[phansen2246]

Just renewed ours and got them in less than 5 weeks.

[BlackHarley]

A photo taken at CVS $16.00 Same photo taken at Sumter courthouse, $5.00.
I found out the hard way.

[clogletn]

Renewed mine earlier this year. It didn't expire until November, but I kept hearing horror stories about six-month processing times. Only took 6 weeks. One thing I did not like is I assumed my new passport would start when my old one expired, but it didn't. It was effective in March when they renewed it and expires ten years from that date. So, I effectively lost about 7 months' time.

[sallyg]

https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds82.pdf
Had our pix taken at Walgreens no appt necessary and sent ours in. We'll see how long it takes.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by phansen2246

Just renewed ours and got them in less than 5 weeks.

LOL. That is almost the exact time that independent website forums say that it takes. 33 days. But, the State Department says that the routine processing time is 8 to 11 weeks plus mailing time of up to 2 weeks. So, either the Government doesn't know how long they take to process a passport, or they are intentionally providing false information to get you to pay their $60 expedited processing fee. I would like to know how the Government can justify the expedited service fee. What can they do with $60 to process it faster? Actually, it probably costs thousands of dollars for the Government to process a passport.

[lindaelane]

I suggest doing this ASAP for two reasons:

1) Many have experienced delays of months. Some say paying for expedited does not help.

2) A large number of countries - possibly most, I'm not sure- will not let you in unless you have 6 months or more to go on your passport.

I concur about Global Entry. Little known fact:

I was not scheduled for TSA pre-check. I asked why not at the check-in desk. The clerk asked to see my physical Global Entry card. She moved me to TSA pre-check on the spot.

So, travel with the Global Entry card wherever you go.

[HJBeck]

Originally Posted by starflyte1

My passport does not expire until December, but I want to renew it now.

Any suggestions on the easiest way to do this? TIA

We usually go to the post office, pay the fee and they send it off. Comes back in 3-6 weeks.

[DaleDivine]

Originally Posted by steve1025

The Villages has an office that will do all the work for you. It's on Aveune Central a block in from 441.

And they will take your photo and it's cheaper than Walgreen's.

[rjm1cc]

Be sure the site you use has .gov as there are sites that will "help" you renew your passport.

[Cherstubbs]

Originally Posted by wsachs

Go to the Sumter County Tax Collector's office on 446/Morse Blvd. That's where you renew your license, etc. They have an office there that will take your picture, review your documents and give you an addressed envelope to mail. Less than 6 weeks.

I used this location and it was easy-peasy!

[Geodyssey]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

LOL. That is almost the exact time that independent website forums say that it takes. 33 days. But, the State Department says that the routine processing time is 8 to 11 weeks plus mailing time of up to 2 weeks. So, either the Government doesn't know how long they take to process a passport, or they are intentionally providing false information to get you to pay their $60 expedited processing fee. I would like to know how the Government can justify the expedited service fee. What can they do with $60 to process it faster? Actually, it probably costs thousands of dollars for the Government to process a passport.

Actual "processing" time is probably one man-hour (can I still say that?).

The rest of the time you passport is sitting at the bottom of L'shwandas "IN" box.

[Dilligas]

Don't wait or put it off......some countries will not all you in if your passporte expires within 6 months. It does not take that long to get it, but if you travel between now and then, you may have problems.

[The Chipster]

Just go here: Renew my U.S. passport

Duh.

[Geodyssey]

Originally Posted by The Chipster

Just go here: Renew my U.S. passport

Duh.

Yep.

[HIgolfers]

Originally Posted by Cherstubbs

I used this location and it was easy-peasy!

Interesting. 3 months ago I called that office and was told they no longer do passport photos!