedited app 5-7 week window. He also advised that if I hadn’t received it prior to the 2 week before travel date to them call again and they’d send an emergency tracking request to minimize whatever risk of it falling thru any unforeseen cracks. By coincidence I’m sure, the status changed to ‘Shipped’ 2 days later and I received my passport 4 days afterward on April 11th. It was well worth having paid the overnight postage and expedited processing costs. Overall, I am very pleased and impressed with the USPS and US Passport Office; despite the usual cynicism, this is clearly an example of government bureaucracy working like a fine watch, thank you Uncle Sam! Good luck with your application. Wishing you safe and fun travels! AK
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-12
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
National Passport Center
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
Mailed passport 3/12
Showed up as processing on 3/16
Showed as approved on 4/14
Delivered 4/15 (paid for expedited shipping)
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-16
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
National Passport Center
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
3/16 Mailed routine renewal
3/18 Tracking shows delivered
3/23 Status changed to “In Process”
3/30 Got nervous hearing about delays and called then emailed information to change to expedited service and shipping
4/7 Credit card charged and status showed changed from routine to expedited
4/13 Status changed to “Shipped” and tracking number provided
4/14 Status changed back to “Approved” and indicated passport was being printed and would arrive by 4/19
4/15 Passport received
Overall less than a month and it was originally not an expedited application. Entered email address for status updates online but never got them.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-09
Received Date:
2023-04-13
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
National Passport Center
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
the most difficult part of the process was to find an appointment slot nearby and within reasonable time. it was like hunting for COVID vaccine when it first came out. after i found one 50 miles away several weeks away, i would hunt for closer and sooner appointment, and changing the appointments to the more favorable one.
applied for expedited service on 3/9 at post office, check cashed 3/17, status changed to “in process”. but around 4/9 the status changed to “not available”. then he passport arrived in express mail 4/13. I signed up for status email updates, never received a single status update email from the state dept.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-09
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
I do not know
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
child renewal passport with appointment at local post office
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-01-26
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
I do not know
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Optional Comments:
Appt-1/26/23
Received at locator 34-2/3/23 ( Charleston passport center)
Received 4/15/23
It took 10 weeks, they did not send us an email.
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-03-20
Received Date:
2023-04-15
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
We processed as routine on 3/20 and then added expedited by phone on 3/27, the day it was received. They didn’t charge my card until 4/11. The day after that, it was shipped, and we received it 4/15.
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-03-04
Received Date:
2023-04-13
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
San Francisco Passport Agency
Experience:
3 Star – Average
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