> I ordered a replacement passport last week - it was all online including the uploading the photo
Is it me, or is does this seem like a case where they simplified so much that they lost some of the inherent checks and balances in the system?
I guess if I need a fake passport, I have a lead on how one can be made. Just social engineer the info to access government services out of a New Zealander...
I believe you can only do the online process once you've already had a passport and the initial passport is issued by the "traditional" means of showing up in person.
Replacements and renewals can be done entirely online because of facial biometrics (to compare the previous passport photograph with the new one and to see if the new picture may be used elsewhere) and digitization of other records for internal comparisons.
ABC (Australia) has an interesting video on Youtube describing the process.
I was under the impression that you had to have your photo taken at the post office. In the case where you've already provided verifying documentation, having that official also take the picture neatly verifies the picture at the time of the application.
I just looked, and apply by mail is only available in certain situations, one of which is that it must be a renewal, and the prior on must have been within the last 15 years and you must have been over 16. It sort of makes sense with those rules, but still seems somewhat lax to me.
Is it me, or is does this seem like a case where they simplified so much that they lost some of the inherent checks and balances in the system?
I guess if I need a fake passport, I have a lead on how one can be made. Just social engineer the info to access government services out of a New Zealander...