Quick, Easy, Convenient

North Shore Post Office holds Passport Fair Saturday, July 26

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

On Saturday, July 26, the North Shore Post Office, located at 5651 N. Lydell Ave., will host a “Passport Fair”  from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Postal Service sales and service associates will help residents with passport applications, fees and photos.

Beginning Jan. 31, border crossers are asked to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when entering the United States through air, land and sea ports of entry. 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, the new U.S. Passport Card, or both at the North Shore Post Office.  The Passport Card can only be used for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. 

“Passport Fairs make it easy and convenient for travelers to apply for a passport or passport card,” said Karen Donlow, Acting Station Manager at the North Shore Branch. “During the Passport Fair, we will have separate lines in the front lobby, with dedicated clerks, handling passport applications.”

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 cash 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 cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.  Priority mail with Delivery Confirmation is $5.45 for all applications.

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 cash 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 cash 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 cash 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 cash 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 fees must be paid with cash or checks made out separately to the State Department and the Postal Service. 

Passports will be mailed to the customer in four to six weeks after application.

An expedited process (two-three weeks) is available for $185.00 in total fees (not including photos).

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.

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