Originally Posted by
Section 107
UPDATE for Renewal of Minors' passports w/o expedited processingSince the kids are under 16 renewal must be in-person with both parents. Our appt was at the local post office. Took about 30 minutes to process, including taking two photos. In addition to the standard passbook & card fees with regular delivery service (not expedited), we were charged USPS processing fee for both, fees for two photographs, fees for photocopies of 7 pages of forms and documents (I think that should have come out of the USPS processing fee!) and, since paying electronically by credit/debit card - two fees to convert the electronic payment to two money orders. Will provide processing details as available:
3/15 Renewal Applications submitted
3/30 Status on Passport Application Status Page: Application Not Found (both applications).
Web page says if online status is "not found" after 2 weeks to call the center. Called around 3:50pm; 42 minutes on hold before speaking to service agent. Agent also did not find either application. Agent stated applications for minors are processed in Philadelphia after going through a postal security screening center which is very backed up; said check in another week and call back if still "not found."
4/15 Status on Passport Application Status Page: Application Not Found (both applications).
4/20 Received email notification applications received. Status webpage states: "The U.S. Department of State has received your application for your passport book and card on 04/20/2021. We're now reviewing your application and supporting documents. You requested routine service when you applied, which we are currently processing in 10-12 weeks. Your application locator number is xxx"
6/3 1711 hrs - Received email notification for both applications: "Application status: approved. You should receive your book and card around June 9."
6/3 1901 hrs - Received email notification for both applications: "DoS has shipped your book and card using Priority Mail. Click confirmation number xxxxx to track. You should receive passport around June 9."
Tracking number indicates passports/books being sent from Little Rock, Arkansas distribution center and should arrive on June 7. If they arrive as scheduled it will have taken 12 weeks from submission of application to delivery.
6/5 1000 hrs -- both passport books received - 2 days earlier than expected! Interesting that it took 5 weeks to get from the post office in DC to DoS processing center in Filthadelphia but only 36 hours to get halfway across the country from Arkansas to DC. I guess USPS really does take to heart the "under-promise/over-deliver" mantra...
NOTE: Be aware that the notification from DoS that passport books and cards "have been shipped" and providing a single tracking number certainly gives the impression that the books/cards are being delivered together. However, in fact, they are shipped separately so you will receive 3 mail items from DoS - passport books, passport cards, and original application documents. In our case, this will be 6 items because of applications for 2 kids.
If they are sending all 6 items via priority mail then I completely understand why our national deficit/debt is so high.....