Post office holds passport fair

People who need passports can attend a "Passport Fair" Saturday, August 16 at the Spencer Post Office located at 30 E. Washington St., Spencer.

The event runs from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Postal staff will be on hand to help residents with applications, fees and photos.

In January this year persons crossing into the United States by air, land or seaports were asked to present document showing their citizenship. This change primarily affects US citizens who have been able to declare their citizenship by oral declaration.

Travelers can now apply for a US Passport Card or a passport. The new US Passport Card can only be used for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

"Passport Fairs make it easy and convenient for travelers to apply for a passport or passport card," said Debra Egemo, Postmaster for the Spencer Post Office. The facility will have a separate line in the front lobby, with two dedicated clerks, handling passport applications on Saturday.

Cost of a passport card for an adult (16 years and older) is $100. It is paid in two separate payments: $25 to the US Postal Service for a processing fee and a $75 payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

Cost for those under 16 is $35. The Postal Service receives $25 as a processing fee and $10 goes to the State Department.

Cost of a passport and a passport card for adults (aged 16 and older) is $120: $25 is a processing fee to the Postal Service and $95 goes to the State Department.

For those under 16 the cost is $95 for both a passport and passport card. $25 goes to the Post Service and $75 to the State Department.

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 at the Post Office is available for $15.

It takes approximately four to six weeks for the State Department to produce the passport from the time of application.

An expedited process of two-three weeks is available for $185. (total fees not including photos).

The following items are recommended for proof of American citizenship. A certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous US passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (A hospital birth certificate alone is not acceptable).

Bring proof of identify including a previous US passport, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship or a current valid driver's license, government ID or military photo ID.

To save time, customers can download a passport application at www.usps.com/passport to complete their application beforehand (do not sign the application as customers must 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.