Passport Questions & a Gripe

[sam_gordon]

First, the important things...

I took our passport pictures, and ran them through photoshop to make sure they are the proper size, alignment, etc. But, since it's possible I screwed up, is there anyway to confirm my pictures are usable before we go through the application process?

According to the passport website, we just need to supply ONE color picture. I vaguely remember submitting a set of four for my last passport (~23 years ago). So I should just need to have one picture of each of us when we apply, right?

And now the gripe...
I go to the passport webpage, find my local 'Regional Application Center' (the post office), which has posted hours of 8:30A-11A & 12:30P-3:30P M-F & a phone number. I try NUMEROUS times to call (yes, during the hours posted) and nobody picks up. No answering machine, no human, no nothing.

So I go down to the post office to schedule an appointment (because they only take appointments). This was on Friday, October 28. I want to schedule for first thing in the morning on November 23. "Sorry, we don't have enough people then, we can do 2:15P." It doesn't exactly work for me, but I'm stuck with it. BUT, IMO, if you have posted certain hours & days, I should be able to pick a time that qualifies and YOU make arrangements to have appropriate staffing. ESPECIALLY since I'm booking 3 1/2 weeks out. Yes, I know it's the day before Thanksgiving, but if you're open for business, you should be able to accommodate me.

 

[gmeh1]

First, the important things...

I took our passport pictures, and ran them through photoshop to make sure they are the proper size, alignment, etc. But, since it's possible I screwed up, is there anyway to confirm my pictures are usable before we go through the application process?

According to the passport website, we just need to supply ONE color picture. I vaguely remember submitting a set of four for my last passport (~23 years ago). So I should just need to have one picture of each of us when we apply, right?

And now the gripe...
I go to the passport webpage, find my local 'Regional Application Center' (the post office), which has posted hours of 8:30A-11A & 12:30P-3:30P M-F & a phone number. I try NUMEROUS times to call (yes, during the hours posted) and nobody picks up. No answering machine, no human, no nothing.

So I go down to the post office to schedule an appointment (because they only take appointments). This was on Friday, October 28. I want to schedule for first thing in the morning on November 23. "Sorry, we don't have enough people then, we can do 2:15P." It doesn't exactly work for me, but I'm stuck with it. BUT, IMO, if you have posted certain hours & days, I should be able to pick a time that qualifies and YOU make arrangements to have appropriate staffing. ESPECIALLY since I'm booking 3 1/2 weeks out. Yes, I know it's the day before Thanksgiving, but if you're open for business, you should be able to accommodate me.

You actually need 2 identical photos (this may have been changed, not sure). Best to have them taken at say Walgreens or CVS, they have special cameras for this, they are ready almost immediately and the cost is really not bad, usually less than 10.00. It is more expensive to have them taken at the Post Office. Not surprised that they cannot accomodate you (at your preferred time) the day before Thanksgiving, it is a VERY busy day for the Post Office.

You can apply for a passport at many locations, not just the post office. http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html

 

[tjmw2727]

I just did our passport applications last Saturday.

I had the pictures done at a more than mail - they gave us each two identical pictures in a plastic book. The clerk only used one on the application and returned the 2nd to me.

Our post office doesn't make appointments but there was a line as only 2 of the 4 clerks could process the app's and they took other customers in between. On a Saturday morning I waited about an hour in line (could only do Sat as the kids had to be with me) but I knew the deal before we went.

If the picture isn't correct our PO will re-take for you but it does cost more.

My experience was great - clerk was friendly and knowledgable and once we got through the wait it only took about 10 minutes.

 

[Lewisc]

The post office changed to an appointment system so people aren't spending hours waiting. Does it matter if the time you requested isn't available because another person booked that slot or if the employee handling passports is off that day? Why don't you try other POs within driving distance of your home?

I'd just spend the few dollars and have your picture taken at a drug store. COSTCO charges something like $5. Some POs will take a passport photo for you, but it's probably more expensive then the alternatives.

 

[Jestocost]

The post office changed to an appointment system so people aren't spending hours waiting. Does it matter if the time you requested isn't available because another person booked that slot or if the employee handling passports is off that day? Why don't you try other POs within driving distance of your home?

I'd just spend the few dollars and have your picture taken at a drug store. COSTCO charges something like $5. Some POs will take a passport photo for you, but it's probably more expensive then the alternatives.

Also, our local library takes passport applications and gets them into the system for you. You might want to check that out. We've done passports twice now and never set foot in the PO.

 

[sam_gordon]

You actually need 2 identical photos (this may have been changed, not sure). Best to have them taken at say Walgreens or CVS, they have special cameras for this, they are ready almost immediately and the cost is really not bad, usually less than 10.00. It is more expensive to have them taken at the Post Office. Not surprised that they cannot accomodate you (at your preferred time) the day before Thanksgiving, it is a VERY busy day for the Post Office.

PO will take the pictures for $15. There are 5 of us, so it's already going to be $600+ just for the application fee, I'm trying to save wherever I can.

You can apply for a passport at many locations, not just the post office. http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html

I used the online search and the ten closest are all post offices, all require appointments, and all are basically 9a-4p (with varying lunch hours).

If the picture isn't correct our PO will re-take for you but it does cost more.

See, I've got time, so I wonder if I can print out my pictures and stop by the post office and let them say 'yay' or 'nay'. Then I have time to get them fixed.

The post office changed to an appointment system so people aren't spending hours waiting. Does it matter if the time you requested isn't available because another person booked that slot or if the employee handling passports is off that day?

To me, yes it does matter. If someone already had appointment, then the fault is on me, I could have booked earlier. However, I heard the clerk make a comment about not being staffed at the time. A) If they know 3 1/2 weeks ahead of time, they should be able to staff. B) If they are so busy the day before Thanksgiving, surely one person take take the 15 minutes or so to get the application. To me, it's almost a "false advertising" claim.

 

[Lewisc]

I'm not sure how much time is allocated per applicant. I'm pretty sure a lot more then 15 minutes for a family of 5.

Not every clerk is trained to do passports. Small post office. The employee is off. No appointments that day. Expected to be a busy day at the PO. Maybe they don't want to be an employee short.

The purpose of an appointment is to match your schedule with that of the PO. There is no guarantee every time will be available, or even offered.

I don't think the PO employee makes the final determination about the picture. COSTO is $5. I think CVS has a coupon on its website. I have no idea how much hassle or if there is a charge if your pictures get rejected and have to be re-submitted.

 

[OKW Lover]

We did our own pictures when we renewed a couple of years ago. Its really not hard at all. The only reason to go elsewhere for pictures is if you don't have a digital camera and a photo printer. There is no need for a special type of digital camera.

 

[ancestry]

I just got my son's passport done about two months ago. You no longer need multiple pictures. You only need one. They scan and digitize the picture instead of using the actual photographs that you used to have to attach. I, too, took in multiple copies of the picture when we went to the post office (authorized passport center) and the lady explained that only one photo is needed now.

As long as you follow their instructions to a T everything will be fine. I did my son's photos myself and had no problem.

I also hear you about the hours thing. Our post office had passport hours posted on their website. We went on the day and time that the passport center in the post office was supposed to be open. When we got there a sign was on the wall that said passport processing by appointment only. I very nicely expressed my unhappiness to the lady behind the postal counter and she went ahead and processed the application for us despite the by appointment only sign. I told her they need to get the information on their website corrected and she agreed.

 

[travelforfun]

We got our family passports done at the local USPS. They were very patient with our children while taking photos. Everything went smoothly. Highly recommend.

 

[john1928]

Do you have options besides the USPS?

I did our family's passports at the local license center. I've never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes for anything (tabs, license, vehicle registration, marriage license, etc.), they have the camera, and no appointment required just walk in and they give you a queue number for the relevent service/task.

They did require two separate checks (Sending them to DC via pony express are we?), but that was spelled out on the website.

The USPS is broke, they're looking to cut back on the number of locations, days of service, and hours of operations. While they're there, and otherwise available processing passports generates some additional income for them. The volume at any given post office almost certainly isn't sufficient to justify adding incremental head count, or paying overtime so someone can cover a shift when another employee is on vacation.

 

[sam_gordon]

Do you have options besides the USPS?

The local college ID center does it. But, while that's local to where DW & I work, it's about 30-45 minutes from home (and the kids). They also require appointments.

They did require two separate checks (Sending them to DC via pony express are we?), but that was spelled out on the website.

USPS does that also.

The USPS is broke, they're looking to cut back on the number of locations, days of service, and hours of operations. While they're there, and otherwise available processing passports generates some additional income for them. The volume at any given post office almost certainly isn't sufficient to justify adding incremental head count, or paying overtime so someone can cover a shift when another employee is on vacation.

Here's what I guess I'm missing... how hard is it to train staff to accept applications? Why doesn't EVERY member of the staff know how to do that? Then, as long as you have more than one person working, you can accept applications. Now, I don't know what's involved in taking the applications, but since we're supposed to have our picture, and all the forms filled out when we get there, shouldn't it be a checklist of the forms (with the right spots filled out), the picture, and the money.

I still see this as almost false advertising. What if Disney posted on their website that Mickey's M&G was going to appointment only from 9a-3p, but when you try to make an appointment you get "oh, we're not staffed during that time"? Isn't that the point of posting the hours, so customers would know WHEN you're staffed?

 

[pr surfer]

I've done then in Florida at the Clerk of the Court's office as a walk-in, and also at the Miami Passport Center (for same day issuance) as a walk-in... after waiting outside since 4am.

I've done my own photos, and they've been approved. Just follow their rules to the word.

What if Disney posted on their website that Mickey's M&G was going to appointment only from 9a-3p, but when you try to make an appointment you get "oh, we're not staffed during that time"? Isn't that the point of posting the hours, so customers would know WHEN you're staffed?

They'd be covered because the paraphrased caveat with any ticket purchase is "attractions are subject to change without notice"

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Here's what I guess I'm missing... how hard is it to train staff to accept applications? Why doesn't EVERY member of the staff know how to do that? Then, as long as you have more than one person working, you can accept applications.

It has been my experience that many postal employees can hardly do their main job, let alone process passport applications. Your experience with your local PO regarding passports is typical. No sense in getting upset about it; you're paying for the convenience of having your passports processed locally. As has already been noted, you don't have to go to the post office for passport processing; there are alternatives.

I also find Costco to be a good place for passport photos.

 

[sam_gordon]

It has been my experience that many postal employees can hardly do their main job, let alone process passport applications. Your experience with your local PO regarding passports is typical. No sense in getting upset about it; you're paying for the convenience of having your passports processed locally. As has already been noted, you don't have to go to the post office for passport processing; there are alternatives.

A) re: the bolded...
B) I'm not upset. I just wanted to vent. I'll make do. It just doesn't pass the "logic" test to me (yes, I know we're talking about the government)
C) Actually, there's ONE alternative. Everything else is a post office.

I also find Costco to be a good place for passport photos.

No Costco in my area. I think I'll try the pictures I did.

 

[Ress76]

A) If they know 3 1/2 weeks ahead of time, they should be able to staff.

How on earth would it be reasonable for them to alter their staffing for the day in order to accomodate one family needing passports? Bring someone in for an hour to process the passports and then go home?

I would even say, if you have a 24 hour grocery store or restaurant, they're certainly not fully staffed at 1 am...they have on enough of a crew to just get by. I'm sure the USPS is the same way...light staffing certain hours based upon historical data like sales and traffic, increased staffing later on (lunch time etc). Or, they could just be like the large retail chain my husband works at where no human even touches a schedule anymore, the system kicked out how many people are needed (based upon historical sales, ads etc) and then fills the slots based upon availability.

Now, I had my passport done through the County Clerk's office, but I would certainly prefer a choice of couple people who know exactly what they're doing to process my passport application instead of a choice of a bunch of people who sort of know what they are doing, or had some training.

Ress

 

[sam_gordon]

How on earth would it be reasonable for them to alter their staffing for the day in order to accomodate one family needing passports? Bring someone in for an hour to process the passports and then go home?

I would even say, if you have a 24 hour grocery store or restaurant, they're certainly not fully staffed at 1 am...they have on enough of a crew to just get by. I'm sure the USPS is the same way...light staffing certain hours based upon historical data like sales and traffic, increased staffing later on (lunch time etc). Or, they could just be like the large retail chain my husband works at where no human even touches a schedule anymore, the system kicked out how many people are needed (based upon historical sales, ads etc) and then fills the slots based upon availability.

Now, I had my passport done through the County Clerk's office, but I would certainly prefer a choice of couple people who know exactly what they're doing to process my passport application instead of a choice of a bunch of people who sort of know what they are doing, or had some training.

Ress

But the problem is the HOURS are posted, both on the website and in the PO. I feel I should be able to make an appointment during the POSTED hours. If they would only say 'Passport Applications accepted by appointment only', and not give a time range, I would be more forgiving.

If they only have one person who can accept applications and they only work every third Monday, then say that. Why am I wrong for wanting the PO (or ANY business) to follow the information they give the public?

 

[Lewisc]

But the problem is the HOURS are posted, both on the website and in the PO. I feel I should be able to make an appointment during the POSTED hours. If they would only say 'Passport Applications accepted by appointment only', and not give a time range, I would be more forgiving.

If they only have one person who can accept applications and they only work every third Monday, then say that. Why am I wrong for wanting the PO (or ANY business) to follow the information they give the public?

You're frustrated. You want to vent. I sort of understand. Posters don't agree with you. Most doctors see patients who have an appointment. Office hours are posted. Doctors take time off for vacation. Go to conferences. The posted hours aren't edited. Patients who call for an appointment might be told nothing is available or might be told the office is closed. I sometimes make an appointment with my eye doctor 6 months in advance. Once I was called and asked to move my appointment. I asked and was told the doctor was going to a conference. I booked my appointment before it was added into their schedule.

You'd sort of have a point if passports weren't being done on an appointment basis, you showed up and found it they weren't processing that day. Not only are the (projected) hours posted but you're told to make an appointment. That gives the PO the opportunity to directly address change with those customers who have, or are trying to make, an appointment for the days/times employees are unavailable. I guess it would have been better if you had just been told sorry, we don't have availability for the date you requested. There wasn't any reason to tell you if that date was already booked or if the PO wasn't taking applications that day.

They did say that. You called for an appointment and were told what slots were available and what weren't.

 

[sam_gordon]

You're frustrated. You want to vent. I sort of understand. Posters don't agree with you. Most doctors see patients who have an appointment. Office hours are posted. Doctors take time off for vacation. Go to conferences. The posted hours aren't edited. Patients who call for an appointment might be told nothing is available or might be told the office is closed. I sometimes make an appointment with my eye doctor 6 months in advance. Once I was called and asked to move my appointment. I asked and was told the doctor was going to a conference. I booked my appointment before it was added into their schedule.

Thank you! THAT analogy made sense to me.

I guess it would have been better if you had just been told sorry, we don't have availability for the date you requested. There wasn't any reason to tell you if that date was already booked or if the PO wasn't taking applications that day.

Yup. A lack of knowledge on my part would have been a lot better.

 

[sam_gordon]

Just to update...

We were scheduled to submit our passports tomorrow afternoon. Keep in mind this appointment has been set for three weeks. The post office calls today and leaves a message that they will need to reschedule because they have too many people off. SO WHY TAKE THE BLOODY APPOINTMENT?

Again, the scheduling is not easy because we'd need to take the kids out of school. Arrggghhhhhh.