Originally Posted by
soitgoes
Maybe they're getting back on track. That's about how long it should take (in an ideal world).
At the same time, though, this is troubling. There is still a backlog of passports with waiting times much, much greater than that. It seems that they should finish processing the passports that were submitted weeks ago before they process something that was just submitted. This anecdote indicates that they probably don't have an organized workflow system.
Yeah, these stories are a little troubling, in the sense that they suggest the amount of time it will take to process your passport is random. Oh, well, not much you can do.
The "online status check" function is somewhat comforting, but not very informative. About 3 weeks after I submitted by daughter's application, I got the following. It hasn't changed since (I'm now past 5 weeks):
_________________________________________________
Thank you for submitting your passport application! It is currently being processed.
Your passport application locator number is xxxxxxxxx.
Note: We have been experiencing a problem with the online status check system affecting only the application locator number. This does not affect the processing of your application. If the number above is 10 digits long and starts with 10000, please do not worry. If you need to contact the National Passport Information Center, you will have to provide at least your name and date of birth instead of the application locator number. Otherwise, please provide the locator number above.
When you applied, you requested Routine Service and Routine Delivery of your passport. Passport Agencies use Priority Mail.
You should receive your passport within 10 weeks from the date you applied. However, if you are traveling within 2 weeks and have not received your passport, please contact the National Passport Information Center.