They simply file the paperwork you provide. Take twenty minutes to figure out what you need to do so the State Department can send you the passport. If your trip to within two weeks, call the State Dept and get an appointment. Your money should be spent on getting your passport. Do not send these guys your money. I missed my trip. Three separate calls with in excess of three hours of holding time. Still no answers as to the delay. The last call ended with the CSR putting me on hold, then disconnecting the call.