How strict are they on the correct info? My youngest son went to get a passport today and they asked questions he didn't know the answer to so he called me. They wanted to know which city his mother was born in along with her birth date. I wasn't sure about what town she was born in and told him her birthday was in december of 59. Well I got online and found her birthday was in march of 58. Will this cause any issues with him getting a passport?

 

I'm guessing...... not your wife.

 

We got divorced shortly after he was born in 1982. I got full custody of both of my kids, very little contact with her since. She died 5-10 yrs ago.

 

I think I'd just tell them the truth, that I don't know. If they question it, he can tell them what you just told us. I'd think they're looking for honesty more than correct answers.

 

I'm guessing the problem is the application was already submitted with the incorrect information.

 

I wasn't there but got the impression they were pressing him for answers - that's why he called me ..... and I gave him bad info If I understood correctly it will be 6 weeks before he either gets his passport or finds out it was denied. He's hoping to go on a honeymoon cruise in October.

 

Just for future reference the form is available online from the US Dept of State here. Initial applications must be made in person but it's a good idea to print out the form and get all your information filled in before hand and use it as a checklist to make sure you have all the required documentation, photo and payment.

If there is a problem or his passport is delayed here are some approved options. Paying a service is easy and does work but it's not cheap. If you live close enough or can travel you can go to one of the passport centers in person.

 

I guess at this point it's a matter of keeping our fingers crossed.
I don't know if there is a passport center in our area, he went to the post office.

 

They got their passports yesterday .... the paper version, they're still waiting on the plastic card that goes with it. Guess giving the wrong date/year of his mother's birth wasn't a problem.

 

Probably ok, but the time they check passports can be upon return.

 

But when they need to show the passports, all they look at is the paperwork, correct? They wouldn't go back then and say something about mistaken info ??

 

I really don't know, but have heard often about people with passports being refused at the Maine Canada border because one side or the other has additional information, usually something criminal. But who knows what lengths they will go to or what databases they use.

Bud

 

I've been to Canada multiple times [50's - 70s] but you didn't need a passport back then.
His passport need is with a cruise so hopefully there won't be any issues .... I sure wouldn't want him to get stuck somewhere and me have to make his mortgage payment

 

Don't worry about it. That's not the kind of info that's checked at any border crossing. Basically it's...does the pic match the person, is the PP valid and up to date, a few simple questions like where was your last port of call, have you visited before, when will you be returning, etc. At least that was my experience.

I'd suggest when he gets back that he inquire discretely about changing some of the info. Hopefully that wouldn't involve an entire new application. Can probably find the answer at the DoS site.

What you do need to worry about is getting a call saying ...
"This is Lt Fango, of the Duarte National Police. Your son has been arrested and is being held on $5000 bail which must be paid via Western Union before he is allowed to contact you or a solicitor. Oh...you don't have $5000...well, how about $2500? No? How about $500...could you send that by tonite? Our address is 123 Scam Street, Con City, Republic of Benin.....".

 

The odds are after their honeymoon neither of them will need a passport.

Hard to believe folks fall for those scams. Last yr I got one of those 'grandson' calls. When I asked which grandson [I only have 1] the response was 'I can't believe you don't recognize your oldest grandson's voice'