Like idiots, my DH and I have waited too long to renew our passports, which both expire in 2007. Now we've impulsively booked a trip abroad, and his is due to expire the very day we booked our trip. I've looked up the procedure, and know that you can request expedited processing (an extra $60). The U.S. State Dept. website says the usual turn-around is 6-8 weeks, but only 2 weeks for the expedited procedure.

My question: has anyone done this very recently, and how long did it take? We have exactly 2 months before we leave.

Also, any tips about method of postage, ie certified vs registered, whether we should include a return envelope with the application, include our email address, etc. would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

I did it around this time last year, through Pittsburgh and it took exactly 23 days.

Not recently, but at this time last year it took 5 weeks, Dec 15 to Jan 20, for routine renewal. Ordinary postage, no return envelopes or special handling.

The expedited procedure is usually faster than 2 weeks but with the holidays right now, I'd allow two full weeks.

Some new rules are in effect starting January 2007, I wouldn't take a chance and pay expedition charges.

Mine will expire December 2007, I will renew it right after April vacation.

I did it a couple of months ago and it was about a month.

I meant to add, there will be more renewals as usual, the passport people will be busy.

Argh, why is it work gets in the way of thinking and Fodor-posting?

We renewed ours this fall and it took 4 weeks. Used regular mail with no problems.

i did it this summer and it took about a month.

We just secured brand new passports and it took just over 30 days to get them. Last year my sister sent for passports. After 5 weeks she did not have them. She called the passport phone number and had the passports upgraded to expedited at that time via a credit card over the phone. She then received them within two weeks of the "upgrade". Possible an option to consider if you want to avoid the $60 expedited unless you really need it.

I just renewed mine about 2 months ago using expedited service available through the State Dept. and not an outside service. I used regular mail and got new passport in 2 1/2 weeks. The office for my area was Pittsburgh. Ordinarily you could get your passport in less than 2 months with regular service but right now the passport people are very busy with requests for passports needed for Carribean travel starting in 2007.

Larry J

I would pay for 'expedited' but just directly thru the government, not one of those passport expediters who get even more money. I believe you can use FedEx or UPS in either or both directions as well.

Renewed mine a couple of months ago; took 22 or 23 days.

Mailed it 21 November. Received it back 1 December.

Less than 2 weeks and this was during the Thanksgiving holiday too.

I paid the extra $60 for expedited. Then the cost of overnight mail to the passport office (Philly) and back.

Wow! Thanks everybody. Sounds like we should go the expedited route. I'm always so nervous sending original documents through the mail - do you think it's a good idea to at least get them certified going both ways?

Certified is not expensive. Registered is. If you worry, do certified. You'll spend hundreds of dollars on vacation, what's another $2-3 on a letter?

Good point. More irritating is standing in line at the post office a couple of days before Christmas!

I just renewed my passport realizing that it was going to expire in February and I am leaving for Europe in the beginning of January. Expediting was my ONLY choice. I sent it by Fed Ex so it could be tracked and I included a Pre-paid Fed Ex envelope so it would come back to me and could be tracked. I received in within 2 weeks. Be smart and spend the bucks...it's worth it.

I would use UPS or FedEx not U.S. mail or any sort.

We renewed our passports in August 2006 and it took six weeks.

you can also track your passport status through a government website.

i do not have it , unfortuantely, but i beleive it will be on your application form.