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USA Passport renewal: 12-18 weeks

Posted by (Boise, Idaho) on

My apologies if this has been posted earlier or more than just a few times; I did a quick but not deep search. The following text block has been cut and pasted from the online passport application site, Boise, Idaho, but it's the same boilerplate just about everywhere. The info at Dept of State site has not been updated since July 21, 2021.

The State Department issued a nation-wide alert July 21, 2021
concerning passport application delays related to COVID-19.
Applications currently can take up to 18 weeks* from the day an
application is submitted to an acceptance facility, such as the Ada
County Recorder’s Office. Expedited service (an additional $60) may
take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to
receipt of the new passport. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6
weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing.

*The expected processing time may change at any time. For up-to-date information on the alert, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Posted by
8367 posts

There are quite a few threads on this topic currently, but the information is so important that it doesn’t hurt to put it out there one more time.

The people with the most success are those who pay for expedited processing. I didn’t do so in April and I am still waiting! So, check your passport, expect it to take a very long time to renew, and then be pleasantly surprised if it goes quicker than the time listed above.

Posted by
30 posts

We're in the same boat. We renewed our kids' passports in April--submitted the paperwork via our local post office. We're not due to travel until December, (so I thought that) this would be plenty of time and didn't pay for "expedite"--I really wish I had. State "received" our applications at the beginning of June. That's when their clock started. I'm trying to remain optimistic, but it's so frustrating.

The last time we renewed their passports, we got them back w/in 3 weeks. Regular service. Impressive. But I'm still trying to remain positive.

Posted by
1428 posts

I received my passport in the first week of July. I mailed in my renewal application in early April without expedited processing. I think the State Dept is still short staffed due to Covid. Also, people who delayed their passport applications/renewals are doing it this year.

Posted by
305 posts

Expedited applications (like my wifes) are taking as little as 5 weeks. Be sure to use all the expedited mailing options as well.

Posted by
114 posts

We were very lucky, as we may have gotten in before the rush.

5/19/21 Mailed applications to Irving, TX.... standard, not expedited
5/22/21 Rec. in Irving, TX
6/11/21 Rec. email from Do Not Reply@state.gov- applications in process (10-12 wks)
6/14/21 Checks cleared
6/23/21 Rec. email- approval/printing passport books/should rec. 6/29/21
6/26/21 Rec. passport books...took 5 weeks total

Thought we'd need for Switzerland, but, sadly, do not....hopefully, 2022.
I hope you all get yours in time!!! Happy Travels!

p.s. I taped a "Thank you" on our submitted passport books.

Posted by
33 posts

My mother submitted hers for a simple renewal, and paid for expedited service. She mailed it July 7, and received her new passport August 13. It showed as "In Process" when it arrived at her house. She hasn't gotten her old passport back yet, but it sounds like they've been mailing those separately.

My sister, on the other hand, is trying to get a replacement for the passport she lost. She paid for expedited service, and mailed it July 9. It's also showing as "In Process," and she hasn't received her new passport yet.

We're planning a family trip to Italy in November, so even with the delays, we SHOULD be good...fingers crossed!

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