U.S. Postal Service Joins Boonsborough Day Celebration

Post Office offers Passport Fair and special postmark

Boonsboro, MD — The Postal Service will host a Passport Fair at the 37th annual Boonesborough Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 6, at Shafer Memorial Park.

Passport fees are $100 for individuals 16 years of age and older and $85 for those under the age of 16.  Two passport-size photos must be included with the application.  The Postal Service will provide photo services for a fee of $15.

Customers applying for a passport must provided the following:

• a passport application (available at the event);
• proof of U.S. citizenship (previous U.S. passport, certified U.S. birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth, or a Certificate of Naturalization);
• proof of identity; and,
• two passport-size photos (photo services available at event for an additional $15).

For children under the age of 16, their parents or guardians must accompany them and establish proof of citizenship and proof of relationship.

Applications for passport cards will also be accepted.  The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.  The card may not be used to travel by air.

Adults who already have a valid passport may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20.  First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.

Only cash and checks will be accepted to pay for passport books and cards.  If paying by check, bring two checks:  one for the Department of State and one for the U.S. Postal Service.  Expedited Service is available for an additional fee.

The U.S. Department of State imposed new passport regulations last year.  All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present either a valid passport, Air NWXUS Card, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Document, or an Alien Registration Card (Form 1-551) if applicable.

For further information on passport requirements, visit www.travel.state.gov

The Boonsboro Post Office will commemorate the 37th annual Boonesborough Day with a special pictorial postmark and commemorative envelope.

“The use of postmarks to commemorate special events is a time-honored tradition of the Postal Service,” said Boonsboro Postmaster Floyd Atherton.  “Sending cards and letters bearing this unique postmark is a great way to share this celebration with friends and family.”

The postmark is free with the purchase of First-Class Mail postage.  The postmark will also be available by mail 30 days after the event.  To obtain the postmark by mail, affix First-Class Mail postage to an envelope, address the envelope (to yourself or others) and place it into a larger envelope addressed to:
Postmaster
The Boonesborough Station
5 Potomac Street
Boonsboro, MD  21713-9998.