Passport hassle

[imatarb]

I applied for a renewal and name change on my passport, and I mailed in all the necessary documentation, along with the completed form and $55 fee. I have been waiting patiently for my new passport to arrive, and what comes in the mail last Saturday? A letter declaring that I must submit further proof of my identity! They now wanted a copy of either my valid driver's license or a current student ID!

Grrr...granted, I've had not only one name change since that passport, but two. I have been divorced and remarried, so I provided them my old marriage license, divorce decree, and current marriage license, along with my original birth certificate (all originals). My big complaint was that I did all that was asked of me, and now they have all of my original citizenship documentation in their possession, and I might not get it back in time for my cruise!

I mailed off the copy of my driver's license on Saturday, and I called the passport agency's 800 number on Monday to make certain that my passport will arrive in time for me to travel on 5/9. She said it will most likely be here in time. Ugh..had I known that this was going to be such a hassle, I would have sent them a copy of my driver's license up front!

Anyone else had a passport headache like this?

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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[L2J]

Being a man, no I can't say that I've had these problems. A lessoned learned though - and the good thing is that you're getting the passport.

One question: How long ago did you apply??

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[bostonbabe]

Lisa, I feel your pain...I had to send off this winter for a name change on my passport, and it took over a month! The frustrating part...all they did was type "This person's name has been changed" on the back page. I couldn't help feeling it would have been faster & easier to ammend it myself on the typewriter at work! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

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[imatarb]

I sent away for the renewal and the name change on 3/15, thinking that since I allowed them the six weeks they tell you to allow that I was in the clear.

Guess not!

I have a feeling it will generate a completely new passport in this case, since it's a new name and renewed..I sent them my old one, though, too!

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Monarch of the Seas - '94
Royal Majesty - '96

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[L2J]

Yup will generate a new one. If a Govt agency tells you it will take six weeks - plan on a minimum of 12!!

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
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http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;10;23;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Until the SINsational Cruise from the Bayou


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Until the Valor Vampires


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NCL Sky 2/02

[imatarb]

Well, I'm holding them to the six weeks published on their website! My husband's passport arrived after about 3 weeks on the dot!

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Monarch of the Seas - '94
Royal Majesty - '96

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[dtchem1]

The wait time is indirectly proprotional to how soon you need it. Need it in 6 weeks? It will take 12. Need it in 6 months? It will take 3 weeks!

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[bmgaritty]

Lisa,
I've had it happen. THey had all the docs but needed more (prior to 9/11). I agree that it's a hassel, but we do need to put up with xtra security hassels. AS to holding them to 6 weeks - they do not have to do it in 6 weeks it's just an estimate.
Calling the actual office that is working on your passport does help.

If you don't think they are going to make the date get a dupl. license and new birth certificate.
I'll take my bets that you'll get it on time

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[irishgirl]

Just another reason why women should NOT change their names when they get married. Never could see why women did this.

Judy

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[Starr Mtn]

You can also expedite the processing. It appears you have the 800 tel. # since you spoke to them. As I recall with our recent renewals,
even though they already have your application
information, you can call them and ask them to expedite processing. Of course there will be an additional fee. I think you can do this on the telephone - and have your credit card information handy.

Sorry for your additional problems with your passport renewal.

~~The best days are SEA Days ~~

[fla_gal]

I had a similar problem when I booked a trip to England on June 8th and a cruise May2nd, when I went up to apply for a passport, they confiscated my birth certificate. I said "oh no"! " I need that". Well needless to say, I lost. And they said it could take up to 25 business days to get it back, which brought it to May 4th and I am leaving on the 2nd. I was sressed and I immediately sent for another birth certificate and got it the other day. Thank God!
I am so happy now! Can't wait, sailing on the Inspiration on May 2nd

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