Recent Applicants

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2023-04-21

Received Date:
2023-05-24

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
Status changed to shipped on 5/22/2023.
Status changed to shipped on 5/23/2023.
Seems backwards but that’s what it did .
Arrived on 5/24/2024.

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2023-02-24

Received Date:
2023-05-25

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
National Passport Center

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
2/24- Applied for 17 year old sons adult passport
3/2- Processing
5/11- Called to see what was going on but was one day before “two week” expedient request would be available
5/15- Called again to have it updated and see what was going on
5/25- Received with one day to spare before vacation.

We didn’t do expedited because our travel was within wait times, although the wait times changes shortly thereafter. Customer service was not helpful at all.

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2023-03-08

Received Date:
2023-05-20

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Colorado Passport Agency

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
Had to reach out to my representative to get notified of additional paperwork that needed to be submitted.

Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport

Application Date:
2023-03-09

Received Date:
2023-05-30

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
I found passportstatus.state.gov to be extremely unreliable. The site did very little to provide what approval stage my application was in. It was like paying for and submitting my application into a black hole.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-03-13

Received Date:
2023-05-22

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
Mailed with regular service.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-03-22

Received Date:
2023-05-18

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
3 Star – Average

Optional Comments:
The book took 57 days to arrive. The card was mailed separately and took 61 days. It looks like my old passport is in today’s mail at 62 days.

Although I signed up for notifications on status updates I never received any and the status was updated from “pending”
to “approved” three days after the passport was dated, so the State Department’s notification system isn’t great. At least it was faster than the 10-13 weeks predicted.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-02-18

Received Date:
2023-05-22

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
El Paso Passport Agency

Experience:
3 Star – Average

Optional Comments:
Mailed application on 2-18-2023
Status updated to “Received” on 2-23-2023
Status updated to “In Processing” around 3-1-2023
Status updated to “Accepted” 0n 5-19-2023
(New passport was sent from Tucson, Arizona, on 5-19-2023
based on tracking number on the USPS Priority Mail)
Received new passport on 5-22-2023

Application was mailed to Irving, Texas, as instructed.
Renew application took about 13 weeks to complete with
routine service.

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-03-06

Received Date:
2023-05-26

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
We applied between February 6, 2023 and March 23, 2023
Routine: 8 to 11 weeks
Posted 3/6
Application Received. 3/9
in process 3/13
Check cashed. 3/14
approved 5/24
Sent priority mail 5/24
Received 5/ 26
No email from passport service.
Stressful due to time frame change a week after our application was in process

Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal

Application Date:
2023-03-13

Received Date:
2023-05-27

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Charleston Passport Agency

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
Non-expeditied adult renewal mailed on 3/6/23.
Recieved on 3/13/23 and switched to “in process”
Approved on 3/24/23
Recieved on May 27th.
I never received any email updates or tracking number when it was approved and sent back to me.

We have a very small favour to ask………….

We really hope this information is helpful to you and reduces stress whilst you are waiting for you passport. If you are able to make a small donation for the cost of a coffee it really helps us to maintain the site and continue to make improvements for future passport applicants.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-03-14

Received Date:
2023-05-24

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
New Orleans Passport Center

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
My wife and I mailed our renewal applications on March 14 with routine service. The online status indicated they had received them on March 22. Two days later, the expected wait times increased from 8-11 weeks to 10-13 weeks, which could be too late, especially since those numbers don’t include mail times on either end.

We called the passport 800 number to have them upgraded to expedited service. We were told to send emails with the required information and that they would be expedited on a first-in-first-out basis. About 2 1/2 weeks later, my wife had her passport in hand. However, my status never changed, my card was not charged, and I didn’t receive my passport. For whatever reason, they simply didn’t expedite mine.

After another month of waiting (more than two months since I sent in the renewal), my status still showed “In Process” with routine service. I called the 800 line again. They didn’t know when it would be done, and they couldn’t provide any additional information about why my application was not expedited, even though my wife’s had been. They also said I could not request again to have it expedited, since they’d only accept one upgrade request per passport. They said to call back when it got down to within 14 days of travel.

Instead, I contacted my congressman. His office said they would ask the agency to upgrade it right then rather than waiting until the final 14 days. I received my passport one week later, about 10 weeks since I first applied for renewal.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-10

Received Date:
2023-05-20

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
National Passport Center

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
I used the expedited service and overnight shipping options. It was overpriced, slow, difficult to apply, and email updates never worked. If it were a commercial enterprise with this level of service they would not survive. Us fine US taxpayers deserve better from our government. But hey, at least I got my passport in time for my trip, so there’s that.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-05-01

Received Date:
Not Received

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
National Passport Center

Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful

Optional Comments:
When I sent my passport in for expedited renewal on 1 May, I had no trips on the books. After sending it in, I was given two trips in June. I waited until day 14 before the first trip to call and request an in-person appointment, but I was told, contrary to what the processing times page says, that you can’t request an in-person appointment until FIVE days before your scheduled travel if you already have an application in the system, NOT 14. The 14 days is only for if you DO NOT have an application currently in process. I asked the operator to show me where on the website it states the five day rule, and it is only in one place under Get My Passport Fast after two dropdown menu clicks. You would never find it if someone didn’t show you. So, barring a miracle, there’s no way I’m getting my passport back for my two June trips. There are no appointments anywhere in the country for the next two weeks.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-11

Received Date:
2023-05-24

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Seattle Passport Agency

Experience:
4 Star – Easy

Optional Comments:
*For reference Im in Boston*
4/10 dropped off at USPS
4/12 arrived in PA
4/14 check processed
5/4 submitted an application to have my passport expidited back (I had only paid for expidited shipping to the processing center)
*The status online said unavailable this entire time up until today 5/24*
5/24 Status changed to approved and passport arrived in mailbox same day
Total time: 5 1/2 weeks
Traveling on 7/5

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-03-16

Received Date:
Not Received

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
National Passport Center

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
My husband applied for a new passport. Date confirmed received was 3/17/23 at the National Passport Center location 69. He paid for expedited processing (5-7 weeks at the time) and the faster 1-2 day shipping from the very beginning. It’s now been over 9 weeks. We have a trip to Italy 5/27 we are worried we will have to cancel, which will be very expensive. We have tried calling the passport office dozens of times and there is nothing they can do, when we can even get a hold of anyone. No in person appointments literally anywhere in the country. We would be willing to fly him to an in person appointment at this point if it were even an option: there is no wait list, you just have to be lucky enough to be on the phone when one comes available. We keep calling, hold times are 1-4 hours if you can even get through. The people in the call center all sound angry. One told me we weren’t special when I asked if there was anything she could do to help us move this along, and then hung up on me. We contacted our congresswoman’s office and a caseworker “emailed a contact” last week, but nothing has changed. Status online still says “in process”. We were married in Feb 2020 just before the shut down and this was supposed to finally be our real honeymoon that has been delayed over three years due to COVID restrictions.We also recently been dealing with a family tragedy causing a lot of stress and the vacation is much needed but more of a stressor at this point.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-03-23

Received Date:
2023-05-25

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Arkansas Passport Center

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
Did the normal expedited process. After waiting a long time it was promptly reviewed, then shipped out of Arkansas

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-17

Received Date:
2023-05-26

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Chicago Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
April 14: Shipped both mine and my husband’s passport applications using USPS Priority mail. I paid for expedited processing and shipping, using a money order rather than a check because I thought it would clear faster. Wrote “EXPEDITED PROCESSING AND SHIPPING” on the outer envelope as directed. Shipped them separately.
April 17 – his was marked as received at the locator 18 (Chicago office), mine at locator 12 (Honolulu office)
April 19 – this date is approximate, changed status to processing. A few days later my office was updated to Chicago.
May 23 – his passport status changed to approved, later that day it updated again to shipped. Tracking number provided, but it wasn’t active.
May 24 – his passport status changes back to approved and the tracking number was removed, but there was a message about receiving it on or around May 27.
May 24 – my passport status showed approved.
May 25 – my passport status shipped with a tracking number (active later that day) .
May 26 – both passports arrived.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-17

Received Date:
2023-05-26

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Chicago Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
Submitting a second time, because my husband and I applied at the same time and got out passports back at the same time. See other review for details.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-27

Received Date:
2023-05-28

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
Passport agency is locator 35
4/24/23 mailed at local post office
4/28/23 in process online
5/26/23 shipped
5/27/23 received
It was an easy process but I was very stressed after hearing about all the back log in applications. My travel date is July 2,2023. All in all it took a total of 5 weeks

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-05-02

Received Date:
2023-05-31

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
I was very stressed for my daughter’s passport. I have mailed them in the post office on 28th April 2023. They have received it on 2nd May. On the website they changed the status to “Process” on 2nd may. I have called the 800 National Passport agency on 24th May. One very important information that I would like to give to the readers. I have read comments that the waiting time is 2 hours…4 hours long on the phone. They must have called them on Noon time or weekends. My waiting time on the phone 0 Minute. Do you know how was it possible? I have dialed their number on Wednesday at 7:58 AM and exactly at 8 AM my phone was answered. If you have an urgent travel please call them at 7:58 AM in the morning. The lady who answered my phone was WAY TO NICE! I thank her from the bottom of my heart. It says in the website that the processing time is 7-9 weeks for the expedited service. But if you have an urgent travel, you can always call them and they will help you.

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-15

Received Date:
2023-05-31

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency

Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy

Optional Comments:
I printed out and completed the application from government website, selected the expediting option both for processing and sending passport back (didn’t want to take chances since it’s all over the news how long passports are taking to be processed with high travel expectations for the summer of 2023). I made copies of everything as a safety net back-up and since the post office was closed, I completed the “flat rate envelope” on my own at post office kiosk. Don’t forget if you’re doing the expedite option, it gets mailed to Philadelphia – not your usual location. I noticed my check was cashed not even a week later and I received my passport in 46 days! Bon voyage!

Type of Application:
Expedited Service

Application Date:
2023-04-17

Received Date:
2023-06-02

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Seattle Passport Agency

Experience:
3 Star – Average

Optional Comments:
Passport Renewal Expedited Timeline
Locator 53
Travel Date: June 21
In process: April 17
Approved: May 30
Shipped: May 30
Expected Arrival Date: June 2

I brought all the stress upon myself. Took a little over six weeks to complete. No need for a congressman’s intervention.

Application Date:
2023-04-13

Received Date:
2023-05-22

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
3 Star – Average

Optional Comments:
It was considered a “new” adult passport, though we turned in the old, expired one, so that may have helped speed. We also did expedited.

Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)

Application Date:
2023-03-19

Received Date:
2023-05-31

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
New York Passport Agency

Experience:
2 Star – Stressful

Optional Comments:
3/19 submitted applications for 3 children
3/22 received by facility, in progress
5/18 reached out to congresswoman’s office, was told they can start working on it on the 25.
5/22 called passport agency thinking it was 2 weeks before travel on 6/5, apparently they count differently than I, was told to call the next day
5/23 waited a few more hours to speak to agency, was told they will put it as urgent travel and I should pay for expediting.
5/25 no change in status, congresswoman got involved
5/30 approved and shipped on same day
5/31 received. 5 days before travel

Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)

Application Date:
2023-04-13

Received Date:
2023-05-22

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
I do not know

Experience:
3 Star – Average

Optional Comments:
It was considered a “new” child passport, though we turned in the old, expired one, so that may have helped speed. We also did expedited.

Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)

Application Date:
2023-03-03

Received Date:
2023-05-24

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
Washington Passport Agency

Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful

Optional Comments:
81 days from Application to “in-hand;” Routine, First Child, with Next Day Air shipping.

3/3/2023 Applied at Post Office.
3/13/2023 Status changes to “in process” with locator number.
5/10/2023 At “14 day” mark before travel, began daily 8am calls to Passport Information Line.
5/11/2023 Passport Information Line took note of our departure date, received our credit card information for expediated and next day shipping.
5/11/2023 Called our Congressman and opened a case file – 13 days out from travel.
5/18/2023 Washington Passport Agency charges for the Next Day Shipping – 6 days out from travel.
5/23/2023 Congressman’s office able to get us a Passport Agency Appointment for after our travel date
5/23/2023 Status shifts to “Shipped” with UPS Next Day tracking number. 2nd Best News.
5/24/2023 Passport in hand the *morning of* travel. On our way to the airport *tonight* – Best News.

Tips: Apply well early. Just pay for the Expedited to save the stress if you’re at all worried about the time. We wish we had, even though they never charged after we called to upgrade to Expedited. Besides calling the Congressman’s office, I do think the day-of-travel advisement on Day-minus-13 helped.

Of Note: Advertised “Routine” times were just before our travel date (still on the website based on our application date window). Came to regret not paying for Expedited, though we were only ever charged for Next Day Air shipping and it processed on the Monday of Week 11 following “in process” received date.
No email updates ever came, though status finally changed day after a second call to the Congressman’s office.
Even calling Passport Agency at 8:00:01 every morning within two weeks and at 5 days prior never got an appointment.
We’re exhausted from the stress but delighted our son can go the trip with no adjustments.
I do wish the State Dept website had been clearer on the 10-day gap between Post Office and Passport Agency, and the mailing time after approved/printing.

Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)

Application Date:
2023-02-04

Received Date:
2023-05-22

Application Method:
Paper Application

Passport Agency:
San Francisco Passport Agency

Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful

Optional Comments:
2/4 Applied in person at USPS
2/14 Check cashed
3/4 showing agency received and in process
5/15 emailed senator’s office. Her Constituents service team has detailed instruction for passport delay inquiry. Have to fill out the Privacy release form and attach interbinary.
5/16 got email back from her team saying that they will submit inquiry only with 14 days of travel which is 5/18.
5/18 got email from her team confirming inquiry was submitted.
5/19 approved and mailed from Arkansas
5/22 received passport

We only applied with routine service and standard shipping since the travel date was 4 months later. Got very panic when we haven’t received any update after 3 months. It took 1 month from the application date to enter into the system for processing. Luckily, the senator’s Constituents service team was very professional and courteous. I guess they probably experienced too many complaints of these passport delay therefore establishing an SOP that is simple and efficient. And best of all, it worked.