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2.
Just one day Jiyaji! Especially, if You go to the Passport Office in Newyork City,you have to submit your old passport along with other documents when the office opens in morning, by evening 4pm you again have to return to the passport office and their your renewed passport is awaiting you to pick up :-)))))
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4.
Not sure if you have to do it remotely by mail. No one there seems to answer their phones. its almost impossible to find anyone to talk to. Just send it in and hope for the best.