Applying for a passport - what a lovely way to spend my day off.

I arrived at the Surrey passport office at noon to find a line outside the building. After ensuring this was indeed the correct line, I took my place at the end to wait. Every 15 minutes or so everyone would take a few steps forward, only to stop and wait some more. After a little over an hour, I reached the door, and shortly afterwards the commissionaire escorted the next group of 10 into the building and onto the elevator which took us to the 9th floor and into yet another (shorter) line.

Glancing up, I spotted a bright pink sign that said if I wanted to pick up my passport (in 2 weeks), I would need to have proof of travel - an airline ticket. huh. The whole reason I went there today is because I need the passport ASAP, since they need my passport number to book my flight ticket. This would be problem #1 for me today.

Finally it was my turn - I took out my documents, handed them to the lady..... only to have my kids' applications handed back to me since they weren't completely in order. Problem #2. One section had to be filled in by their Dad, and he only mailed me that page, which didn't match the page I had filled in (one was d-loaded from the 'net, the other was from the post office) So now I have to d-load the other page myself, fill it in, and have my guarantor sign it - again - and then take it back in next week. At least I don't have to stand in the big line outside again, since she gave me an orange piece of paper that allows me to go directly upstairs.

Deciding that since I was there anyway I might as well complete the process for my own passport, I took a seat and waited for my number to be called. Finally I see A169 flash on the board, so I hurry over to the last window, #17. While she's checking my ID and writing things down, I showed her my daughter's photo to see if it's acceptable - she's got a small smile, but since her teeth aren't showing, I was told it was probably okay. It isn't. So in addition to filling out the forms *again*, I have to have her picture taken again. Problem #3.

*sigh*

As I was leaving, I saw my cousin in the line - too bad we didn't time it better so we could have had a visit.

The whole process took me 2½ hours - fortunately I didn't have a parking ticket. According to what I heard, those who arrived earlier, like at 9am, took over 4 hours, so I would recommend planning to arrive around noon.

Next week, I get to go back and do this all again..... except for the waiting outside part. Then my passports will arrive in about a month.

Too bad I need them today.