Online U.S. Passport renewals are now available

[dioxide45]

We just had to submit it for my mom, and the picture taking can be extremely difficult. You basically need a flat white wall with no patterns or lines, controlled lighting that is I would guess around 5000k color temp. Phone automatic mode with 2700k (incandescent) lighting will not look white enough. We had to edit the picture to remove a line and brighten up the white wall, luckily it took it or we'd have had to go find a flat wall that was white, probably get like a studio drop cloth and set up my lightstands and off camera flash (on camera left too harsh a shadow to the side when held portrait style) and probably would have used RAW and set the white balance to the "white" drop. Anyway, if you don't happen to have a completely white wall with no patterns or lines, and don't know either photography or photo editing - it can be "impossible" to get a picture they'll take.

Personally I'm probably going back to the post office and seeing if they can do it like when I first got my passport in 2016 cause even if it took 2 months, I didn't need a special area (that we just don't have).

Bouncing the flash off the ceiling can help prevent that shadow behind the subject. My wife also has a Stroboframe that moves the flash above the camera about 6" to help prevent those shadows. Shadows are always a problem with a flash and a subject that is close to the background.

 

[clifffaith]

It certainly took a few tries to get the photo right, but it wasn’t THAT hard nor did it require special editing skills. The photo shouldn’t scare anyone off, just be prepared to have to try a couple times to satisfy their requirements. And remember to take your glasses off!

 

[claraj]

I recently helped my friend take a passport photo while we were on a trip in Las Vegas. We finally found a white outdoor wall and was perfect with the natural light but I took the picture too close. The next opportunity was in a random hallway at the M&M store on the strip. Found a piece of wall that has the right lighting with no shadows. That one worked and he got his passport 10 days after submitting.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

Does anyone know if you physically need your existing expiring Passport in order to do the online renewal? I have a Passport but I can't place my hands on it (can't seem to find it today).










.

 

[slip]

Does anyone know if you physically need your existing expiring Passport in order to do the online renewal? I have a Passport but I can't place my hands on it (can't seem to find it today).










.

You will need to add your Passport number online so unless you know that number you won't be able to fill everything out.

 

[Talent312]

We keep our passports in a wall-safe and a scan in our 'puter.
I also put the numbers, issue and expiry dates in a spreadsheet.

 

[slip]

I received my Passport in the mail today so 23 days from when I filed the online application. I received an email on Wednesday saying that it was in the mail and I should receive it shortly.

So a couple days over 3 weeks start to finish. It worked really well.

 

[sithrebel15]

You will need to add your Passport number online so unless you know that number you won't be able to fill everything out.

You also need the control number on the last page. I had hoped to slip through with a lost passport since I have scans of the main page but looks like it's going to be a full new app.

 

[dioxide45]

Not directly related, but I am still waiting for my old passport back on a mailed renewal application. Twice USPS Informed Delivery said I was going to be getting something from “Passport Services”, always as awaiting from sender. Neither time have I actually received anything.

 

[clifffaith]

Not directly related, but I am still waiting for my old passport back on a mailed renewal application. Twice USPS Informed Delivery said I was going to be getting something from “Passport Services”, always as awaiting from sender. Neither time have I actually received anything.

We have nothing coming that relates to passports, but every few weeks my informed delivery says something is pending from the Tucson passport office. I suspect a glitch from the summer when we did have passports sent to us.

 

[dioxide45]

We have nothing coming that relates to passports, but every few weeks my informed delivery says something is pending from the Tucson passport office. I suspect a glitch from the summer when we did have passports sent to us.

Mine is the same. Says it is awaiting from sender "PASSPORT SERVICES/DOS TUCSON" and even provides a tracking number. Nothing arrives. They still have my old passport. Though it has no Visas in it that I need.

 

[mbh]

My wife applied online for passport renewal on 2/9. On 2/14 the the new passport was in the mailbox.

 

[AnnaS]

Wow, I renewed on-line Monday, 2/10.......let's see when I get it . I am in no hurry though.

 

[AnnaS]

Just received email today. Passport arriving Tuesday the 18th. I think it's pretty fast. Not complaining.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@AnnaS thanks for the DP. We have two coming up. Did you pay to expedite or was this regular process?

I want to renew sooner vs. later because of all the staffing RIF in the U.S. Govt.

 

[DeniseM]

I want to renew sooner vs. later because of all the staffing RIF in the U.S. Govt.

Good point! I hadn't thought about that! We are still waiting for my husband's passport - they asked him to send another birth certificate. Although the one he originally sent was the authentic county certificate with a seal, it was old, and they wanted a newer version with more info.

 

[AnnaS]

@AnnaS thanks for the DP. We have two coming up. Did you pay to expedite or was this regular process?

I want to renew sooner vs. later because of all the staffing RIF in the U.S. Govt.

No. Did not pay extra. Not in a hurry. Don't need it anytime soon or I would have. (mine expires in April).