Well, the 17.56 will get your new passport you one day Priority Express Mail instead of 2-3 day Priority Mail. The problem they seem to be having isn't sending out the new passport once they get it completed, it is the application sitting and waiting in the State Department mailroom before State starts processing it. They are calling this "mailing time" even though it usually isn't in the hands of USPS for most of that time. I sent my renewal application in Priority Mail Signature Receipt and it was signed for 3 days after I sent it. It showed as "In Process" for the first time 5 1/2 weeks after they got it. But It looks like you already got past the "mailing (sitting in our mailroom) time", so it should be closer to just the 6 weeks processing.

You will get your passport a couple of days earlier than you would have without the $17.56, though.

Don't thank us, or the USPS - full credit and thanks should be directed to the employees and their managers who process applications....

7/1 Emailed Local congressman and his assistant sent inquiry to agency on same day
7/8 Passport located at agency and email sent back to congressman who then emailed me

They know the urgency of my travel date now which is 2 weeks from tomorrow, so hopefully it will get sent asap. I have been IN PROCESS since 5/7 and mailed my application on 4/7.

If all else fails email your local congressman people. My application has just been sitting there for weeks but hopefully now it will get wrapped up and mailed out finally.

I sent mine in on 6/15 and got my "processing" status on 6/22. My trip is on 8/12 so should I email my congressman too? What do I even say to them?

In general, State is saying routine processing is 18+ weeks, 12+ weeks for expedited. That timing is more the case than not, but there sporadic posts here of folks reporting receiving it back in about 6 weeks. It basically depends on what processing center your application was sent to - no real way to choose beforehand or change it after it has been submitted. So, you will almost assuredly need intervention from your congressional representative or senator.

First, sign up for the emailed processing status notifications. Second, did you request expedited processing? If not, call the passport center and request and pay for an "upgrade" to expedited processing. Then, about 3-4 weeks before your travel date, contact one of your congressional reps and ask them to check on it for you. They will need you to complete a form authorizing them to intercede on your behalf. They may be able to get it processed and mailed faster or they may be able to get you an in-person appointment within 72 hours of your flight. Be patient, be flexible.

Are some congressional offices better at this than others? I contacted my local congressman 3 weeks ago and I'm still just waiting.

Without a doubt. I'm sure some are busier than others or the staff is just more helpful at one vs. another. I was surprised to get a human on the second ring and one that immediately acknowledged that he would be able to help. Try your senator and/or your house rep, if you're not getting any response. GL

Also keep in mind that the Passport agencies are being overwhelmed with requests from congressional representatives to speed up passport process. A lot of people in tight timeframes are reaching out to them.

UPDATE 07-12-21
7-12 received an email today passport was approved, it says "You should receive your passport book on or around 07/15/2021."

🎊 congratulations! 🎊
did you have your senator / congressperson intervene for you at all!

Thank you. I did not call anyone but I almost. Guess I just got lucky here. Good luck everyone.

Thank you for posting this. It gives me hope.

My situation is very similar to your dates.

I visited the local post office on June 15 for a lost passport. I expedited the application as our trip is on August 12th.

The check was cashed and the application showed on the website as received and showed as processing on June 18th. Likely Philadelphia as that is the closest office. The Status has not changed since. But I saw it as good news that it went into process so quickly after my sending the application in, three days after. I had read here others waiting weeks before that happened.

Two days ago I got an email that said the same thing. That the application is in process. That was the first email I had received, so hopefully that meant something. But I am still worried, and will do so until the passport is in hand.

I contacted my congressperson today and his staff were very nice, and are going to intervene. He was 90% sure that I will receive the passport on time.

We can not cancel the trip with the tour company after 30 days before the trip, which is going to be Thursday the 15th, as we were going to fly in two days early. So really hoping to get some news soon.

Your case is probably a lot easier than mine since yours doesn't need a lot of verification. Mine was first time applying for a us passport. I'm confident you'll get it soon. Good luck.

based on most commenters' experience and the State website, this is very impressive timing indeed, only 4 weeks total! The delay must really be due to load at individual processing centers. One would hope State is telling passport agents to send the applications to various centers that are less backlogged than others.....