ARGH! *stress*

[tephra]

Due to the fact that the shortest route between home and the family involves a short cut through Ontario, I applied for a passport back in May. Since that was cutting it far too close with the normal passport wait times (and impossible with the current 10-12 week wait due to increased volume) I paid the extra for expedited service, which claimed I would get it in 2-4 weeks.

I'm currently in the 6th week. I want to travel in 2 weeks, but could push it back a week or two if I had to, but I have to get there before the end of July to settle some paperwork.

So I went and checked the progress of my application online... and I'm not in the system. *OMGWTF!!*

It will take two days to get a response to my email (which they recommend over the phone for prompt service!?) but now I'm in a complete ball of gut twisting stress. Yes, worst case, I can drive down and around the Lakes and get there without leaving the US, or maybe I can still get through the border with just a drivers license (I need to check that) but what has me tied in knots is the fact that in order to get your passport you have to send your birth certificate with your application....

The government has lost my birth certificate... with a passport application that includes things like my mother's maiden name and my social security number.

I think I'm going to be sick.

Comments

[tephra]

I'm calm about the border but I'd really like my birth certificate back, or at least some assurance they have received that handy identify theft kit I sent them.