Feb
14
We Got The Passport
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Guess what arrived in our mail today? A Fedex package containing my brother’s passport. Whoa! I was expecting it to arrive either Monday or Tuesday at the latest, but getting it today was a pleasant surprise. We shipped his passport to the travel agency late Wednesday afternoon. It took just one day for the travel agency to process it. It was apparently shipped by Fedex last night, and we got it this morning.
This passport renewal process was way too easy than I originally thought. Was it worth it? I think so. Now, I’m recanting my stance on paying extra money for this service. Paying $92 is definately worth it. Seems like a lot to pay at first, but here’s my argument.
Let’s say do it yourself. You take a day off work to go to the US Embassy in San Francisco. You spend at least 4 hours either standing in line or waiting. Your number is finally called and you speak to an embassy employee. They ask you several questions and 15 minutes later you are done. They tell you will get your passport in the mail 6-8 weeks later.
Now, your experience with the employee may be pleasant or not depending if he or she had a good day. In retrospect, most of my experiences with government workers have not been pleasant.
Then, you take into account how much you are worth. Let’s say arbitrarily at $20 per hour. Your time alone waiting in line is already $80, plus the mileage, wear and tear on the car, parking fees, and lunch if you decide to eat in the city. Let’s say you decide to save and park in the meter instead and you get a parking ticket.
I think the going rate in San Francisco nowadays is at least $40. I say pay the travel agency to get your passport renewed. Stay home and keep your peace of mind. It’s worth every penny.
Feb
11
Passport Renewal
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My brother and I are taking a trip to Vancouver on Feb. 20. We will then meet several days later in San Jose, Costa Rica. We found out several days ago that his passport expired March of last year. With just over ten days to go before we take off for Vancouver, he needs his passport renewed as fast as possible.
What are our options? So, we went digging online. We were relieved to find that you can get your passport renewed in as little as 48 hours. But, it comes with a price. We carefully read the instructions and requirements online. (1) First, you have to fill out the DS-82 form. This is the actual US Passport Renewal Form from the State Department. Done.
(2) Then, you need two passport photos taken the last three months. Off to Kinkos my brother went. He came back and was not happy with the turnout of the pictures, but he had no choice. LOL. (3) Next. We need to provide proof of departure date such as a copy of your airline ticket, etc. This is proof why your passport is being expedited. Done. We scanned his airline ticket and printed it from the computer.
(4) Next, we filled out a form authorizing the passport agency to process his passport renewal. Done. (5) And finally, here’s the kicker, the processing fees payable to the passport agency. Here’s the breakdown. The government takes $115 for the passport renewal fee. The agency takes $75 for processing.
By the way, you also need to pay for the return shipment of your renewed passport through Fedex overnight. Another $17. All in all, $207.
Lesson learned. We could have avoided paying an additional $92 to the passport agency by renewing my brother’s passport in person at least two months ahead of time at the US Embassy in San Francisco. But, then again you would have to wait 6-8 weeks for your passport to arrive. Sounds familiar.
Reminds me of a rebate check. I guess there’s a price to pay if you want things expedited in this country. No free lunches.