u/ConversDeep89 — reddlx

Just got my renewed passport back so posting my timeline in case it helps anyone going through the online renewal process.

Applied: 3/28 In process: 4/1 Approved: 4/9 Shipped: 4/10 Delivered: 4/12

Routine service, no expedite. Faster than I expected honestly.

The photo part took me longer than the actual application. The upload tool rejected my first two attempts - no real explanation either time. Eventually ran it through Photogov which flagged that my background had a faint shadow I couldn't see on my monitor. Fixed that, uploaded the new version, went through immediately.

One thing worth knowing: the online renewal system is stricter about the photo than in-person applications. A photo that would have been fine at a post office apparently doesn't always pass the digital checker. Learned that the hard way.

Happy to answer questions if anyone's in the middle of the process.