I waited to write this because one never knows how petty a power-tripping U.S. postal worker can be.
I came here on a Tuesday, the first day of the week for this passport office. I arrived at 7:45 and parked on the less convenient side. I was the twelfth party in line, and was able to get in front of one person that didn't have their paperwork together. Some others left after talking to the guards.
Like others have stated, for whatever reason they have security guards checking your paperwork, documents. I do not know about you, but I do not want some guard looking over my most personal info. Whatever. I guess.
This is when I encountered my first problem. I had filled the application form online and printed it out. The guard made me insert my mother's maiden name, not sure what happened online, as I read the application carefully. Then this guard starts giving me a hard time about leaving the "EMPLOYER" section blank. I explained, I did not want to put my current job because I had no job security. If this passport lasts 10 years, I am not going to put a job that I might not have tomorrow. Visibly annoyed by my refusal, this guard then tells me to put unemployed or N/A. I put N/A.
You then go into another room, where you actually see postal workers that will process your passport application. They have 6 or 7 seven processing desks, but literally only had 1, yes 1, employee processing applications. When I finally got into room 2, I am about fifth in line-mind you, it took about 30 minutes past 8 (when they open) to get to the security desk. There was a single employee processing and another doing unnecessary tasks, like taking pictures and making small talk. Really, I thought she was not authorized to process applications because it was clearly the last thing she wanted to be doing. She saw the ever-growing line of applicants, but took her sweet time NOT doing her job, her name was Silvia, I think. When I was third in line, Silvia finally started doing her job.
At 8:55 my number was finally called. The rude little asian woman working truly ruined the already middling experience. Initially she was fine. Like the useless guard, she interrogated me about my employer, and I gave her my spiel. She rolled her eyes, acted like my explanation was inadequate. I do not understand why these employees were giving me such a hard time. This is a simple passport application and I do not see why they even ask such intrusive questions. The government is always trying to pry.
That would have all been fine, except she suddenly became hostile after discussing my employment situation. When she asked for my picture I gave her a perfectly adequate picture, but she insisted the paper I used was not "photo paper." Honestly, she was trying to make me spend another $15 on their crappy passport photo services. The paper was glossy, but thinner than heavy duty photo paper, but completely fine. I do not like when employees try to up-sell you like this, especially government employees. So I ask, what happens if I submit the picture she claims will not be acceptable, she states that I would need to submit another one. I chose that option.
To be frank, I was not wiling to take a photo there and then because a) the lighting sucks and I am brown, so I would have hated the picture for 10 years, b) $15 is an exorbitant price for 2 basic, bad setting pictures, c) I was physically unprepared to take a flattering picture, d) all my efforts in taking and printing out the photos would have been wasted, and e) I have no faith they would take a good picture. So, yes, I decided to roll the dice.
To add insult to injury, she then starts making snarky comments, asking if I made the picture myself. I have 0 patience for unnecessary rudeness, like, just do your job.
I paid and was out of the building by 9:10. Time wise it was not bad, but not ideal--why do they not have more employees working. Customer service was definitely the worst.
By the way, I received my passport book (I did not pay for expedited service), so my picture was sufficient for the U.S. Department of State. It took less than 2 weeks! read more