2021 passport processing time?? Is 12-18 weeks accurate?

[stinkyfeet]

Woah! These times are much longer than I remember in the past (because of Covid - I know).  I wanted to hear from anyone who processed a passport recently to see if this is realistic or if they are in fact taking this long or are really being processed faster.


From travel.state.gov
"What to Expect:



Mail delays are impacting when we receive passport applications for processing. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application, not the day you mail it.

Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.

Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.

Our processing times (up to 12 weeks for routine; up to 6 weeks for expedite) do not include mailing times. Mail times vary and delays have been significant. Plan ahead."

[missva]

I just renewed mine and paid for expedited processing. From the time I mailed it until the time I received it, it was about 5 weeks.

[dutchgirl678]

We just got a new passport for our DS and with expedited processing it took 4 weeks.

[chicago]

I sent mine in early May, routine service. It didn’t show up as processing until the end of May and now it’s just say that way. We are supposed to travel in a few weeks so I called to switch it to expedited service and shipping and was on hold for seven hours. It’s a mess right now. I would recommend expediting for sure and submitting as early as possible.