Passport Renewal Backlog

We sent in for renewal in mid-March and have heard nothing.

According to the State web site updated June 11, passport applications are still only being processed for life or death issues. Nothing about when they will return to normal processing.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/passport-covid-19.html

So sending in your application or renewal now will get you in line, but as Mike noted, the line is long so don't expect to see anything back from them any time soon. Oh, and they will cash your check immediately.

The Department of State sent out the following tweet on June 11, 2020:
Today, eleven passport agencies and centers will move to Phase 1 of @TravelGov’s plan to resume routine passport operations. As our staff return to our facilities, we look forward to safely getting back to work for you and processing pending applications. https://go.usa.gov/xw5MY

Passport Agencies and Centers Enter Phase One

The Department of State is pleased to announce 12 passport agencies and centers will be in Phase 1 of our planned three-phase resumption of operations as of June 15, 2020:

Entering Phase One on Monday, June 15

Washington Passport Agency

Entered Phase One on Thursday, June 11

Arkansas Passport Center

Buffalo Passport Agency

Chicago Passport Agency

Colorado Passport Agency

Connecticut Passport Agency

Detroit Passport Agency

Minneapolis Passport Agency

National Passport Center

New Orleans Passport Center

New York Passport Agency

Philadelphia Passport Agency

During Phase 1, limited staff are returning to work at these agencies and centers, allowing us to resume limited processing of applications we have already received. Applications will be processed on a first in, first out basis. We will continue to prioritize services for customers with life-or-death emergencies.

Customers who seek to apply at one of our agencies or centers must have an appointment due to a life-or-death emergency requiring international travel within 72 hours. Customers with appointments must wear cloth face coverings in all common areas, including our lobbies, and observe strict social distancing.

Customers may still apply at an acceptance facility or renew by mail, but should expect significant delays in receiving their passports and important documents. Contact your local acceptance facility to confirm if it is open or closed. During Phase 1, we will continue to recommend customers wait to submit new or renewal applications as delays will continue.

For more information on our current operating status and our plans to resume operations at our passport agencies and centers, please go to our COVID-19 Update page.

Reading this makes Nov. 2022 seem like its just around the corner.

Passport expires next year and I'm still trying to get a picture to use. And yes, the website does say there is a backlog so good luck to everyone. Tax dollars at work:)

I wonder if Global Entry applications will be any worse.. Applied in November and still in "Pending Review" status. It may be a moot point for 2020...

State updated their web page today 06/15:

They are now accepting all Passport applications.

There is an approximate 8 - 10 week backlog of current applications and renewals left from when the lockdown started. They expect their processing speed to increase as additional offices reopen.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

I applied to Renew our Global Entry in
August 2019. I got my approval in May 2020, but the offices are closed at DFW airport so can’t actually get to finalize the new card until they reopen and no word on that.

Mine expired in March, right when things closed down and they suggested waiting until things opened back up to send in your renewal. Now it's June and they have a giant backlog.

I used to work for Customs and Border Protection. I recall them asking for volunteers to help State clean up the backlog of passport requests (back in the early Real ID days). After that backlog was cleaned up there has been no need to spend money to have your application expedited - until now.

Some CBP are facing furloughs now because their normal source of funding has dried up with the shut down. Might be a great idea to use them as temporary State employees.

A friend put his renewal application in this February. Received his new passport yesterday, so they are working through the back log.

Thanks for the update, Sam! Maybe mine will come this week.

Good news!! Passport Office sent an email that my renewed passport book was processed today, and I should have it on hand by July 4 !!
It had been received by the Passport Office on March 3, so four months.

Passport arrived, right on (delayed) schedule.