I have been trying since December 2007 to renew the passports for my sons ages 9 and 15. I actually began the process when they were 8 and 14. I have never had this type of experience with the passport office before. I am really annoyed at the service and infomration that I have received at the Post Offices recommended on the website. Despite completing the correct forms as directed, having a notarized form which will allow my husband to apply for the renewal without me being present, several phone calls to verify that we have the correct documents we are still at a loss to find a Post Office that has a standard procedure as indicated on the website. What are we to do? We are taking two days off work in pursuit of a passport renewal. My oldest son is scheduled to travel with his school to Equador - the school requires his passport by May 5th, 2008. We have now been told that it will be virtually impossible to get his passport renewal by this date. What have we done wrong? The instructions on the website are clear and concise - we have followed the exact wording. We even tried to make an appointment at the main passport office in Washington D.C.to whichthe entire family would have to and we were told that the travel date is too far out. Is there anyone at the passport office who can give me an explanation for this charade? I doubt it. We live in the Maryland area and so far we have visited three passport facilities in the area including one in Takoma Park. Is it really this difficult to renew a passport. This morning, my husband was given yet ANOTHER set of forms to complete and told the information that he received from the Woodmoor, Silver Spring office was incorrect.

Still in pursuit of the passport renewal. At this point it is easier to be an illegal alien!

A frustrated US Citizen