Signs of a very substantial operational challenge for the remainder of a good chunk of this year. And some of the people being brought on now to handle the passport backlog are in some way or another new to the passport issuance game, a factor that increases the odds of process flops. This is why my suggestion to renewal/new applicants is to try to retain enough documents to (have a backup plan to) apply for a new passport on an emergency basis if the initial application, passport issuance and/or passport delivery is mishandled in some way.

So is the current thinking to send in renewal application now if they are processing again and really going "first in first out"? I expire in March 2021. No firm international travel until April 2021, but there is a chance for an ad hoc trip or two later this year depending on how fast work opens back up. I'm just a little nervous about sending in the current passport and having it sit indefinitely.

Updated info on the State Department website shows the phase for each office. Sorry I can’t post a link - not allowed by admins because I don’t have 5 postings...

Although a very limited opening is better than nothing, it still looks like a loooong time before I get mine from March in Philadelphia.

Please continue to call senators.

It is risky to send it. But check your destinations - some countries require 6 months left before expiration.

QUOTE=Mr. BoH;32458061]So is the current thinking to send in renewal application now if they are processing again and really going "first in first out"? I expire in March 2021. No firm international travel until April 2021, but there is a chance for an ad hoc trip or two later this year depending on how fast work opens back up. I'm just a little nervous about sending in the current passport and having it sit indefinitely.[/QUOTE]

Here’s the link:
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...-agencies.html

Submitted a passport renewal for a family member with passport expiring dec 2020. Delivered on Wednesday June 10th, check cashed on Monday June 15th, and no status update in the system as of today. Hoping to get it back by end of August.

I just spoke to someone this evening who said he submitted his renewal in February and received his passport this week.

I would suggest to anyone in Myperks situation to NOT do that, and hold. despite all panic to the contrary, a passport is valid believe it or not until its expiry date. There are countries that have "requirements" that they are valid for 3 months or 6 months after entry, but these are normally not that solid especially for shorter trips and the biggest problem normally are airline check-in people at your origin, not at destination, in 99% of cases this can be overcome with a written note/letter saying that if you are denied entry, due to this, you will bear the cost of repatriation. In any case due to covid some countries have either relaxed this or conversely others have asked that their documents be accepted past their date of expiry as there are huge backlogs everywhere, this is not solely a US thing.

Lastly, assuming things start to get better, anyone in such a situation and who will be abroad, for at least 10 days, better 2 weeks is/will be better off applying for their passport from abroad as those always get priority.

I called the Passport status line and the lady said "Passport centers are reopening very slowly and it will be several months before you receive your passport. My application was received at Irving TX on March 13 and logged into the system on March 16. Ridiculous that she wouldn't use my record locator number to advise me about my application, but she simply didn't care.

I just received my old passport in the mail. I renewed back in mid-February (I listed travel dates for Apr in the form) and got the renewal passport at the end of March. Not sure if it means anything but if they're going by date order, they're still working thru the Feb/March batch.

Sent my PP in for renewal in late March. Have been checking the last few weeks and have received "In Process" for my status. Really had no choice but to send it in as my PP is expiring Jan 2021. Check has not been cashed yet but I can only assume that I'm finally going to see some real progress soon.



"Application Status: In Process

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot provide an update on when you will receive your passport and the return of your citizenship documents until we resume normal operations and staff return to our agencies and centers.

While we continue to accept applications, process your payments, and safeguard your forms, we cannot update your passport status at this time. For more information, read our COVID-19 update."

Again I would very STRONGLY suggest to anyone that has a passport expiring in December 2020 or January 2021 like Uncle Nonny above NOT to send in one's passport right now (or over the last several months), better to wait until things get a bit more back to normal.

@ Uncle Nonny, hang in there!

My application was delivered to Irving TX on March 13, per US Priority Mail tracking; on March 16 I received an email from passport processing acknowledging receipt and a locator number. No change in the message at the passport application status page until about May 29, saying "In Process"

I tried to give this post a like, but no can do. I listed late April 2020 as my travel date- but it didn't help, lol

I really appreciate folks sharing about receiving their passports back. Thanks!

Wooohooo

I got an email late Friday saying that my passport is on its way. I have USPS Informed Delivery which shows something coming from Passport Services. My passport was sent to them back in mid February to Irving but it says it's coming from Tuscon, AZ.