Amy Apostol you must be present and it takes 4-8 weeks to get your passport after your picture taken at the Consulate.
Sorry, my transaction wass not for passport renewal. But I heard from others that after processing of renewal application, it takes less than 1month to receive your new passport, delivered at your home. Yes you have to appear personally. But you need to get appointment on line before proceeding to the Consulate. They do not entertain inside without appointment. On the day of appointment, you can find your name posted on the glass wall at the door entrance.
You can get a travel document in replace of your expired passport. Check their website for all the needed paperwork. Took me about 3 hours to get mine.
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