Realme application process -- a bit chaotic

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surfisup1000

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#195235 11-Apr-2016 21:42

Just went through the process to apply for realme. But, it was a bit confusing.

They say you do not need id if you enter your passport number in the application .

"You don't need to show us any documents if you have a:

New Zealand passport
issued after 1 January 2004"

But, when I went to the postshop for my photo, she said I needed ID -- happened to have my passport with me which expired a year ago, and she says that it is no good because it is expired.

All very strange, even an expired passport still proves my ID -- not that it is even required at all according to their website. So I gave her my drivers license which is a far less secure document but at least she was happy.

I'm guessing NZ post employees have not been well trained at all in realme requirements .

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#1530308 11-Apr-2016 22:17

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

xpd

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#1530444 12-Apr-2016 09:03

I tried using RealMe years ago, gave up in disgust after going through all the online rubbish, went to local post shop only to be told I could not get my photo done anywhere except in Central Auckland. Experiences Ive read since indicates things havent improved much unfortunately...... :(

XPD / Gavin

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surfisup1000

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#1530454 12-Apr-2016 09:24

UHD:

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

Yes, and why not?

surfisup1000

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#1530466 12-Apr-2016 09:26

xpd:

I tried using RealMe years ago, gave up in disgust after going through all the online rubbish, went to local post shop only to be told I could not get my photo done anywhere except in Central Auckland. Experiences Ive read since indicates things havent improved much unfortunately...... :(

Ha ha, yes, they do not seem to even know their own rules.

Although, maybe the photo process is better now -- they at least list the postshops where you can have the photo taken .

StevieT

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#1530541 12-Apr-2016 10:32

surfisup1000:

UHD:

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

Yes, and why not?

I would have thought anyone with common sense would realise expired ID is no good. Regardless if it still reveals your true identity. But people may have changed their name between the expiry and the RealMe application. Also, don't new passports get issued with new numbers?

I signed up for the service years and years ago, when dealing with Studylink. I cannot actually remember how I registered my account back then, though.

hsvhel

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#1530549 12-Apr-2016 10:42

its still a mess, i renewed my passport recently and went round in circles a couple of times. Its a bit of a waste of time

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UHD

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#1530554 12-Apr-2016 10:50

surfisup1000:

UHD:

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

Yes, and why not?

An expired passport proves your ID 5 - 10 years ago, anyone could change their name and keep an expired passport.

olivernz

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#1530557 12-Apr-2016 10:59

Guessing just a error on the side of post employee. I am told that happens in NZ and the US DMV

RealMe in the beginning was more a pilot project that serviced govt departments. Therefore probably the reference to Auckland. Since then it has been expanded and I think you can get a pic taken pretty much anywhere. One thing to note is, that RealMe is very unique. Few countries (if at all) in the world have such a service. It is a pity that the uptake is so abysmal (by companies and govt departments) as it is a good system if the use is pervasive enough.

surfisup1000

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#1530667 12-Apr-2016 12:26

UHD:

surfisup1000:

UHD:

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

Yes, and why not?

An expired passport proves your ID 5 - 10 years ago, anyone could change their name and keep an expired passport.

The changing name thing is not a good reason, in my view. You can change your name regardless of whether your passport is current or expired. Even if you change your name they will still know your original name.

My passport still proves my ID, expired or not.

The argument I could accept is where ones appearance has changed significantly. Perhaps a 10 year rule could be a good for adults, 5 years for children.

Anyway, my main point is the rules they state on their website are different to the rules when you visit the postshop. On their website the only criteria for passports is that it must be issued after 2004.

UHD

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#1530794 12-Apr-2016 14:21

surfisup1000:

UHD:

surfisup1000:

UHD:

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

Yes, and why not?

An expired passport proves your ID 5 - 10 years ago, anyone could change their name and keep an expired passport.

The changing name thing is not a good reason, in my view. You can change your name regardless of whether your passport is current or expired. Even if you change your name they will still know your original name.

My passport still proves my ID, expired or not.

The argument I could accept is where ones appearance has changed significantly. Perhaps a 10 year rule could be a good for adults, 5 years for children.

Anyway, my main point is the rules they state on their website are different to the rules when you visit the postshop. On their website the only criteria for passports is that it must be issued after 2004.

You might find it useful to give them a call and clarify if they mean valid or expired passports. I'm certain you know the answer they will give as it is common sense. :)

stevenz

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#1531035 12-Apr-2016 20:04

I got the RealMe thing done a few years ago, seems to be essentially useless and a waste of time though, are there some hidden benefits somewhere!?

Seems like a good excuse for a proper national ID system for the few who don't want to carry a passport everywhere and/or who don't have a drivers license, but doesn't seem to have caught on.

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ArcticSilver

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#1531104 12-Apr-2016 21:17

I investigated real me in terms of website authentication. The problem I had with it is that there is a per user cost involved.

Who wants to pay real me when they can just do it themselves without for free?

Kyanar

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#1531131 12-Apr-2016 21:45

ArcticSilver:

I investigated real me in terms of website authentication. The problem I had with it is that there is a cost involved.

Who wants to pay real me when they can just do it themselves without for free?

You realise what you're effectively paying for is a very strong guaranteed authentication and identification solution? When someone asserts their identity with RealMe, you know for a fact that the government itself guarantees they are who they say they are - and you don't need to worry about multifactor or anything as they handle that for you. The cost of the service is quite large, so it's not really a surprise when they want users to contribute to it. Why should taxpayers foot the entire bill to save businesses a few bucks?

ArcticSilver

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#1531144 12-Apr-2016 21:59

Kyanar:

ArcticSilver:

I investigated real me in terms of website authentication. The problem I had with it is that there is a cost involved.

Who wants to pay real me when they can just do it themselves without for free?

You realise what you're effectively paying for is a very strong guaranteed authentication and identification solution? When someone asserts their identity with RealMe, you know for a fact that the government itself guarantees they are who they say they are - and you don't need to worry about multifactor or anything as they handle that for you. The cost of the service is quite large, so it's not really a surprise when they want users to contribute to it. Why should taxpayers foot the entire bill to save businesses a few bucks?

I agree it costs to make a service like this, and I understand why they charge, but for a service like this to gain traction you need to lower the barrier to entry.

I have plenty of uses for a service like this, but at a per user cost it kills any business case I have for it, meaning my companies don't use it.

I would argue there would be some great benefits to offering it as a subsidized service, it doesn't just benefit businesses using it.

jmh

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#1531286 13-Apr-2016 07:26

UHD:

So you entered the passport number for an expired passport and expected everything to just go smoothly?

I applied for a new passport via realme a month ago. The previous passport had expired last October. The process on realme was straightforward and simple. I took the photo myself, uploaded it and got told it was not suitable, tweaked the contrast with Photoshop until it was accepted. Completed the rest of the online form. Passport was delivered a week later. Pretty simple process completed without having to leave home.

Might have helped that I was already signed up to realme. Not sure.

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