[TerryTre]

All I can recommend is DO NOT use GOV+.
I used them and they are useless.

[MikeVillages]

Years ago my passport was near full so I got page extensions. Apparently they don't do that anymore. The next renewal I got the one with more pages but wasn't needed & didn't like the thickness. So the following time I got the reqular one. I’ve also noticed that many countries use smaller stamps than before. I also got the passport card the last time as it is more convenient when you travel and when a passport is not required. Renewing passports is quicker, or at least it use to be.

[merrymini]

Easy but did it the regular way, by sending in the passport and all related necessary docs. Did not take too long but did not keep close track as I was not under duress. Some country’s stamp and some don’t. I did not even know they had a bigger size passport and cannot imagine that would be convenient to carry around. Mind you, your old passport is returned separately from another location and you should receive your new one first. This way, if you have a visa from a country that remains valid, like China, you can utilize the visa for it’s full duration.

[Just jimmy]

Originally Posted by bilcon

Very easy. Fill out the renewal form, choose expedited service, pay the extra for quicker postal service, put it in a mailer at the post office and you should get it in about 2 weeks. I just renewed mine.

We just did ours paid regular fee. Also got in 2 weeks. We did the whole thing online. Did not even have to send old one in.

[TomPerry]

Go online to the official State Department site. Fill out the form and print it (about 15-20 minutes). Go to the Sumter County Clerk of Courts office at the corner of CR466 and Morse Blvd (about 15-20 minutes)(with your checkbook for the fees and pictures). Go to a full service Post Office (about 15-20 minutes). Go about your life. In about 2 weeks or 6 weeks depending on processing you choose, it will be delivered to your front door!

[MaybeaMove]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

I am renewing my passport online. Anyone done it lately? About how long did it take?

And why would anyone order the 32-page (standard) passport instead of the 52-page (large) passport? They are both the same price.

Finally, a passport is for ten years but you can’t use it for travel after 9.5 years because many countries require that you have a valid passport with six months remaining.

So you have to renew it about 8-9 months before it expires. The new passport should run from the date the old one expires - not from the date it is issued.

The State Department recommends renewing it nine months before it expires.

Completed online process 5/20. Delivery today. Did not upgrade to priority service. Quick and simple.

[RRGuyNJ]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

I am renewing my passport online. Anyone done it lately? About how long did it take?

And why would anyone order the 32-page (standard) passport instead of the 52-page (large) passport? They are both the same price.

Finally, a passport is for ten years but you can’t use it for travel after 9.5 years because many countries require that you have a valid passport with six months remaining.

So you have to renew it about 8-9 months before it expires. The new passport should run from the date the old one expires - not from the date it is issued.

The State Department recommends renewing it nine months before it expires.

We just did my wife's passport online and it took about 2 weeks to come back via mail. I did mine last year and it was about the same.
Taking the photo was the biggest problem getting a picture with the proper background that the system would accept. My wife's picture was a breeze but mine required a lot of trial and error. Good luck!

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by MaybeaMove

Completed online process 5/20. Delivery today. Did not upgrade to priority service. Quick and simple.

Less than two weeks?? WOW!

I submitted mine online on May 30. I got two emails yesterday. The first said that my payment had been processed and the second one said that the U.S. Department of State had received my application on 06/01/2025 and that
routine service can take 4-6 weeks.

I will let you know when it arrives.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by westernrider75

I got the smaller one, why would I need a big bulky thing?

It isn’t a big bulky thing. Have you ever seen them? It is difficult to tell them apart.

A standard passport has 32 pages and is about 3-5 mm thick (approximately 0.12-0.2 inches) when closed.

The 52-page passport is 5-7 mm thick (about 0.2-0.28 inches).

0.16 inches thicker is not a big bulky thing.

[spierce]

I just renewed my Passport online in May. I received the Passport in less than 2 weeks. It was a very easy process.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

It isn’t a big bulky thing

See attached photo. The big bulky passport is on top and the regular passport is on the bottom.

[Sledneck]

if you are renewing just remember they suspend your current passort during the process so don’t plan any travel during the process

on the email i received

We are currently processing routine applications in 4-6 weeks. Processing times begin on the date your application is received at a passport agency or center and does not include mailing time.

When an agency or center receives your application, you will receive email updates so you know when your passport is in process, approved, mailed, and if additional information is needed.

You cannot travel internationally with your current passport as it will be invalidated during the renewal process.

[Carlsondm]

I renewed a few months ago online. I paid $20 extra for express mailing back. Mine came in three weeks. My partner had no special handling: 5 weeks. I prefer the smaller passport since I haven’t had it stamped that much and don’t need the extra weight.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by Carlsondm

I prefer the smaller passport since I haven’t had it stamped that much and don’t need the extra weight.

The weight difference is minuscule.

I just weighed my wife’s 32 page passport and my 52 page passport.

Hers is 1.3 ounces and mine is 1.7 ounces.

[Ray Greene]

Originally Posted by Rainger99

I am renewing my passport online. Anyone done it lately? About how long did it take?

And why would anyone order the 32-page (standard) passport instead of the 52-page (large) passport? They are both the same price.

Finally, a passport is for ten years but you can’t use it for travel after 9.5 years because many countries require that you have a valid passport with six months remaining.

So you have to renew it about 8-9 months before it expires. The new passport should run from the date the old one expires - not from the date it is issued.

The State Department recommends renewing it nine months before it expires.

Go to Summerfield post office. Take old passports and new pictures. It took 15 minutes and received new passports in two weeks.