Quick, Easy, Convenient

Lake Zurich Post Office holds Passport Fair October 23

LAKE ZURICH, IL —For people planning a trip outside the country, the local Post Office can help travelers get there with the right documents.

On Thursday, October 23, the Lake Zurich Post Office, located at 380 Surryse Road, will host a “Passport Fair” from Noon to 4 p.m.  Postal Service sales and service associates will help residents with passport applications, fees and photos.

Effective June 2009, U.S. Citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security, when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.  The passport card is not valid for international travel by air.  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 at the Lake Zurich Post Office. The Passport Card can only be used to travel by land or sea between the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. 

“Passport Fairs’ make it easy and convenient for travelers to apply for a passport or passport card,” said Lake Zurich Postmaster John Bosco.

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 money order 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 money order 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 money order 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 money order 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 money order 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 money order 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 $191.35 (16 years and older) and 176.35 (under 16 years old) in total fees (excluding photo fees).

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.

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