Papers Please
[Moozik: Underworld - Moaner]
Like a fool I went and let my passport expire. Nice. Which means I'm currently trapped in the USA with no means of escape. Ha. I mailed my passport renewal application to the British Embassy in Washington just over a week ago. Oh, and my $265 fee. Ouch.
Following the instructions on renewing a passport was easy although today I must admit that I'm rather concerned. I was checking the site for a phone number so I could call to check on the status of my application but ended up reading a page I skipped over before.
Now, there's no mention of the need to send new photos with the renewal application on their site. In fact it quite clearly says to fill out form C1 and then...
You must send your old passport (it will be returned to you.) No other documents are normally required.
Makes sense. But then on the important instructions for all passport applicants page it says photos are required. Nice.
Now I'm assuming the need for photos is just for brand new applications so go back to looking for that phone number. Oh there's a phone number alright. Not exactly free. In fact one might say I'm about to get the shaft.
Calls from land lines cost $2.49 per minute. If you wish to pay by credit card and are calling from a payphone or cell phone, please call 1-800 630 3332.
Sounds like more douchebaggery to me . . .
That reminds me. . . I need to renew my passport. Thank goodness cuz my photo is awful.
Cindy... oh yes more douchebaggery indeed. Turns out "no more documentation required" actually means "yes send us two photos". As I talking to the bloke at the passport services (my lovely 5 minute $12.45 phone call) I pointed out that they might want to update the website to make it a little clearer. So yeah, they're returning my application back to me and taking out $15 of my $265 to pay for the return postage. Bastards. I wasn't exactly very happy with the bloke on the phone let me tell you. Still, partly my fault for not reading the site properly but it certainly could have been clearer on their part too.
sizzle... oh, you should see my 10 year old photo on my passport. Comedy gold right there ;-)