US Passport Renewal Update Information

[khaepmu]

I am thinking of renewing my passport by mail as many of you are. But I might just do it in person like I did nine and a half years ago. My passport expires  early November of this year. If my memory is correct, I remember making an appointment and then going to the embassy and getting my passport easily and quickly. You could even get your photos done there. I went on the embassy's website a few weeks ago and it stated that you have to go to the embassy eight weeks before for a new passport. Could that be right? I then emailed the embassy asking them how long in advance I should go to the embassy to renew my passport and they emailed me back the same website info. Eight weeks. I don't remember having to go to the embassy eight weeks in advance. So i guess eight weeks it is.  I hope you can get the passport the same day.

[Jingthing]

34 minutes ago, khaepmu said:

I am thinking of renewing my passport by mail as many of you are. But I might just do it in person like I did nine and a half years ago. My passport expires  early November of this year. If my memory is correct, I remember making an appointment and then going to the embassy and getting my passport easily and quickly. You could even get your photos done there. I went on the embassy's website a few weeks ago and it stated that you have to go to the embassy eight weeks before for a new passport. Could that be right? I then emailed the embassy asking them how long in advance I should go to the embassy to renew my passport and they emailed me back the same website info. Eight weeks. I don't remember having to go to the embassy eight weeks in advance. So i guess eight weeks it is.  I hope you can get the passport the same day.

Passport same day impossible.

Maybe for an emergency travel passport if you've lost your passport. 

6 to 8 weeks is the standard info but many reports of passport applications by mail turning around in a month.

It's possible unfortunately that things might be slower now because of deep staff cuts at the state department.

[zzzzz]

1 hour ago, khaepmu said:

I am thinking of renewing my passport by mail as many of you are. But I might just do it in person like I did nine and a half years ago. My passport expires  early November of this year. If my memory is correct, I remember making an appointment and then going to the embassy and getting my passport easily and quickly. You could even get your photos done there. I went on the embassy's website a few weeks ago and it stated that you have to go to the embassy eight weeks before for a new passport. Could that be right? I then emailed the embassy asking them how long in advance I should go to the embassy to renew my passport and they emailed me back the same website info. Eight weeks. I don't remember having to go to the embassy eight weeks in advance. So i guess eight weeks it is.  I hope you can get the passport the same day.

its all mail in now, events of 6+ years ago are worthless
although a friend of mine did his at the embassy in feb, 24 days turn around, got an appt for something other than renewal for passport

did mine when i had 16 months left so no idea why if ur passport expires in Nov ur you have not applied already
oct 2023 took 42 days 

[sqwakvfr]

Today I mailed off my passport renewal application packet from CNX.  A little bit of trivial information is that DHL is really not an option.  I went to the local DHL office and was told "we only do international".  I always wondered why the US Embassy suggested DHL as an option to mail in the renewal application.  Now the waiting begins.   Thai Post from CNX to BKK was only 47 Baht and the Thai Post employee did say it will arrive tomrorrow   I have just over one year left on passport validity and have always renewed about a year before expiration. 

[sqwakvfr]

This is getting off to a bad start.  Just checked on Thai Post website for the delivery of the passport renewal application and it indicates "failed to deliver/government office closed".  Of course the Embassy is open because Memorial day was yesterday.  Called Thai Post customer service twice and they do not know where my package is.  

[Jingthing]

On 5/26/2025 at 1:47 PM, sqwakvfr said:

Today I mailed off my passport renewal application packet from CNX.  A little bit of trivial information is that DHL is really not an option.  I went to the local DHL office and was told "we only do international".  I always wondered why the US Embassy suggested DHL as an option to mail in the renewal application.  Now the waiting begins.   Thai Post from CNX to BKK was only 47 Baht and the Thai Post employee did say it will arrive tomrorrow   I have just over one year left on passport validity and have always renewed about a year before expiration. 

I used DHL from Jomtien to Bangkok.

But it cost 800 baht.

[sqwakvfr]

Just now, Jingthing said:

I used DHL from Jomtien to Bangkok.

But it cost 800 baht.

Probably more reliable. If I get my PP back I might just lfy to Bkk and mail it from the nearest Thai Post office from the Embassy, 

[sqwakvfr]

I hope this does not turn into a mess:

1. Thai Post says the US Embassy does not accept mail after 1200 PM.  Thai Post claims they tried to deliver at 100 PM but on one was there to accept  the package.

2. The US Embassy just said "today was a normal business day".  Then I was accused of being rude on email.  I guess the embassy was offended by my tone.  

3. Thai Post will attempt to deliver tomorrow once the package is found. 

 

Anyway hopefully this will be settled tomorrow. 

 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, sqwakvfr said:

I hope this does not turn into a mess:

1. Thai Post says the US Embassy does not accept mail after 1200 PM.  Thai Post claims they tried to deliver at 100 PM but on one was there to accept  the package.

2. The US Embassy just said "today was a normal business day".  Then I was accused of being rude on email.  I guess the embassy was offended by my tone.  

3. Thai Post will attempt to deliver tomorrow once the package is found. 

 

Anyway hopefully this will be settled tomorrow. 

 

 

 

 

That's totally bizarre to have a noon cutoff like that. Anyway good luck.

[sqwakvfr]

20 hours ago, Jingthing said:

That's totally bizarre to have a noon cutoff like that. Anyway good luck.

I think the claim by Thai Post that the US Embassy does not accept mail after 1200 is not true.  I just checked on the Thai Post website it indicates the renewal package was delivered today at 1430.  I called Thai Post customer service twice this morning and I wast told it would be delivered in the morning. Ok, TIT.  I have used Thai Post 3 times in 7 years and this experience has convinced me if there is a next time then I will have to find a DHL office that does domestic shipping.  Now the real waiting begins and I hope it does not take the full 8 weeks.  

[marin]

I did mine in January and was also quite worried about the process. Getting this back from the US embassy 3 days after sending it off made me feel better. It was returned to me in 19 days. 

 

Bangkok ACS

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Fri 1/31/2025 6:30 AM

 

Dear Applicant,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

Your passport application was well-received and is currently being processed.

 

Passport renewal process may take up to 6 to 8 weeks from when we receive your complete application package. You may trace your new passport package after some processing time has passed by using the tracking number you received upon purchasing a return envelope from Thailand Post Mart here  https://track.thailandpost.co.th/.

 

Please note that expedited service is unavailable when applying for U.S. passport overseas.

 

Regards,

 

American Citizens Services │U.S. Embassy Bangkok 

95 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

02-205-4000 (Thailand) │+1-202-640-2632 (USA) │ +66-2-205-4000 (International)

Email: [email protected] │Website: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ (TK-RCS)

[sqwakvfr]

57 minutes ago, marin said:

I did mine in January and was also quite worried about the process. Getting this back from the US embassy 3 days after sending it off made me feel better. It was returned to me in 19 days. 

 

Bangkok ACS

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Fri 1/31/2025 6:30 AM

 

Dear Applicant,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

Your passport application was well-received and is currently being processed.

 

Passport renewal process may take up to 6 to 8 weeks from when we receive your complete application package. You may trace your new passport package after some processing time has passed by using the tracking number you received upon purchasing a return envelope from Thailand Post Mart here  https://track.thailandpost.co.th/.

 

Please note that expedited service is unavailable when applying for U.S. passport overseas.

 

Regards,

 

American Citizens Services │U.S. Embassy Bangkok 

95 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

02-205-4000 (Thailand) │+1-202-640-2632 (USA) │ +66-2-205-4000 (International)

Email: [email protected] │Website: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ (TK-RCS)

Wow. 19 Days is incredible. 

[Jingthing]

January is a slow travel season so the passport office has low volume then.

[khaepmu]

I went to Bangkok to the US Embassy to get my passport renewed. I wanted to go to Bangkok anyway so I went online, made my appointment, and when I got to the embassy it was super easy and fast. i filled out a short form, paid my fee, bought the required envelope from the Thai post office which is located just outside  the citizen services section, printed  my mailing address on the envelope and gave it to the clerk who told me it will take 4-6 weeks to get to my mailing address.

[Jingthing]

10 minutes ago, khaepmu said:

I went to Bangkok to the US Embassy to get my passport renewed. I wanted to go to Bangkok anyway so I went online, made my appointment, and when I got to the embassy it was super easy and fast. i filled out a short form, paid my fee, bought the required envelope from the Thai post office which is located just outside  the citizen services section, printed  my mailing address on the envelope and gave it to the clerk who told me it will take 4-6 weeks to get to my mailing address.

I wonder if you had said you want to pick the new one at the embassy whether they'd let you keep your current passport to be cancelled later? I've heard conflicting reports about that. As you're getting it mailed I'm sure you needed to give them your passport.

[ThreeCardMonte]

Turnaround for mine in Thailand was about 2 weeks, in December, 2024.

 

Your mileage may vary.

[Pib]

On 5/27/2025 at 5:19 PM, sqwakvfr said:

I hope this does not turn into a mess:

1. Thai Post says the US Embassy does not accept mail after 1200 PM.  Thai Post claims they tried to deliver at 100 PM but on one was there to accept  the package.

2. The US Embassy just said "today was a normal business day".  Then I was accused of being rude on email.  I guess the embassy was offended by my tone.  

3. Thai Post will attempt to deliver tomorrow once the package is found. 

 

Anyway hopefully this will be settled tomorrow. 

The wife's passport renewal package which was EMS-mailed from a western Bangkok post office yesterday afternoon/17 Jun was delivered/accepted/signed for by the US Embassy Bangkok at 12:21pm today/18 Jun.   Around 21 hours of mailing time.   Signed for by the security section at the entrance where incoming Thai mail is accepted.  So, mail is accepted after high noon.

 

Now, around 4 years or so ago when I mailed in my passport renewal package delivery was attempted on a Saturday mid day (I mailed it on Friday/day before) and not accepted by the Embassy per EMS tracking...and that tracking said redelivery would be attempted on Monday.   Not sure the Embassy accepts incoming mail on weekends/holidays.   Redelivery and receipt did occur on Monday no problem.

[Pib]

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Turnaround for mine in Thailand was about 2 weeks, in December, 2024.

 

Your mileage may vary.

 

I think the way the passport processing "and printing" occurs now is the US Embassy receives/reviews your renewal package and if all is well it's "electronically" transmitted to a Passport Center in the US who does some blessing and then it's electronically sent to one of two passport "printing" centers in the lower 48.  Once printed it's mailed back to the submitting embassy which in turns remails it to the individual in that Bt100 return envelope.   

 

The potential chokepoint in this process is the US passport processing center and printing center back in the US; not your local embassy.  

 

Now a local embassy can issue an "emergency" passport/travel document that's good up to 1 year....I think it's like a 5 page skinny/special passport which supposedly some countries may not accept for entry.  This is not to be confused with issue of an initial or renewed regular passport which involves passport processing and printing centers in the US.

[Pib]

On 6/17/2025 at 8:43 PM, Pib said:

 

I think the way the passport processing "and printing" occurs now is the US Embassy receives/reviews your renewal package and if all is well it's "electronically" transmitted to a Passport Center in the US who does some blessing and then it's electronically sent to one of two passport "printing" centers in the lower 48.  Once printed it's mailed back to the submitting embassy which in turns remails it to the individual in that Bt100 return envelope.   

 

The potential chokepoint in this process is the US passport processing center and printing center back in the US; not your local embassy.  

 

Now a local embassy can issue an "emergency" passport/travel document that's good up to 1 year....I think it's like a 5 page skinny/special passport which supposedly some countries may not accept for entry.  This is not to be confused with issue of an initial or renewed regular passport which involves passport processing and printing centers in the US.

 

I'm adjusting my thinking (and guess) on how your passport application gets from the Bangkok Embassy to a US Passport Agency/Center in the US.   So far in the wife's passport renewal it took 1 day via EMS mail to get from our Bangkok home to the Bangkok Embassy across town.   Let's call that Day 1.

 

Then the following day (let's call that Day 2 from mailing) she gets an email from the US Embassy saying her passport renewal application was well-received...an email just like the one that @marin posted above on 28 May.    

 

This morning the wife gets an email from the US State Dept (see snapshot) saying her application was  received on 24 June which is 8 days from the time it was mailed from our Bangkok home to the US Embassy Bangkok who in turn passed it on to a US Passport Agency/Center in the US.  Let call this Day 8 although it was two days later (let's call that Day 10) before the State Dept sent the update email saying such...maybe update notices are sent out in batch style every few days. 

 

You can check passport status at below State Dept website and once entering some basic info and the site responds with a status (a status which will be "no available status" until the center receives/in-processes your application.   It will then ask you if your want to subscribe to automatic passport status updates which the wife did...and today/26 June she got an update via email which said the center received her application 24 June.    And when checking the site today it now shows an "In Process" status as of 24 June although with the statement their processing time can take 4-6 weeks.  Hopefully it will not take that long....time will tell.

 

For passport application update status: https://passportstatus.state.gov/

 

I would think if the embassy had sent the package "electronically" like I thought (guessed) earlier it would have arrived/been processed in the US Passport Agency/Center much sooner than 24 June...but then again maybe it was sent electronically but just set in the passport center "inbox" waiting to be initially processed in....who really knows.   But with that being said I'll now shift my thinking (guess) that the Embassy mails renewals packages to the US passport center versus the package being sent electronically.  Once again, just my guess how the embassy relays the your application to a US Passport Agency/Center. 

 

[bamnutsak]

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Let's call that Day 1.

 

 

What was the date of "day 1"? June 17?

[Pib]

57 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

 

What was the date of "day 1"? June 17?

Yeap...17.

 

[Pib]

 

 

[Pib]

When the wife got the status update today from the US State Dept regarding status of her passport renewal it included a 9 digit Application Number Status number...and the first 2 digits of that number reflect the US passport center/agency that's processing the application.  The first 2 digits for of her status locator number was 47.  

 

So, I do some googling in trying to figure out which passport agency/center had a locator designator of 47 and where it's located.  The State Dept webpage Q&A below didn't list a number 47....closest number was a 46 which was the National Passport Center in New Hampshire. 

 

Figuring the State Dept webpage might not reflect all location designation codes I then did some more googling and Google said passport status locator designation code 47 was the National Passport Center in NH....see snapshot at bottom.   

 

So, I guess passport applications from Thailand get sent all the way to the New Hampshire for processing/approval.  "Maybe" all applications sent from embassies go to New Hampshire for processing.   

 

Now based on the graphic in my earlier post and some more googling it appears passports are "printed" at the Arkansas and Tucson passport printing centers.   So, after the passport center in New Hampshire approves the wife's passport renewal it appears it will be "electronically" sent to the Arkansas/Tucson center for printing and mail-back to Thailand.  

 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies.html