Hi gang. Wanted to know if anyone has ever had any hassle renewing their passport. The website for it says four weeks processing time. Is this about right or is that not accurate and it really takes longer? Supposed to travel overseas on the 9/27/08 and wanted to know if it is worth getting the expedited renewal for an extra $60. Just don't want to spend the money if I don't have to as I have to get my husband's too and it could get a little pricey. Any horror stories PLEASE share! Cheers

Last year it took me exactly 4 weeks to get my renewal! I was freaking a bit as I figured I had plenty of time- was travelling in 5 weeks from the time I submitted. At the same time, I had a business associate who also had issues & there was a close call to him missing the trip.
Not sure what is going on now, but back then I wished I had done the expediting as I could have saved myself a ton of anxiety!

Good luck!

They actually got mine to me in about two weeks... it blew me away how fat they were considering it's a government thing. And I didn’t pay to have it expedited either.

Passports can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

If you are concerned, you may want to go to the Passport office with your airtickets to help expedite the process.

I think every child should get a passport by age 18 -- besides, you dont' have to renew it for ten years!

As far as rush or expediting in the future, there are companies who will go and submit your paperwork and pick up your passport for you within days as opposed to weeks. Check your local yellow pages and be careful who you give your personal information to, do your research.

passports are volume based. If happens to be alot of people sent in their stuff at once, it will take a while..

go ahead and try the slow way... it might save you money. I am confident you will get it in 4 weeks.

quote:

At this time, we are processing routine applications in less than four weeks from the time of application. We are processing requests for expedited service in two weeks door-to-door

Got it expedited. Took three days!!!

I found out some valuable information about passports from a contractor that routinely works overseas in some very unpleasant places.

Also keep a photocopy of your passport, and keep about 10 copies. When you go to check into a hotel just give them a copy and not your passport. If your passport comes up stolen or lost you can go to the embassy with your copy and get a new one in about a day.

If the hotel or anyone tries to keep your passport immediatly call the embassy. They will explain to the people they are breaking international law by keeping your passport. If they still refuse to give back your passport they will be there when they can and take it back for you.

It's legal to own two passports. Use one passport to keep your stamps and visa's in. Keep the other blank. If you travel to one country and then another where hostilities exist it's better to show the blank passport so you don't get mistaken for a sympathizer and made a target. Plus a second passport insures you have a back up in case you have to leave in hurry, in case of coupe or you pissed off the wrong people.