My oh oh my, you have to go through a lot to get a passport! I needed a new one before I went to USA this summer, and I went to the police station with my photo, my old passport (whih they cancelled) and my sick insurance card 2-3 weeks before. I had my new passport in the mail a week after.

One time John and I were going to Spain, I suddenly remembered his had run out - we were leaving in 5 days time!! He kept his British passport and had to to go to the Embassy, but with a bit of persuation, he got it in time!