I went in for a Passport renewal to the good 'ol USPS today. All that is necessary to renew is your old passport book, 2 passport photos, 2 pieces of paperwork, and a $75.00 check. I collected all these items prior to my visit to the post office.

I could have easily mailed it myself using any other service such as UPS or FedEx, but chose to use USPS this time because I was close to their place. I sat in line for probably 10 minutes. I got to the clerk, she placed the items I had prepared into a priority mail envelope. I also paid .70 cents for a delivery confirmation.

After signing the receipt (which I didn't review at the time) I walked out of the office and to my vehicle. As I reviewed the charges in my car, I noticed an additional $25 charge on there for a "Passport Fee". I thought WTF is that! I was utterly ticked off to tell you the truth. I marched back in there (waited in line again), and asked what the $25 charge was for.

She immediately became sheepish and apologetic, and began to apologize pretending she "accidentally" put the charge there. The fee should only be applied to "new passport applications" she tells me. I felt completely taken for $25. Obviously it's not that much money, but I couldn't lose the battle. It's FRAUD in my mind. She was trying to get her sales quota up obviously.

Thanks for reading. Alan