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Originally Posted by iggy_oi
I don’t disagree that their may be savings to be had but I also think you’re being a little over dramatic here. $80 to renew a document every 5 years doesn’t seem that outrageous to me. At the end of the day it probably makes sense that a passport costs more than a happy meal given what goes into it beyond just printing the document. Heck a driver’s license in Alberta costs $93 to renew and that’s all done by the private sector that’s supposedly saving us all kinds of money, with zero security checks involved.
Your idea to automatically re-issue them would probably end up costing us more since the government would be sending them to people who may not even want or need it renewed. You also don’t want more passports in circulation than necessary given the security risks, which is the same reason they need a printed image rather than one that idiots would probably photo shop if they used their phone to take it.
I get what you’re saying about opening bank accounts online but that’s also a completely different kettle of fish. One allows you to deposit, withdraw and use currency whereas the other is literally used to determine who you are, where you’re from and whether you get on an airplane or are allowed into a country. If the bank issues an account under a false name(which happens) the risk is all on them, if a country issues you a passport under a fake name there’s far greater consequences.
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Like I said a simple text or email for renewal would take care of 80% of people - confirm your address, upload picture , pay a small fee, done. It’s simple .
The security risk is way lower on an image taken in real time from your phone vs going to Walmart and getting a picture “authenticated” from a Walmart photoshop . The same technology the airport use is now avail in apps for facial recognition
Drivers licence renewals are also a complete scam
And guess what - the government mandates how a renewal works for them too !
A private registry can’t offer online renewal where you upload your new picture and they send you a new license automatically
Literally the only difference on a renewal is the picture . Actually a drivers license you at least have to pay any outstanding fines, and sometimes take an eye exam !
People accepting these industries/policies is mind blowing . Any excuse to take more money from your pockets!