Passport Renewal

[Spa girl nana]

Just a FYI for anyone interested. I'm posted because I couldn't find any recent information when I was getting ready to renew my passport. Oh, and it had expired this past October. I hadn't bothered to renew since I didn't have any travel planned.

 

I mailed my renewal application on February 12, 2016, through the post office by 2nd. day mail (cost $6.85), tracked it and application was received in Philadelphia on 2/14. My check cleared on 2/22. I searched and found a way to track the application process and signed up for notifications. I received a notification that application was being processed.

 

Yesterday (3/4) I received notification that new passport was on the way, left Arkansas yesterday, with expected delivery by post office on 3/8)

 

Passport arrived in mail this morning, March 5.

 

I didn't do any thing special to expedite processing or delivery, since I don't need it until this summer, except to mail it 2nd day so I could track it.

 

I thought 3 weeks from mailing application to receiving new passport was a pretty speedy processing time. :)

[Lionesss]

We had a similar turnover:

 

For a regular renewal, 2 day mail packet, no expidited fees we had a 14 day turnover over the New Years holiday.

 

Must be a slow time.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[M_BA]

I renewed my passport and card mid January. I used First Class both directions and had both back to me in under three weeks.

[George C]

Took me 3 weeks for renewal , with normal delivery

[CGBCruiser]

I just renewed my passport in October...had a 2 week turnaround. But my travel agent friend said things are beginning to slow down. I guess everyone getting ready for summer vacations!

[Keith1010]

Some of this varies based on time of year and where your passport is processed.

 

Keith

[BillOh]

Took me 3 weeks for renewal , with normal delivery

 

Same for me.

[Royal2464]

That's great that most of you got it that fast, but you cannot count on that being the case. I renewed mine last June and I received it exactly six weeks from the day I mailed it in.

[sail7seas]

I renewed my passport in February. I sent it certified mail, return receipt requested, did not ask for expedited service or for overnight mail as I was in no hurry. I had it just shy of 3 weeks. I was very pleased with the seamless, easy process for my renewal experience.

 

[Kartgv]

Ours also less than 3 weeks just in February, no expedited delivery. I keep reading warnings that things will slow down, as many new passports were issued 10 years ago when they started being required for travel to/from Canada & Mexico, but it doesn't seem to have happened yet.

[Skywench]

I just got mine back last week. Took less than two weeks.

[sail7seas]

Sounds like the Passport Office(s) are doing a great job right now. Good time to apply. :)

[Flatbush Flyer]

If things are that slow and much international travel (with visas required) is on your near horizon (w/i 2 yrs), this might be a good time to apply for that second passport.

Edited March 7, 2016 by Flatbush Flyer

[welikepalms]

We had the same experience with our renewal. Filled out the forms at home, mailed it with tracking and relieved our new Passports in just over 3 weeks.

 

I was a little worried about doing the renewal ourselves but it turned out fine. Got to stop sweating the small stuff huh? lol

 

Happy Cruising