Anyone get a new US passport? The "Next Generation" is way different.

[QueenIsabella]

Just following up.

I get that someone told you that, but that sounds like she was handing you a huge steaming pile. As far back as 2010, I've filled in applications with the online generator (both the DS-82 mail-in renewal and DS-11 in-person) maybe 6-7 times for myself and my family. I've never seen a case where the code sections looked wrong or where the application was rejected. I have sent them in as mail-in renewals and I've had them accepted at a place that did passport acceptance as well as at a State Dept passport office (for an expedited passport). It generates a PDF file meant to be printed as 8-1/2"x11" with the instructions (with a checklist) and . I've usually just printed the two pages of the application, where the instructions aren't required to be submitted. I've only printed in black in white even though the PDF file is in color.

This is a pretty good tutorial. It shows the DS-11, but there should be the option for the DS-82 mail-in renewal. This person make a mock one with fake information, but it clearly shows a good PDF417 code in the upper left corner of the application form.

I've certainly seen some issues with PDF files, but those are pretty obvious. I occasionally download my credit card statements to print, and with one specific PDF reader, much of the text turns into a bunch of boxes once it's printed out. But that's pretty obvious and I have a choice of different PDF readers where I can typically find one that works. And it's only with my specific credit card provider.

I don't think she was feeding me a load of crap. She pointed out exactly what the distortion/cut off information was--this was several months ago, I don't remember the specifics. Having me re-write the forms by hand didn't impact her job at all--she took my son's picture while I did it, right there during the appointment. We went on with life, he got his passport a few weeks later, life was good. Still is--DS and his passport are currently in Paris.

More important from my perspective is, since DS was 16 at the time, the passport lasts for 10 years...and I don't have to get any more of my kids passports or renewals from here on out, so that's a win.

Beyond that, really--you can let it go now.

 

[bcla]

I'm posting this for other people who might be applying for a passport and might think the online filler should be avoided. I think it's fine if you know what to look for.

The only issue in printing out the application is between printing "actual size" or "fit to print". With "actual size" the edges will typically bleed into the margins of most printers where they don't print. I choose "fit" with my printer and it shrinks it a little bit to get all the information inside the printer's margins. This is a basic issue for anyone printing PDF files, and there's typically some preview function that shows what bleeds beyond the printable area. I've submitted these several times where I could tell I needed to shrink to fit to get everything on the page, and I haven't had any rejected.

I pulled up my kid's last passport application (where I used the online filler and saved the PDF file) and when I print "actual size" the edges do get cut off and the left edge of the PDF417 code is cut off a bit and can't be read by a code reader app on my iPad.

Here's a photo. I've got "actual size" on the top and "fit" on the bottom. This is an actual copy of the application, but it doesn't have any of our specific information in view. With "actual size" the stuff at the bottom gets cut off.



The same problem will happen with the print yourself application form that they ask to be filled out by hand. The edges will be cut off, including the form number at the bottom. I don't know why the State Dept thinks that people have printers that can do full bleed (edge to edge) printing.

 

[RangerPooh]

We had to renew our kids passports a year ago. They got the new ones with plastic pages. It’s interesting to compare theirs vs ours which are good for 4 more years.

 

[bcla]

got my new one back in Dec. and was shocked at the raised letter format. It looks more fake and looks like the print will wear off/ fall off in a while.

That's the same technology that they use in passport cards. Possibly the same provider. I never had a problem with that wearing off. It won't wear down, most definitely. I will say that the first generation passport card had some issues where it delaminated and cracked, as well as some basic layout issues. I think the supplier made some changes and the newer versions my family have had no issues. It should be about as stable as a new driver license from most states. At least mine had a couple of places where there's raised print (DOB in two places as well as my signature), and that didn't wear out after five years in my wallet. And the license has scuffs everywhere.

The thing I don't like it that it doesn't seem to want to stay closed.