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My brother and I are taking a trip to Vancouver on Feb. 20. We will then meet several days later in San Jose, Costa Rica. We found out several days ago that his passport expired March of last year. With just over ten days to go before we take off for Vancouver, he needs his passport renewed as fast as possible.

What are our options? So, we went digging online. We were relieved to find that you can get your passport renewed in as little as 48 hours. But, it comes with a price. We carefully read the instructions and requirements online. (1) First, you have to fill out the DS-82 form. This is the actual US Passport Renewal Form from the State Department. Done.

(2) Then, you need two passport photos taken the last three months. Off to Kinkos my brother went. He came back and was not happy with the turnout of the pictures, but he had no choice. LOL. (3) Next. We need to provide proof of departure date such as a copy of your airline ticket, etc. This is proof why your passport is being expedited. Done. We scanned his airline ticket and printed it from the computer.

(4) Next, we filled out a form authorizing the passport agency to process his passport renewal. Done. (5) And finally, here’s the kicker, the processing fees payable to the passport agency. Here’s the breakdown. The government takes $115 for the passport renewal fee. The agency takes $75 for processing.

By the way, you also need to pay for the return shipment of your renewed passport through Fedex overnight. Another $17. All in all, $207.

Lesson learned. We could have avoided paying an additional $92 to the passport agency by renewing my brother’s passport in person at least two months ahead of time at the US Embassy in San Francisco. But, then again you would have to wait 6-8 weeks for your passport to arrive. Sounds familiar.

Reminds me of a rebate check. I guess there’s a price to pay if you want things expedited in this country. No free lunches.

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