passport application

[Astro14]

In post #21, your fellow staff member claims otherwise, on multiple occasions. Personally, I believe that he is being truthful.

It’s not about the clerk being wrong or right. I’m not arguing that point.

It’s about the OP getting their passport.

I’m telling you how the world works, and I’m telling you that the way to get along with this clerk and get what you want from the clerk is to do what they ask even if they’re wrong.

Getting into a contest, showing them they’re wrong, will not be successful.

So, who cares what the State Department policy is - do you want a passport or not?

For the record, this is how bureaucracy works. I’ve had several passports. I have had many visas on each of them. You have to roll with the bureaucracy if you want to accomplish your goal.

 

[y_p_w]

It’s not about the clerk being wrong or right. I’m not arguing that point.

It’s about the OP getting their passport.

I’m telling you how the world works, and I’m telling you that the way to get along with this clerk and get what you want from the clerk is to do what they ask even if they’re wrong.

Getting into a contest, showing them they’re wrong, will not be successful.

So, who cares what the State Department policy is - do you want a passport or not?

For the record, this is how bureaucracy works. I’ve had several passports. I have had many visas on each of them. You have to roll with the bureaucracy if you want to accomplish your goal.

As with any bureaucracy, you’re dealing with individuals. Many who might uninformed or just make up their own rules. So far the suggestions have been to go elsewhere (not a great option with location), come back hoping someone else handles it, or wait it out when the ID is ready.

At the very least, the official rules say that an expired driver license and a temporary one can be used as two secondary IDs. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to come prepared. Because it can take a while for a driver license to be ready.

 

[zrxkawboy]

Getting into a contest, showing them they’re wrong, will not be successful.

Going back and confronting bureaucrats is never a recipe for success.

I have no doubt that this approach has worked for you, but I disagree with your definitive use of phrases like "will not" and "never". If you'll read post #21, Dave describes in detail his multiple uses of the approach that you adamantly claim will not work. I believe that Dave is being truthful in his descriptions of these encounters, and he describes success. Do you not believe him?

 

[Astro14]

I have no doubt that this approach has worked for you, but I disagree with your definitive use of phrases like "will not" and "never". If you'll read post #21, Dave describes in detail his multiple uses of the approach that you adamantly claim will not work. I believe that Dave is being truthful in his descriptions of these encounters, and he describes success. Do you not believe him?

You told us that this post office was your only option.

We all agree that the clerk is wrong.

The clerk being wrong is irrelevant.

If that post office is, as you have stated, your only option for submission of the application, then you’re gonna have to do what it takes to make that post office clerk happy.

I gave you a path to success.

Arguing with me doesn’t get you a passport. Following my advice will.

Best of luck, I’m out.

 

[zrxkawboy]

I’m telling you how the world works, and I’m telling you that the way to get along with this clerk and get what you want from the clerk is to do what they ask even if they’re wrong.

Getting into a contest, showing them they’re wrong, will not be successful.

So, who cares what the State Department policy is - do you want a passport or not?

If the clerk said that the fee is $200, would you show them the official fee schedule ("showing them they’re wrong"), or write the check for $200 ("do what they ask even if they’re wrong")? I'm genuinely curious. Where do you draw the line? Is it ok to show them official documentation to correct their error for some things, but not others?

 

[Astro14]

If the clerk said that the fee is $200, would you show them the official fee schedule ("showing them they’re wrong"), or write the check for $200 ("do what they ask even if they’re wrong")? I'm genuinely curious. Where do you draw the line? Is it ok to show them official documentation to correct their error for some things, but not others?

I already drew the line for you, quite clearly.

You already stated that you needed a new drivers license. So it cost you nothing because this was already something you needed to do.

Go get the drivers license renewed.

Then go back to the clerk and get your passport.

Easy. Simple. You have spent far more of your time here on the forum, arguing about this, than solving the problem would have taken.

So, what’s your goal? Is it to get a passport? Or is it to argue with clerks, and everybody else? Cause from where I sit, you really don’t care about getting the passport anymore, you just care about being right.

So, you can be right.

Or you can have a Passport.

 

[zrxkawboy]

I

You already stated that you needed a new drivers license. So it cost you nothing because this was already something you needed to do.
Go get the drivers license renewed.
You have spent far more of your time here on the forum, arguing about this, than solving the problem would have taken.

So, what’s your goal?

I am disappointed that you will not answer my specific questions (do you believe the accounts in post #21 and would you overpay a fee just to comply). However, I believe in treating others how I want to be treated, so I will answer yours.

"So, what’s your goal?" My goal was stated in post #1. I described that I could not find information on what was requested, and thought maybe I was missing something. My question in post #1 was "Does anyone have any knowledge about this?" That's it. Nowhere did I ask for advice on how to approach the clerk, or anything else. I simply asked if anyone had knowledge about the supposed 3 month requirement. Some folks provided relevant/helpful answers, and for that I am appreciative.

"Go get the drivers license renewed." I stated in post #1 that I have an appointment in 10 days to renew my license. So, I don't understand how I could have "solved the problem", when my appointment is over a week in the future.

"Best of luck, I’m out." Thanks for the well wishes. Have a good evening!

 

[y_p_w]

I am disappointed that you will not answer my specific questions (do you believe the accounts in post #21 and would you overpay a fee just to comply). However, I believe in treating others how I want to be treated, so I will answer yours.

"So, what’s your goal?" My goal was stated in post #1. I described that I could not find information on what was requested, and thought maybe I was missing something. My question in post #1 was "Does anyone have any knowledge about this?" That's it. Nowhere did I ask for advice on how to approach the clerk, or anything else. I simply asked if anyone had knowledge about the supposed 3 month requirement. Some folks provided relevant/helpful answers, and for that I am appreciative.

"Go get the drivers license renewed." I stated in post #1 that I have an appointment in 10 days to renew my license. So, I don't understand how I could have "solved the problem", when my appointment is over a week in the future.

"Best of luck, I’m out." Thanks for the well wishes. Have a good evening!

Are you required to get an appointment to renew the DL? At least around here, walk in hasn’t been too bad. Especially when appointment were only available weeks ahead.

 

[robbobster]

The nice thing is, once you have your first passport, you can renew online, and it’s super easy. It even allows you to submit a selfie for your headshot pic.

 

[y_p_w]

The nice thing is, once you have your first passport, you can renew online, and it’s super easy. It even allows you to submit a selfie for your headshot pic.

There are some limitations, such as combination applied vs what one currently has. Also one of the passport book or card has to expire within a year or be expired less than 5 years. But mail-in doesn’t require a visit.

The hard part is the physical photo. I do it myself. I can’t find many real photo labs these days. It used to be Target then Costco. But at least Walgreens or CVS have high enough quality photo printers, even if it’s not actual photo paper.