Actually, I was able to track online prior to receiving the email saying that I could do so. I checked some day between applying in person and receiving the email saying my application had been received and was now processing. When I checked using my personal details (surname, social security number, etc.) on the status website, it showed that my application was processing. Exactly what it showed once I received the email stating my application had been received. It may be that I checked the day before and that it had already been entered into the system prior to the email batch being sent out, but I'm not certain. All I can say is that I definitely was able to check the status online at some point prior to receiving the first email.

That generally hasn't been the case for applications made in recent weeks. It's generally been way better than 4-6 weeks, and it's been within 2-3 weeks even without paying for expedited service.

I mailed my renewal on Saturday, Nov 17 via USPS Priority mail, non-expedited service, received the new passport Wednesday, Dec 6, just under 3 weeks. Only checked the website one time to confirm that they received my application, then just waited, didn't even expect the email saying my new passport has been printed and has been mailed back.

I mailed my non-expedited renewal via priority mail on Nov. 20 and received my passport today, Dec. 13. So it took 23 days.

Applied for a new passport at 7am on December 10th (Monday) at a post office. It's been 10 days now and I haven't heard anything yet, application status is not found in the system, check hasn't been cashed yet. I used expedited service and 1-2 day return shipping.
Is that normal?

Sent my application through acceptance facility on November 30th, Could track on the 4th still no passport, used expedited service with overnight shipping. Called and just said still processing. I'm supposed to leave on January 1st.

Dec 22 the State Department just shut down. Is the passport office "essential" or will the wait be forever????

I still haven't received my passport but at least I'm able to check the status now: "It is currently being processed."

I am going to submit a request for a Refund of Expedite Passport Fee, we'll see what happens.

I'm VERY impressed with the speed of the service this time around. 13 days for standard processing!

Renewed Passport (52 page), also ordered a Passport Card for the first time:

Dec 9 - Mailed from Florida to Irving TX via USPS First Class, w/Certified, Return Receipt endorsements.
Dec 14 - USPS delivers.
Dec 18 - Check clears my bank
Dec 27 - Received 3 e-mails: 1) Passport Received, 2) Passport application locator number, 3) Printed & ready to ship including the USPS Tracking #
Dec 31 - USPS delivers Passport Book; not sure when the Passport Card arrived (no USPS tracking #) but it was here when I got my mail.

13 days for the State Department. 22 days if you include the USPS times. That's a big ^ from me.

Glad to hear that the shutdown has not affected processing times

Have a trip coming up soon and went for expedited processing of a passport renewal. The timeline:
Dec. 19 - Mailed from Massachusetts to Philadelphia via Priority Mail
Dec. 23 - Delivered
Dec. 28 - Check clears
Jan. 4 - New passport received via Priority Mail

Will update this post as I receive more info. Standard processing, 52 pg book. No passport card. Money order.

1/10 - Mailed out from Kansas City to Irving via First Class w/certified
1/13 - Delivery confirmed
1/15 - Locator number assigned