To the annoyance of some at State, some of these commercial service providers do sort of have a "magical back door" to get in applications for faster turns than "going it alone".

My "magical back door" is to go in the front door at US embassies/consulates that are located pretty close to airports with non-stop flights to the US. No expedite fee involved, and it also doesn't encourage the application slot squatting that goes on with some of these commercial service providers. And the passport turns are in a tighter range on average this way.

Is this an easier way to get a passport renewed? I would prefer to go in person, but I feel like they will just push me back to the traditional paper system instead. Any recommendations on how to do this...I am nearing the six month mark before expiration?

My suggestion is to get your renewal application into the system right now, via the expedite service option and using standard USPS services. The turnaround time for renewals right now is the best it's been for some months.

Thanks, but I once had my passport lost by USPS so I will not be using that option. It has to be in person or via an expeditor. Believe me, losing a passport is not a pleasant experience, and USPS did nothing even when I sent Priority Mail.

A DP for a new passport application for expired passports for minors. For minors, you have to apply in person at a post office.

All routine service, nothing expedited.

Post office appointment: 11/17/2021
Passport processing/$ cashed: 11/23/2021
Passport approved: 12/28/2021
USPS tracking shows pending delivery on 12/31/2021

No email confirmation whatsoever despite signing up. I have 2 other passport renewals for adults that were sent a week prior and still not approved yet. 34 locator.

Was this child's locator also 34?

Update: Old passport returned a month later on 12/12.

Yea, all 4 of us are 34. Both adults still processing as of today. Will post again when ours get approved.

Update!

Delivered: 11/18/21
Check Cashed: 11/19/21
Approved: 12/30/21

Same. Two renewals for adults sent on 11/9 and approved on 12/31. All routine. I should have it next week so it is averaging 6.5 weeks from point of mailing to having it in hand.

The 2 passport for minors are the NG ones. Will update when ours arrive.

I've used CIBT in the past as they handle our passport/visa needs for my job. Always had a great experience - although a little pricey, but it's what corporate tells us to do and it's their money...so...

Can you explain more? I wondered about this with my recent renewal - sent it via Priority Mail so that it would be trackable (and possibly less likely to be lost). It was due to be delivered in 3 days but on the 3rd day just showed delayed with no location scans. I got really nervous, but after a few days, it finally got delivered.

What did you have to go through, and did the fact that USPS is who lost it matter at all vs. you randomly losing it somewhere in public?

I am in the middle of something like this....our USPS Priority envelope has been sitting in Philadelphia, "ready for pick up," for over a week. My hunch is that
they leave the mail at the PO until they are ready to start dealing with it.

It just got worse:

Status

Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your item before January 27, 2022

Delivery Attempted: Action Needed
Definitely will use Fed Ex next time. And try to figure out what to do now.

I, too, have recently had 2 priority mail items, for IRS no less, "go missing." Literally no scans. Both dropped off at USPS post offices (different post offices!). One just dropped off the face of the earth never to appear. The other eventually showed up - 2 weeks later with five status emails and text messages showing all on the same day. I realize they delivery millions of PM pieces a week, but this more widespread error rate seems to be a little more prevalent than just coincidence.... So I am now partial to sending via FedUp or DHL, even for renewal passport applications when I can.