FYI: USPS does not accept personal check without printed address

auroran

New Member
I applied for a US passport last week at the local post office. When I tried paying with a personal check, I was told it was not acceptable according to USPS policy, since it had my name but not my address printed on it. I pointed out that some banks are now offering to issue checkbooks with just your name and no home address, as a security measure to fight identity theft, but obviously the lady at the Passport desk was unmoved.

So I had to go over to the PO counter to purchase Money Orders. Almost ran into another glitch there, since they don't accept credit cards when purchasing MOs. Fortunately I had my debit card with me that day -- I rarely use it and often don't carry it. Interesting encounter with bureaucracy; reminded me of similar experiences back in my former home country!
 
First of all, sending your ORIGINAL natz certificate is a brush with bureaucracy.
Why do they need you to "mail" your original natz certificate? Can't they verify with your "A# and certificate#" as long as you mail a photocopy?

The postal clerk can "verify" your original when you present it in person, and then you should be able to take it back home with you after the postal clerk has verified it.

This is bureaucracy too, asking you to mail originals.
 
Top