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Update Re Online Passport Renewal

The nearest AAA office will supply us with hard copies of the needed photos free since we are members. However, they can not supply a digital copy. And a digital photo is absolutely requird. No scanned in copies of regular photos. Other locations might be be able to supply digital photos.

Went to Staples and got the digital photos there for about $20 or so each. They even supplied them on a new mini thumb drives. They took a number of shots in order to get one that was the least "ugly". Not that any kind of ID photo ever looks good. Especially if one is a "mature" individual.

For some reason, we could not access the renewal site using the Chrome browser. You might have a different result. Worked fine using Microsoft Edge browser.

Also had to do my renewal and spouse's renewal on two different computers as the first computer seemed to remember everything and use my information. Technology. Arrrgh!

Took about 15 to 20 minutes to enter everything. Immediately got email confirmation that application had been accepted and that we should receive the new passports by mid August.

Now we just sit back and wait. Will update later with how long it took when we get them.

Posted by
13661 posts

Also had to do my renewal and spouse's renewal on two different computers as the first computer seemed to remember everything and use my information. Technology. Arrrgh!

Did you try clearing your cookies and browsing history?

Posted by
1911 posts

We renewed online a few months ago and received them within 13 days. Family members recently renewed same day online; hers took 11 days and his took 6 weeks.

Posted by
8523 posts

One of my daughters just renewed her passport online. She had a coworker take the picture on her phone. It took two attempts to get a photo accepted. The whole process took about 10 minutes and she received her passport in 2.5 weeks. There really is no risk to using a photo taken by the passport holder. If the photo doesn't meet criteria, the application isn't accepted, and additional attempt(s) can be made.

My other daughter needed to expedite her passport so she had to mail in the application and photo. She had her photo taken at Walgreens for $10. She also received her passport in about 2.5 weeks.

The online renewal passport process for the photo is quite similar to the process to obtain visas for Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand. It might take a few minutes to get an acceptable photo and then its smooth sailing.

Posted by
7 posts

I renewed my passport last year during the government shutdown. My spouse took the passport photo of me wearing a solid shirt, standing in front of a plain white wall. I received an approval in a few days, and my passport arrived in my mailbox less than a week after that. Happy to see government efficiency.

Posted by
12627 posts

I’m not sure why you had so much trouble. I renewed mine about six months ago online, and it went through really quickly. And I used my Chrome browser. I agree with Joe’s recommendation to clear your cache. Chrome is notorious for getting clogged up and difficult to use.

Also, I just took a selfie of myself and they accepted that. I made sure it was against a plain white wall and that all the requirements were met. It was probably the simplest thing I’ve done in a while. And I received it back within two weeks.

Posted by
5737 posts

We did clear all the cookies and history after the first application, so we don't know why we had a problem. Maybe the little men that live in the computer were just having a hissy fit. But at least it finally got done, and now we'll just wait for them to arrive.

Posted by
12627 posts

Maybe the little men that live in the computer were just having a hissy fit.

😂😂😂😂😂 That wouldn't surprise me!!!