Saga of the passports

Well you would think it would be easy ------well you would!
First drama Chas and I don't use our first names, all my legal documentation is in my birth certificate name - not his - no - every legal document the man had was in his second name. Now you turn up at an airport in 2008 with your passport in one name and you photo ID - ie liscence in another - YOU AIN'T getting on that plane.
So began the saga of the name change.
Now if you were born interstate you can send a notorised copy of your birth certificate with your application to Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria - BUT if you were born in Victoria you have to send your original to BDM -where they have the original- well idiot me sent a copy - recieved a letter stating that I had 28 days to reply with the original or my application would be shredded - I got the letter day 30.
I got straight on the phone and rang BDM and this wonderful man called Bob told me not to panic he'd been on leave so was a week behind on the applications - just send it tomorrow. I could have kissed him.
Phase one name change complete - passport application filled out, he gets a rare opportunity to be in town during business hrs can I meet him up the street with the applications - lucky I had the file at work as I was calling in to visit a mate to get the applications witnessed. I raced over to my mates she signed the papers, arranged to leave work for 20 mins and bolted up the street.
Processed his - no worries next was mine.........................
Well having changed my name when we married I knew I had to take my marriage certificate. BUT the certificate that was adequate to change my licence, nursing registration, bank accounts etc was not good enough for the passport officr NO. Next application form BDM for a registration of marriage certificate. Several doccuments notorised by a very patient police officer and off it goes to BDM Vic...............................
3 days later I get a call - Hello idiot - it was Sue from BDM - (I had talked to her a couple of times sorting out his name change) - where did you get married ????? You are NOT registered in Vic --ohhhhh sh#*t - I live in a border town and we got married on the OTHER side of the river ................................................. so here we go again - new appliaction - visit the still very patient policeman - cause the paper work for NSW is different -----of course -----another fee and off it goes. (Sue by the way refunded my Vic fee)
Finally I get the certifucate - go to the post office - don't supose you do passports on a Saturday ----- well yes BUT neither of us can do them ----------so back again on Monday - send off application AT LAST