applying for US passport

Hi all, great forum, I'll stick around if I have time.
I am applying for my passport and after reading instructions on the application, found that requested information is not required if there is no valid OMB number on the form. OMB # on the form is indeed expired. Also, in another place it says, required information is optional except for SSN, but omitted data may result in your application being refused.
Does anybody have any suggestions about what I should omit and what would be the benefits?

[charlesa6]

demosfen, welcome to the forum!

[idknow]

Originally Posted by demosfen

Hi all, great forum, I'll stick around if I have time.
I am applying for my passport and after reading instructions on the application, found that requested information is not required if there is no valid OMB number on the form. OMB # on the form is indeed expired. Also, in another place it says, required information is optional except for SSN, but omitted data may result in your application being refused.
Does anybody have any suggestions about what I should omit and what would be the benefits?

according to what i've read here since my joining, it can be summed up in one word,

"omit everything that would cause you lie"
and unless you were born on federal property, you ARE NOT a UNITED STATES CITIZEN PERSON.

that include federal civil or military servant.

I went to the PO the other day and tried to submit application with omitted SSN and some other info, but the clerk refused to take it. What can I do now? I am thinking perhaps fill SSN with 0's and sign it 'under duress'? Instructions say there is a $500 fine from IRS for not providing SSN, but I don't really care. Can anybody suggest any related laws or articles I could read?

Immigration and Naturalization is the agency, I believe, that issues the Passports. If I am correct on that, then was I&N keeping records of SSN's prior to 1977? I ask for a reason.

If they were not keeping those records prior to 1977, then I also believe you do not have to provide that information to them.

Jerry.

[idknow]

Originally Posted by demosfen

I went to the PO the other day and tried to submit application with omitted SSN and some other info, but the clerk refused to take it. What can I do now? I am thinking perhaps fill SSN with 0's and sign it 'under duress'? Instructions say there is a $500 fine from IRS for not providing SSN, but I don't really care. Can anybody suggest any related laws or articles I could read?

1. read the links at the bottom of this page.
2. if one fails with the desk-clerk, speak or call the postmaster of that location
3. see point #1.

Thanks guys, but I am not really asking if SSN is required (after re-reading instruction I'm sure it isn't - why would they mention on a form that has nothing to do with IRS that IRS requires SSN on THEIR forms. Only for a lack of a better argument). What I am asking is how to deal with the brainwashed clerk. She won't take application unless completely filled (she said "maybe" travel plans section is optional). The only way to get around her that I see is fill false information and sign 'under duress'. At least the application will be complete so she should be happy. Is there anything wrong with it? It's all new to me.
I don't think talking to postmaster would help - she told me 'we are an agency of Passport Services', so I understand it has nothing to do with USPS (I would expect her supervisor to be as clueless as herself anyway)

[idknow]

Originally Posted by demosfen

Thanks guys, but I am not really asking if SSN is required (after re-reading instruction I'm sure it isn't - why would they mention on a form that has nothing to do with IRS that IRS requires SSN on THEIR forms. Only for a lack of a better argument). What I am asking is how to deal with the brainwashed clerk. She won't take application unless completely filled (she said "maybe" travel plans section is optional). The only way to get around her that I see is fill false information and sign 'under duress'. At least the application will be complete so she should be happy. Is there anything wrong with it? It's all new to me.
I don't think talking to postmaster would help - she told me 'we are an agency of Passport Services', so I understand it has nothing to do with USPS (I would expect her supervisor to be as clueless as herself anyway)

Ask her "what authority of law has been given to you to check my application for correctness?"

When she answers "none", then

ask her if her title as "clerk for passport applications requires her to demand informaiton that is not required?"

then ask her if "your job is to only process applications then doesnt that mean your duty is Ministerial only?

if she asks what "ministerial" only, say "you dont have the authority to judge my answers or lack thereof on the application."

[charlesa6]

Originally Posted by demosfen

Thanks guys, but I am not really asking if SSN is required (after re-reading instruction I'm sure it isn't - why would they mention on a form that has nothing to do with IRS that IRS requires SSN on THEIR forms. Only for a lack of a better argument). What I am asking is how to deal with the brainwashed clerk. She won't take application unless completely filled (she said "maybe" travel plans section is optional). The only way to get around her that I see is fill false information and sign 'under duress'. At least the application will be complete so she should be happy. Is there anything wrong with it? It's all new to me.
I don't think talking to postmaster would help - she told me 'we are an agency of Passport Services', so I understand it has nothing to do with USPS (I would expect her supervisor to be as clueless as herself anyway)

That is instruction given to conduct the application. If the passport so important to you then you better fill all the detail if not the application will be rejected. Again filling in false information will not solved your problem, and your application will be rejected for failing to compliance with the instruction govern the passport application.

Thanks, I'm going to send a letter to Dept. of State asking a few questions, and pressure the clerk before I give up. I can live without a passport, but it may cost my business a few hundred a month because I can't open foreign bank account - I can afford this loss but would prefer not to
Is there harm in providing my SSN, etc. on the passport form anyway, since I am already in the 'system'?