Passport Renewal in One Day
June 11, 2017 12:51 AM Subscribe
I am traveling on Monday night from SFO to Germany. I need to get my unexpired passport renewed before the flight. Can I make this happen at the Regional Passport Agency in SF, and if so how?
Because I am an idiot for all eternity, I am the last person on the planet to hear that most countries, including the entire Schengen Zone, require that your passport have at least three months of validity remaining. My passport expires in August. I have already missed my flight to Frankfurt tonight, after being turned away at check-in. I rebooked for Monday night, but now I'm freaked out about getting the Regional Passport Agency in SF to renew my passport on Monday. I called the automated appointment system, and the next available appointment is June 21st. The website says you can't go without an appointment, but can you just show up there if you have an emergency situation like mine? OK. It's not a life or death emergency, it's an idiocy emergency, but still.
I did read this thread, but the most helpful posts assumed that you could call and get an appointment for the next day. Since it's currently the wee hours of Sunday morning, there is no way to even try to call for an appointment until Monday morning.
If I show up there on Monday, with my still-valid passport, travel documents, passport photos, and the fees, will I leave there with a passport? Please tell me your stories of last minute passport snafus that were successfully resolved.
Because I am an idiot for all eternity, I am the last person on the planet to hear that most countries, including the entire Schengen Zone, require that your passport have at least three months of validity remaining. My passport expires in August. I have already missed my flight to Frankfurt tonight, after being turned away at check-in. I rebooked for Monday night, but now I'm freaked out about getting the Regional Passport Agency in SF to renew my passport on Monday. I called the automated appointment system, and the next available appointment is June 21st. The website says you can't go without an appointment, but can you just show up there if you have an emergency situation like mine? OK. It's not a life or death emergency, it's an idiocy emergency, but still.
I did read this thread, but the most helpful posts assumed that you could call and get an appointment for the next day. Since it's currently the wee hours of Sunday morning, there is no way to even try to call for an appointment until Monday morning.
If I show up there on Monday, with my still-valid passport, travel documents, passport photos, and the fees, will I leave there with a passport? Please tell me your stories of last minute passport snafus that were successfully resolved.
Call the number here and get an appointment, it says the line is open 24/7. Will-call service is available for immediate international travel.
I've had to do the expedited renewal thing (though not on quite such short notice, think I had two weeks?) at the Chicago passport office, and in line for security, I was talking with someone who was in a very similar position -- he was in line while his wife and kids were going to the airport. Lost track of him after that so I don't know how it all turned out, but at least he had hope, so you should too. Good luck!
posted by sldownard at 1:56 AM on June 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
I've had to do the expedited renewal thing (though not on quite such short notice, think I had two weeks?) at the Chicago passport office, and in line for security, I was talking with someone who was in a very similar position -- he was in line while his wife and kids were going to the airport. Lost track of him after that so I don't know how it all turned out, but at least he had hope, so you should too. Good luck!
posted by sldownard at 1:56 AM on June 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Don't bother with the appointment. Show up early with all of your paperwork so you can be there when the agency opens. Bring proof of your flight. Bring checks as they don't take credit cards. Eat a large breakfast before you go as there's no eating in the room you'll be in. You also can't talk on the phone. I'd bring a book. They will take your case after they have processed appointments. You can absolutely get a same-day passport. It will take most of the day to get it, but you will be able to pick up your new passport in the afternoon. I've done this three times at the SF Passport agency for myself and for family members.
The not wearing glasses in your photo is a newer requirement, so make sure your photo is up to the new standard.
posted by quince at 8:52 AM on June 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
The not wearing glasses in your photo is a newer requirement, so make sure your photo is up to the new standard.
posted by quince at 8:52 AM on June 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Nthing what other commenters say. Just show up early in the morning and you'll be fine. Don't forget the proof of your upcoming trip, that is, a printout of your itinerary/paid receipt. This seems really stressful, but it'll be fine.
posted by 8603 at 9:17 AM on June 11, 2017
posted by 8603 at 9:17 AM on June 11, 2017
Relax, this is extremely common. Show up early if you can, like an hour or more before the agency opens, to secure a good spot in line. If they're anything like the LA agency, they'll triage applicants and handle the same-day travelers first. They have a will call service so you'll be able to pick up your passport later that afternoon.
posted by acidic at 9:42 AM on June 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by acidic at 9:42 AM on June 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you all. I am less freaked out now. I am going to haul my ass onto the road to make the drive from Sacramento at 0430, to try and get in line at 0700.
posted by ereshkigal45 at 6:40 PM on June 11, 2017
posted by ereshkigal45 at 6:40 PM on June 11, 2017
I have done successful same day renewal at Minneapolis for exactly* this reason. Show up early with everything, including new passport photos, (go to Walgreens!) and checkbook.
*exactly: it was Poland, which wanted 6 months, I had 5, was turned away at gate on a Sunday, fixed it Monday morning, flew that night.
posted by gregglind at 7:27 PM on June 11, 2017
*exactly: it was Poland, which wanted 6 months, I had 5, was turned away at gate on a Sunday, fixed it Monday morning, flew that night.
posted by gregglind at 7:27 PM on June 11, 2017
When I once had some passport difficulties, I got help from a local politician. You don't need to have a prior relationship with them.
posted by Obscure Reference at 4:20 AM on June 12, 2017
posted by Obscure Reference at 4:20 AM on June 12, 2017
Response by poster: Again, thanks everyone. I am currently in the waiting room at the passport agency having gotten a line number at 0700 this a.m. I'm waiting for my name to be called to receive my new passport. Don't want to jinx it, but I think I'm good to go tonight. As a side note, there are several people here for the same reason. Why do airlines not tell you this when you enter your passport number and expiration date when booking the fare? Would this not be the easiest software fix? I mean, assuming they gave a shit about their passengers.
posted by ereshkigal45 at 3:33 PM on June 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by ereshkigal45 at 3:33 PM on June 12, 2017 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by whitewall at 1:56 AM on June 11, 2017 [1 favorite]