Post Office Offers Passport Services

Passport Fairs Scheduled at Park Branch Location

ROCKFORD, IL — Planning a spring or summer trip outside the country? Travelers can apply for their passports during the February passport fairs being offered by the Rockford Post Office. “To make the passport application process more convenient, the passport fairs will be held at the Park Branch, 1702 Windsor Rd, Loves Park IL,” said Rockford Postmaster Ronald A Calloway.

The fairs will be held:

• Tuesday, February 12, 2008 — 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday, February 14, 2008 — 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

A Postal Service retail associate will help customers with passport applications, fees and photos.

Beginning Jan. 31, border crossers will be asked to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when entering the United States through air, land and sea ports of entry. According to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, this change primarily affects United States and Canadian citizens, who have previously been permitted entry by oral declaration alone. They indicated this marks the transition toward standard and consistent documents for all travelers entering the country.

Travelers can now apply for either a passport or the new U.S. Passport Card. State Department officials stated they expect the new cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. They can only be used for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

“Passport Fairs make it easy and convenient for travelers to apply for a passport or passport card,” said Calloway.

The State Department advises passport production time averages four to six weeks.

While the cost of a passport has increased $8, the Postal Service processing fee has dropped $5.

The cost of passports for adults (16 years and older) is $100: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $75 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The passport cost for those under 16 is $85: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $60 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The cost of passport cards for adults (16 years and older) is $45: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $20 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The passport card cost for those under 16 is $35: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $10 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The cost of a passport and passport card for adults (16 years and older) is $120: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $95 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The cost of a passport and passport card for those under 16 is $95: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $70 separate payment (by check or cash only to the State Department for the passport application fee).

Two identical color photos must be submitted with the passport application and according to the State Department they can be no older than six months.

Passport photo service will also be available on site for $15.

The passport application fee must be paid with cash or check.

Passports will be mailed to the customer in four to six weeks after application.

An expedited process (two-three weeks) is available for $185.00 in total fees (not including photos).

To help the passport application process go smoothly and efficiently, the Postal Service recommends the following:

Bring in proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either: a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (Please note: a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable.)

Bring in proof of identity. This must be either: a previous U.S. passport; a naturalization certificate; a certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID.

The passport application requires two recent identical photographs. Passport photo service will be provided on site for $15.

To save time, customers can download a passport application at www.usps.com/passport to complete their application beforehand (do not sign the application — customers will be requested to sign at the time they present the paperwork).

All applicants must appear in person (including minors). Applicants under age 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.

Calloway also emphasized the importance of bringing the appropriate documentation, a complete list of which can be found at www.usps.com/passport.