u/Reluctant-Tomato

Some data points regarding the passport application process for any who might find it helpful. I used the consulate in Los Angeles:

• I received notice of my confirmation last Monday. Once my provider sent me DHL tracking that hard copies of my decision letter and my Polish birth certificate would arrive this past Friday, I booked an appointment to apply for a passport for this morning, Tuesday. So a very quick turnaround.
• There were plenty of available appointments at the Los Angeles consulate and booking via the website was straight forward.
• I had my photos taken at AAA but we had a disagreement regarding the size and placement of my head. They insisted their template was correct despite it not matching the example my provider sent me. I asked them to print the photos both my way and their way to be safe. In the end, my provider was right - the consulate wanted less room between the top of my head and the edge of the photo than what AAA's template provides.
• The appointment was quick - starting promptly and lasting 10-15 minutes.
• Despite my provider sending all my paperwork digitally to the consulate, the consulate insisted on the original hard copies of the decision letter and Polish birth certificate along with my US passport and driver's license.
• There were no paper forms to fill out. Everything was handled by the consulate staff on their computer. Once they put in the information, I was asked to scan my finger prints, confirm my personal info on a tablet and sign. About 10-15 minutes total.
• The Los Angeles consulate does not accept card payment. I paid in cash.
• The Los Angeles consulate gives you the option of picking up the passport in person or shipping via Fed-Ex, BUT they will only ship to certain states that are within their jurisdiction so best to check they can accommodate your mailing address before making an appointment there if you want to go that route.
• They will text me when the passport is ready to pick-up - about 6-8 weeks. I can also check status via a QR code they provided.