Originally Posted by
work2fly
Since the kids are under 16, I can't find a single post office with an appointment near me over the next couple of weeks, and am concerned that if we find an appointment in mid-September or later, the renewals won't be processed in time for our trip.
Double-check with several of the acceptance locations near you — there might be a USPS Passport Mega Center, or a non-USPS location (eg a university or court clerk), that takes walk-ins. I posted above about some examples in the Atlanta metro area. Expect a significant wait most places that take walk-ins, but probably worth it in your situation.
https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
Even if you can’t submit the applications until mid-Sept, my gut says if you don’t mind paying the expedite fee, you might be okay — most of the recent data points in this thread suggest 3-4 week expedited turnaround, and in fact, it seems like your time frame even falls within the official (conservative) estimate of 5-7 weeks. Also, having an application already submitted wouldn’t preclude calling in for an agency appointment 14 days before departure, and/or contacting your Congressperson for an extra nudge, if that’s necessary when the time comes.