Passport Application Denied
 

I recently accompanied my son's coach to apply for a US passport at our local post office. We paid for expedited service since they are planning a trip to British Columbia on August 1.

Well, today, he received a letter from the government stating that his application for a passport was denied. He could appeal this by providing other documentation, which he has ready to fax. However, when he called to explain that his trip was August 1 (and that he paid for expedited service) he was told he didn't know if they could "get to it in time." Also, they did not return his original birth certificate. He was told that it was denied because his driver's license is less than a year old (he recently moved to a new state).

Anyone ever hear of this? Any suggestions on how to get this straightened out quickly?

Considering that one can get a passport even without a driver's license (ie minors) that seems a little odd.

Has he flown domestically as of late? I ask because there are people who had their names (or approximations thereof) blacklisted (no-fly and/or watch lists) for travel purposes and then soon thereafter discovered that they had passport issues too when applying for even a renewal passport.

My questions thereafter are:

1. Was he born in the United States and who issued his birth certificate? (Also, did it have a raised seal from the issuing govt. agency on it?)
2. Is the name on his DL the same as the one on his birth certificate or other documentation accepted as proof of American nationality?
3. Does the name attached to his SocSec card/number match perfectly with that on his birth certificate AND on his DL?
4. Any previous passports? (Were any reported stolen or lost?)

No passport is required (yet) for entry into Canada. See http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...es_1229.html#c
where it says "CANADA – Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required"

So he can go on Aug. 1 provided that he does have proof of US citizenship (presumably this is not an issue as it is also needed for the passport).

Canada will welcome him with open arms... but don't expect him to get back into USA.

I know this is kind of generic advice, and maybe you've thought of it already....but you might think about contacting your Congressperson's office for assistance.

He has not flown since February, but didn't have a problem then.

1. Yes...he gave them a raised seal birth certificate from Florida
2. Yes
3. He does not have his social security card but the names on his birth certificate and dl match
4. Never had a passport

And no, he doesn't need a passport for travel to Canada, but they kept his birth certificate so he doesn't have that either.

If he is not a us born, native english speaker, i wouldn't leave the us without a passport. as previously mentioned, the problem isn't getting into canada (they don't require them) it's getting back home.

I went to canada once without my passport, and didn't think about this issue until the taxi ride to the airport for the return trip.

The US requires precisely the same documentation for entry into the US as was needed for entry into Canada. There was a proposal to require passports from US citizens but that change has not gone into effect (yet) and judging by the reaction may not go into effect for a long time. So there was no need to obtain an expedited passport for the trip to Canada; but now that the birth certificate is "gone", he cannot leave the US. Rather ironic that applying for a passport has resulted in a "more restricted" status than before the application.

Go to NYC Passport Office, and get them to do same day service - they shouldnt deny you if you have proper documentation. It will be valid for one year, and be prepared to proove you're leaving soon.

I had to do it last year, go in the morning when they open you'll have the passport by afternoon. PVT me if you need info. Try calling them first to get all the proper details, IIRC the form you need to have is avilable online.

Making the trek into NYC will be worth it when you go out after submitting it in the morning and hav ethe passport same afternoon.

I did it last year (As I said) literally the day before I was traveling...

I agree when I was refused a replacement passport in Costa Rica and told wait 6 weeks for an answer my congressman got it worked out the next day.

But the problem is precisely that the "proper documentation" is now missing. The original birth certificate was not returned by the passport agency.

The time I went to Canada without a passport (it was a business trip with 45min notice) I was let into Canada based on my drivers license. I was let back into the US based on convincing the immigration officer that I was born in the US.

How do you know the passport agency has the original birth certificate?