I'm always darn quick to scorn federal agencies that don't work like they should. So this time, I want to PRAISE and I do mean PRAISE the people at the Boston Regional Passport Agency.
I have an upcoming trip to Fiji and will be gone for a month and my passport does not expire until mid-August. Last week I was reading that the country of Fiji (and some more countries) require at least 6 months on your passport PAST the date you are to leave Fiji. My passport was 8 days too old!!
If you search on the internet, there are companies that will get your passport renewed for about $400 in 24 hours, plus the $110 for the actual renewal. So I looked at what other options were available and if you go to a regional passport agency, like the one in Boston, give proof that you are traveling within 2 weeks (like me), they will expedite your renewal as quickly as 24 hours. I called their automated scheduling system (works great!), got an appointment the following day. A few hours after that, I called the number again and got an appointment the same day, so I cancelled the following days appointment. This was Thursday, two days ago!! My appointment was at 11:30, I was seen at 11:40, paid $170 ($60 for the expedited service) and was out of there in about 20 minutes. The State department stated that I would have my passport shipped Priority Mail by next Thursday OR I could come and pick it up on Tuesday. I opted for the mailing (avoid the one hour drive, driving in Boston and finding parking). Paid $14 for parking in Boston (that was DARN cheap!) and drove home. Just checked this morning and my passport is being delivered via Priority Mail today, just two days after my appointment!!
All the people working there were extremely friendly, talked with you, smiled, etc. Such a warm environment!!
