INDIANAPOLIS, Ind - The U.S. Postal Service recognizes that people oftentimes have a hectic schedule and can't always get things done during the work week. To make things easier for customers, the Crown Point Post Office Retail Unit, 128 S. East Street, will be accepting passport applications March 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Postal Service clerks have extensive training and take refresher sessions to stay current on the most recent rules and regulations for passport acceptance.

"Customers can be confident that their application will be complete and accurate," said Elaine Millard-William, Crown Point Postmaster. This makes the passport application process much less stressful for them."

New State Department requirements went into effect on Jan. 23. Federal regulations now require all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling by air to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

Most customers receive their passports within six weeks. However, the State Department is facing an unprecedented demand for passports.. They say travelers should allow 10 weeks for their passport applications to be processed.

Expedited processing, however, is available for Americans who need their passports in four weeks or less. An additional fee is charged and the passport could be received within three to four weeks.

The cost for adults (16 years and older) is $97: $30 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $67 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The cost for those under 16 is $82: $30 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $52 separate payment 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 6 months.

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

The application fee must be paid with cash or check.

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 - you will be requested to sign at the time you present the paperwork).
• All applicants must appear in person (including minors). Applicants under age 14 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.

The Crown Point Postmaster concluded by emphasizing the importance of bringing the appropriate documentation, a complete list of which can be found at www.usps.com/passport.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to cover its operating expenses. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.