Picking up the passport in person

[roykirk]

My wife tells me I'm wasting my time asking because she's already talked to the Consulate, but I've been through enough Russian red tape over the years to know that there's usually a backdoor somewhere. 

My wife's Russian passport will expire in about 6 months, so we're using an upcoming trip to visit family as an opportunity to visit the Russian Consulate (we live over 1700 miles from the nearest Russian Consulate, but my parents live in the same city as it) to begin the renewal process.  The Consulate has told her that it will take several weeks to a couple of months to process her renewal.  Once they have it back in hand, she will have to come and pick it up in person.  No alternatives and no mailing. 

Am I really to believe that the only way she can pick up her passport is by buying a  $^#%$!@#* $600 plane ticket to go get it? 

[Vaughn]

Am I really to believe that the only way she can pick up her passport is by buying a  $^#%$!@#* $600 plane ticket to go get it?

Not entirely true - there are passport renewal services available where the transaction can be conducted
from home, but you'll pay for the privilege. One such site is a company based in Chicago. I believe the rate
is $460 but don't quote me.

http://www.russianpassportservice.com/en/renewrussianpassport.html

My stepdaughter's passport expired about 18 months ago. An RWD member with whom we are good friends
was heading to the DC Embassy with his wife at the time. The Embassy allowed his wife to submit our daughter's
fee and application on her behalf, but we had to craft a power of attorney document. We did it in Russian just
to be sure, and had a fluent paralegal notarize it as well. Worked out fine - however, the same woman was NOT
allowed to pick up our daughter's passport when ready (IIRC, about 3 months later). My stepdaughter had to go
get it herself.

So your own wife is partially correct, but there are a few ways around it. For a fee, of course.
There's a bit more detailed information on their Russian language page:

http://www.russianpassportservice.com/

[roykirk]

Thanks, Vaughn.  As I thought it sounds like there are other ways to do it.  A service like this might be the way to go, unless we're already going back for a visit anyway and can time it right.  The problem is that with my work schedule, we've only been able to make it home once a year or so.  If she were to have to make a special trip just to pick up the passport, it's going to be a real pain in the rear.  

[Steamer]

Not entirely true - there are passport renewal services available where the transaction can be conducted
from home, but you'll pay for the privilege. One such site is a company based in Chicago. I believe the rate
is $460 but don't quote me.

This is what we're doing now. My wife tried to deal directly with the DC embassy and they automatically kicked it to the agency in Chicago. From what I understand, even in Moscow they make you go through an agency instead of dealing directly with the gov. We also paid $460. and they said it would be 2-4 months.