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u/ConversDeep89
[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]
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.