Passport Fair to be held at the Middletown Post Office

Middletown, NJ — Changes in travel requirements have significantly increased the number of passport applications. It is estimated that demand for passports will grow from 12 million to 17 million in 2008. To make it more convenient for the public to apply for a passport, Middletown postal officials are holding a special Hawaiian themed Passport Fair on Saturday, March 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Middletown Post Office 1601 State Route 35, Middletown.

“Although walk-ins are welcome, we suggest making an appointment” says Postmaster Richard San Andres “Give us a call at 732 671-1365 and we would be glad to set-up an appointment.”

Postmaster San Andres also offers these helpful tips when applying for a Passport:

Bring proper proof of American citizenship or naturalization. This must be either: a state-issued certified birth certificate; a previous official passport; or a naturalization certificate, if you are foreign-born. (Please note: a hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable.)
Bring in one officially-acceptable state or government photo ID. This can be either a driver's license, a military photo ID, or a state-issued photo ID. Workplace IDs and regular photos are generally not acceptable.
The passport application requires two recent identical photographs. The photos must meet specific passport requirements which are explained at http://travel.state.gov/passport. (Photos can be taken for an additional fee)
To save time, download passport application documents at www.usps.com/passport and fill out beforehand. However, don't sign the application form, as the passport acceptance clerk must witness the signing.
For children under age 16, both parents' consent and proof of parental relationship are required. See Special Requirements for children under age 16 at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html for details.

San Andres adds that customers should be advised that new fees have gone into effect on February 1, 2008, for both the Passport Book and the new Passport Card. The new fees are:

Adult Passport Book- Passport Fee $75 + Execution Fee $25=$100 - Age 16 and over
Adult Passport Card- Passport Fee $20 + Execution Fee $25=$45- Age 16 and over
Child Passport Book- Passport Fee $60 + Execution Fee $25=$85 - Age 15 and under
Child Passport Card- Passport Fee $10 + Execution Fee $25=$35 - Age 15 and under
Photo Fee $15

More information is available on the Postal Service website at www.usps.com/passport or the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/index.html.

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