In response to increased demand for passport application services, Tucson's Morris K. "Mo" Udall Post Office has opened a new passport service center for customers' convenience. The Main Post Office is located at 1501 S. Cherrybell Stravenue in Tucson.

Hours at the new passport center are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Customers can call ahead for appointments at (520) 388-5230 to obtain priority service, but walk-ins are also welcomed.

Tucson Postmaster Carl Grigel said the new passport center provides convenient one-stop access for customers needing passport services, including passport photos, which are offered for $15. (Children under age 14 applying for passports must be accompanied by both parents or by one parent with a notarized statement of consent form from the absent parent.)

"We're happy to provide this new passport center to make getting the process as convenient and hassle-free for our customers as possible," Grigel said.

Detailed information and printable passport applications are available at the U.S. State Department's website: http://travel.state.gov/passport. Those planning to apply for a passport are encouraged to obtain the appropriate application forms online, print them and fill them out ahead of time to speed up the process. Applicants must also bring the following required documentation:

1. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship: Certified Birth Certificate, Prior U.S. Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. (No photocopies accepted.)
2. Valid photo identification: Driver's License, Official Military ID, or other Government ID. A state-issued ID is not valid by itself; an additional ID is required. Permits are NOT acceptable.
3. If not obtaining photos at the Post Office: Two color passport photos: 2"x2" head and shoulders only, face forward, with a white background. Black & white photos are NOT accepted. (Customers without appropriate photos may take advantage of passport photo service offered by the USPS on-site for $15.)
4. Social Security Number.
5. Completed application with legible printing. The form may not be signed prior to the application procedure and no white-out may be used on the form.
6. Passport fees (Customers must bring cash or checks to pay these fees): Adult: 16 years of age and older valid for 10 years require a $67 check payable to U.S. Department of State and a separate $30 check (or cash) payable to the U.S. Postal Service; Child: Under 16 years of age, valid for five years. A $52 check payable to U.S. Department of State and a separate payment of $30 in cash or check payable to USPS.