Earlier this month, I posted about our experience renewing our passports online.

At that point, it appeared the process was working much better than either of us expected.

It seemed that my renewed passport was on its way and expected in a few days, and we expected Meda’s would follow.

Well, I spoke too soon.

The first renewed passport arrived in the mail a full week ahead of its predicted delivery date. But it turned out to be Meda’s passport that got the quick turnaround of just about a week from online application to receipt of the new version. If I had paid closer attention to the application numbers in the communications we received, I would not have been surprised when her’s arrived.

And my renewal? Since a notice that the application had been received and was under review, I haven’t heard another word.

On January 12, I received a standard reply.

The U.S. Department of State has received your application for your passport book on 01/12/2026. We’re now reviewing your application and supporting documents.

You requested routine service when you applied. Routine service can take 4-6 weeks. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you submit it.

Despite the quick processing of Meda’s application, mine has disappeared into a black hole. Perhaps it really will take 4-6 weeks, which would mean it should arrive toward the end of February.

My paranoid self thinks perhaps the employee who received my application for processing did a quick Google search and discovered I’m no friend of this administration. What I would have once called my “rational” side thinks Meda just got lucky, and this delay is well within the 4-6 week range for “routine service.”

But I have to revise my initial evaluation. The Dept of State is batting only 50% for “quick and efficient.”

Now I have to wait to make an overall evaluation once my renewal appears.