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ysobelleI seem to have missed the deal on Macs. (It's okay, Matt.)
I called the passport agency. I must have fucked something up-- there's a discrepancy between my application and my old passport. They now need a certified birth certificate. They can't guarantee I'll get my passport in a month.
I just have to remind myself to breathe.
I called the passport agency. I must have fucked something up-- there's a discrepancy between my application and my old passport. They now need a certified birth certificate. They can't guarantee I'll get my passport in a month.
I just have to remind myself to breathe.
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Passport Hijinks
Date: 2006-03-30 02:14 pm (UTC)Take with you every scrap of identificational paper you can dig up in a folder -- seriously. Birth certificates, school IDs, work IDs, utility bills with your name on them for proof of address, etc. EVERYTHING. Stick it all in a folder and take it with you. Also, most important -- print out your trip itinerary. In fact, even better, if you can, get the airline to fax you a letter confirming your flights both outbound and returning. Take THAT with you. It's key.
When you get there, show them your itinerary and ask in the nicest way you can whether there is any hope they could expedite your application, and oh by the way, you're willing to pay them the fee to do that. (see referenced $50 or so above; I can't remember what it was when I went through this, but it was that ballpark) Having the itinerary there makes it easier for them to say okay, sure, we'll expedite as best we can.
Also prudent -- if you have a FedEx account or UPS overnight account through your office, take a pre-addressed slip and overnight envelope with you to the passport office as well. Let the agent you work with know that if they're willing, you would so greatly appreciate it if they'd overnight you the passport at your expense, and here is the envelope to do so. (Make sure the address on the slip is your home address)
This is what I had to go through to get my passport in time for my trip to Scotland, and that was PRE-9-11. I know, biggest pain in the arse EVER. Just be the nicest bitch they've ever come across, and do as much as possible in person.
Good luck, darling! Oh, and apropos of absolutely nothing, do you know if Clan an Drumma will make it back to your faire this year? If they are, I am SO descending upon you!!!! :)
Re: Passport Hijinks
Date: 2006-03-31 01:47 am (UTC)And alas, Clann an Drumma is no more. Not as we know them. Joe kept the name, and is in Scotland. The rest of them are now Albannach, and yes, they WILL be back. In September and October, I believe, but I'm not sure what's been finalised. Betty's the one who keeps in touch with them-- she knows all!
Were you born in PA?
Date: 2006-03-30 02:30 pm (UTC)HTH?
Re: Were you born in PA?
Date: 2006-03-31 01:48 am (UTC)But thank you. Bless you!
You Can Do It !
Date: 2006-03-30 08:33 pm (UTC)However, a few more tips: The expedite fee is $60; but it you also pay for overnight each way, that's an additional $18 x 2, which is indeed about $100.
I noticed that the U.S. Government's official site has now been changed to reflect the additional time for the digitizing all new passports &/or embedding of tracking tags in certain new ones. When I was delayed going to Japan because of a late passport, the site still stated that expediting an application was "one-day turnaround". Now, they say, "You will receive your passport: Ordinarily, if you paid additionally for expedited service and two-way overnight delivery within about 2 weeks. [sic]" - See http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html.
And she's spot-on about having proof of date of travel. You must bring your receipt/itinerary!!
As for the birth certificate, same-day, walk-in service is available. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vr/vrbappl-5.shtml - if you were born in the City; if outside the City, http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records/walkin.htm.
HTH!! P.S. It's do-able!! Plus, out of solidarity, I will cancel my ticket, and come to Philly instead, if we can't go together. Seriously.
Re: You Can Do It !
Date: 2006-03-31 01:49 am (UTC)And I have the BC now. And I already paid for expediting the passport. Not that they're going to give that back to me, of course. I've just wasted that money. Sigh.
Overnight, though, yes. I WILL go for that.