Feedback, experiences, timelines, tips and useful information from people that have recently been through the US passport application process.
1st Adult Passport
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-04-14
Received Date:
2023-07-03
Application Method:
Online Application
Passport Agency:
New Hampshire
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Contacting NH directly and contacting our congressman really helped speed things along. DOT is 7-9-23
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-04-04
Received Date:
2023-06-29
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#34 – #39 Charleston Passport Agency
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-05-11
Received Date:
2023-06-26
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#34 – #39 Charleston Passport Agency
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-03-24
Received Date:
2023-06-30
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#19 – Washington Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Applied and was told we didn’t need to expedite that we had plenty of time. Had not received by the second week of June for DOT 7/1. Called numerous times to the 877 number. 10 days before travel for through to have passports expedited. Contacted Senator Warners office 6/27. Status changes to shipped on 6/28 with estimated delivery of 7/4 contacted Sen Warners office again. They were able to have it pulled and sent overnight UPS. Never charged the fee. Received the morning of June 30th.
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-04-17
Received Date:
2023-06-01
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#40-#42 New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
I also paid for expedited service and also the extra to have it returned quickly.
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-03-24
Received Date:
2023-03-29
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#15,#20-#29,#45,#68,#69,#71 – National Passport Center
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Type of Application:
First U.S Adult Passport
Application Date:
2023-05-22
Received Date:
2023-07-03
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#34 – #39 Charleston Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Adult Renewal Passport
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Application Date:
2023-05-18
Received Date:
2023-07-03
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#15,#20-#29,#45,#68,#69,#71 – National Passport Center
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Application Date:
2023-05-30
Received Date:
2023-07-05
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
I do not know
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
Locator number is 45.
Type of Application:
Adult Passport Renewal
Application Date:
2023-03-29
Received Date:
2023-06-30
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#34 – #39 Charleston Passport Agency
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
Renewed (no changes)/non-expedited.
Mailed 3/29/23. Passport received 4/7/23. Approved 6/26/23. 13 weeks
We have a very small favour to ask………….
We really hope this information is helpful to you and reduces stress whilst you are waiting for you passport. If you are able to make a small donation for the cost of a coffee it really helps us to maintain the site and continue to make improvements for future passport applicants.
Expedited Service
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-19
Received Date:
2023-06-26
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#34 – #39 Charleston Passport Agency
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
Start to finish 4 full weeks.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-23
Received Date:
2023-07-03
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#15,#20-#29,#45,#68,#69,#71 – National Passport Center
Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-17
Received Date:
2023-05-23
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#78 – El Paso Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
Had to contact my congressman. Once I did received it in 1 day.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-26
Received Date:
2023-05-31
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#61-64 – Western Passport Center
Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Optional Comments:
Shipped June 28; received June 30.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-07-08
Received Date:
2023-08-31
Application Method:
Online Application
Passport Agency:
#65 – Arkansas Passport Center
Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Optional Comments:
Thank you so much
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-04-21
Received Date:
2023-06-10
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#51 – Miami Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
I needed to get a new picture taken and get my name updated for my expired passport. I made an appointment at my local post office the day after learning I’d be traveling.
4/21: Mailed with Priority Shipping, paid for expedited processing
4/25: In Process
5/28: Called the help line, on hold almost 4 hours, “You’re traveling in exactly 14 days so we can’t help you. We’re closed Monday, call back Tuesday”
5/30: Called again, took hours to get through due to high call volumes. They put in an urgent travel request and said to call again if nothing changed by 6/5.
6/5: Called again, was told I qualify for an appointment but there weren’t any available ANYWHERE in the country before my travel date. I looked up my local congressman and submitted a “help with federal agency” form. The ladies in his office were on it, super helpful.
6/8: Got a tracking number!
6/10: Passport delivered at noon to my mailbox
6/11: Left for the airport at 8:45am
I will say that everyone I spoke to in the whole process was nothing but kind and polite. I would suggest calling your local representative as soon as it starts looking dicey – maybe that 2 week until travel mark.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-04-24
Received Date:
2023-06-12
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#14 – Connecticut Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-04-11
Received Date:
2023-06-26
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Horrible experience. Had to get our representatives involved. Spent hours on the phone at the 877 number. Even called the locator itself and had the rudest person on the phone. Ended up getting my child’s passport by obtaining an emergency appointment through my congressperson even though I had requested an expedited services – passport never came and person on the phone at New Orleans center basically laughed in my face and said it did not matter if I paid expedited or not. Zero start if I could rate that.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-03
Received Date:
2023-03-22
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New Hampshire
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Completely ridiculous to have to go through this mess! Thanks for trying to help others figure out a gestimated date and encouragement
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-17
Received Date:
2023-06-09
Application Method:
Please Select
Passport Agency:
Los Angeles Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
I paid for all express services up front. My USPS application coordinator retook my picture and put my package together to assure it met the requirements. I did contact my Senator and Congressman. My Senator’s office (Mark Warner, Virginia) came through just as I asked. I needed the passport in hand before I went on a government business trip from which I was leaving to attend a wedding in Europe.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-20
Received Date:
2023-05-23
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
I had to contact Congress people to receive it, just days before my travel. The State Department should’ve deputized the post office. Had them review and approve paperwork so the centers could focus on production. I applied with expedited service.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-05
Received Date:
2023-06-28
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New York Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-04-27
Received Date:
2023-06-23
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#17 – Colorado Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-03-24
Received Date:
2023-06-06
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#40-#42 New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
It was a renewal for a child. We paid to overnight the passport to the facility, which was received by them on March 29th. At that point it was marked as “in process” from that date until May 26th when it was shipped (1 day prior to listed date of travel.) We also paid to have it overnighted back to us, but it wasn’t received until June 6th.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-15
Received Date:
2023-07-03
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#15,#20-#29,#45,#68,#69,#71 – National Passport Center
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Had to contact my congressman and senator in order to expedite my passport even faster. Very appreciative that they were able to help. Fly out on 7/10 and got passport on 7/3. Highly recommend filling out the documents with congressional reps.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-05-16
Received Date:
2023-07-03
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#15,#20-#29,#45,#68,#69,#71 – National Passport Center
Experience:
5 Star – Very Easy
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-04-17
Received Date:
2023-06-26
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#40-#42 New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Expedited first time passport for 3 kids
Only received in time for travel due to contacting my US representative multiple times. Received less than 24 hours within our flight.
Type of Application:
Expedited Service
Application Date:
2023-04-17
Received Date:
2023-06-27
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#40-#42 New Orleans Passport Center
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Optional Comments:
Overall experience was nerve-wracking to say the least. We applied for expedited processing of first time passports for our family (my 10 year old, my wife and myself) estimating that we would give ourselves 2 weeks of buffer time even if our passports took 9 weeks of the upper bound mentioned officially for expedited processing. We even booked our travel accordingly.
But the backlog apparently is so severe that without the assistance from our US Rep. office, we wouldn’t have received our passports.
The passport agency staff was extremely helpful and responsive. But they are so severely backlogged that they can’t do much to fast track the process. Their customer service is unquestionably great. But they need more staffing to help process faster.
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-04-08
Received Date:
2023-06-28
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#78 – El Paso Passport Agency
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Optional Comments:
Application was sent on April 8th and started processing April 11 and by June 26 and received June 28 , didn’t pay expedited or express shipping
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-03-09
Received Date:
2023-03-22
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#55 – Dallas Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
Way past the regular 13 weeks, even went on for expedite and passed that deadline as well. Missed one trip and can’t get an appointment for the next. People are losing money and the government should be helping the US citizens before reaching out to other counties and help. Can’t help others if you can’t even help yourself
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-05-25
Received Date:
2023-06-23
Application Method:
Please Select
Passport Agency:
#77 – Buffalo Passport Agency
Experience:
3 Star – Average
Optional Comments:
Contacted senator’s office when I was within two weeks of date of travel and received the passport three days later.
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-05-08
Received Date:
2023-06-28
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#19 – Washington Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
https://youtu.be/PY70hOK8e4s
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-03-17
Received Date:
Not Received
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
#55 – Dallas Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
Still waiting
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-05-17
Received Date:
2023-06-30
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New Hampshire
Experience:
4 Star – Easy
Optional Comments:
Did contact my senator’s office for help on 6/26/23. I tried calling the NH first but after almost 2 hours on hold I gave up. Filled out a help request on my senator’s website and received an email response that day with a release form to fill out. Heard back on 6/27 that contact had been made with NPC. Application was approved on 6/29, passport received next day.
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-03-23
Received Date:
2023-06-28
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
New York Passport Agency
Experience:
1 Star – Very Stressful
Optional Comments:
DOT 7/1. The only way we got it back in time for our trip was that we miraculously scored an appointment at locator 11 5 days before we left.
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-03-24
Received Date:
2023-07-01
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
Philadelphia Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
It took forever to get my four year old’s passport. Estimated time went from nine to 13 weeks.
Type of Application:
First Child Passport (Under 16)
Application Date:
2023-05-04
Received Date:
2023-06-30
Application Method:
Paper Application
Passport Agency:
Los Angeles Passport Agency
Experience:
2 Star – Stressful
Optional Comments:
Had to contact congressman to help expedite, paid expedited service and 1-2 days delivery, paid 06/27/23
Cc got charged 06/28/23
Approved 06/29/23
Received pp 06/30/23
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