I'm sure there is some "logical" reason, why doesn't the Passport Agency accept credit/debit cards? Why not direct debit from a checking account?

It actually does accept electronic funds transfers. You only think you're writing a check. Try pulling up a copy of your cancelled check and see what happens.

Submitted passport application on May 1st
received on May 12th
received emailed that passport has been overnighted with tracking UPS info May 17th
will have passport tmw May 18th via UPS
my trip is on May 19th !

Talk about cutting it close !

so happy to receive my passport in time for my DR trip. Thanks to all the tips from this site I was able to receive my passport book in 18 calendar days!

feel free to ask me how I did it. Everyone was saying even with me paying for expedited service it would take 4-6 weeks !

Yes please, tell me how you did it. I would like my passport ASAP. What's the secret?

Edit: I see you do not wish to inform the group.

New member, have been monitoring this thread for a few weeks now and some of the conclusions you members are having is a little funny. I don't think their quarantining mail or anything it is just the system has no rhyme or reason behind going from "Not found" to "In process" etc. First time Passport application for myself.

4/23 - Applied at USPS facility with a printout filled out on computer
4/28 - Marked "In Process" and my checks were cashed
5/18 - Called Customer service and asked about the refund on expedited fee Policy - Also emailed customer support
5/19 - Passport approved and mailed.

Not sure if it was anything I did for it to get approved, I asked about the refund policy on expedited service. Their website says 20 business days which is 1 month. The status checker would tell you 4-6 weeks so it is a little confusing and I wanted to know exactly when I could apply for a refund of the $60. If it helps any I applied with my "Enhanced Drivers License" as part of my application. The DL is as good as a Passport card and can be used as a border crossing by land into and out of the USA. Hope everything works out for everyone here, it might not hurt to call and press the issue? If you filed for regular service it could be 3-4 months for it to come.

We're in a similar timeline with kids passports.

4/16/21: Mailed applications from Palm Beach Gardens, FL via regular mail.
5/17/21: Application Status shows up as "In Process" on website with a locator number and 10-12 week estimate
5/17/21: Cashed checks appear on my bank account

I wasn't comfortable with the 10-12 week timeline after the 4 lost weeks it took for it to show "In Process" so I called yesterday afternoon (5/18) to expedite applications. I got someone after a 3 hour hold and he took my credit card number and said that "if expediting is approved" they will charge my card and expedite.

Does anyone know how the process of expediting via phone works? How long would it take for it to "be approved"? When can I expect my card to be charged? Will the status change to "expedited" in the online tracker?

Update:

I am renewing 2 passports:

4/20: Passports sent by Priority Mail for routine service
4/24: Arrives at mailing center in Irving, Texas
5/19: At around 8 pm Pacific time, I received emails notifying me of a status change from 'Not Available' to 'Processed,' with a message saying they are currently processing in 10-12 weeks.
5/20: The checks were cashed.
To be continued...

Our trip is Aug 28th. It was originally going to be July 3rd, but realized the passport renewal process would take much longer.

how to get a expedited passport less 4 weeks
 

how to get a USA expedited passport less 4 weeks..
help

please give me tips how to get the passport in 18 days.
I needed for june 20th. I did on clerks office May 18th paid all expedited fees
anything else I could do ?

Please contact your state's senator or congressman online, fill out their online information form with passport application number. That may help to push your case faster. Also, you could call NPIC number or email them asking for an ETA.

Got my renewed password today, paid extra for expedited service. Timeline as follows:

4/3/2021 - Mailed with Priority 2-Day
4/6/2021 - USPS reported that it was delivered
4/27/2021 - Application Status: In Process
4/28/2021 - Check cashed
5/18/2021 - Application Status: Approved / Shipped (exactly 6 weeks after it was delivered by USPS)
5/20/2021 - Passport showed up in my mailbox

that is crazy, and I know people sending it for regular processing in (Irving, TX). And getting it faster!

I'm going to Mexico in December, and my passport expires in April of next year - I assume it's still required to be valid for 6 months in order to be granted entry, so I'll need a new one before that trip? Any particular time of year better than others for renewing?

What I know on this is as f:pllows:

American and JetBlue have blanket six-month requirements on their websites. You may be denied boarding if an agent relies on their internal rules rather than TIMATIC.