Were you baptized or circumcised? Who was present when you were born? Where did your mother work? These are sample questions that applicants may be asked to answer on the proposed biographical questionnaire for a U.S. passport.
The questionnaire, boingboing reports, is intended for people seeking a U.S. passport but who cannot supply a birth certificate.
The U.S. State Department — the federal agency that processes passports — anticipates more than 74,000 respondents. It also estimates the form will take 45 minutes to complete.
Some see that figure as far-fetched.
"The State Department estimated that the average respondent would be able to compile all this information in just 45 minutes, which is obviously absurd given the amount of research that is likely to be required to even attempt to complete the form," wrote Consumer Travel's Edward Hasbrouck.
The State Department is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget for information collection. A 60-day public comment period ended Monday.
The agency has not yet responded to a phone call and e-mail from msnbc.com.
