Postal Service sets Passport Fair Saturday, May 31, at Bellingham PO

BELLINGHAM – The U.S. Postal Service is making it easier and more convenient for customers to sign-up for a passport with a Passport Fair on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bellingham Main Post Office, 315 Prospect Street.

Passport fees are $100 for individuals 16 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.

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 fully valid passport book 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 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 U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS Card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

Customers applying for a passport must provide 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 (which can be taken at the event for an additional $15).

For minors under age 16, parents or guardians must establish proof of citizenship and proof of relationship.

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

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.