If you’re not aware, you can now renew your US passports online again. They only open a limited number of slots every day at 10AM PT. It wasn’t that difficult to get a slot; I got it on my first try. The cool thing is that you don’t have to complete the entire application then and there. You can start it and then I think you have like 30 days to finish it. So I started it and then just let it sit for a few weeks since I needed to get a good passport photo. Once I took the photos with my phone, I uploaded it to the site and then I paid the renewal fee. By the way, the bigger passport book didn’t require an extra charge.
I had submitted the online applicationon 7/8/24 and I got the passport in the mail by 7/18/24.
Wife and I renewed 10 minutes apart online on May 8. Hers was approved in under 24 hours. Mine took 1 day less than 2 months. We had no photos or slots necessary. Just went online put inane and address and ssn. There are 3 providers to choose from.
I think you’re confusing this with PRECHECK or GE renewals. I’m talking about passport renewals. There is only one provider.