Westfield, NJ — Columbus and his crew were not required to have passports for international travel in 1492; but things are different today. To make it easier to apply for a U.S. Passport, Westfield Postmaster Frank Pace is announcing a special Columbus Day Passport Fair at the Westfield Main Post Office, 153 Central Avenue.  On Monday, October 9 dedicated staffing will be on hand from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to accept passport applications and offer passport photo services. No appointments necessary and walk-ins are welcome.

Special passport acceptance hours will be offered on the Columbus Day federal holiday on Monday, October 9 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Post Office, 153 Central Avenue. The Columbus Day Passport Fair will feature dedicated staffing to accept passport applications and offer passport photo services. No appointments necessary and walk-ins are welcome. No other retail services will be offered and only Prioirty mail Express will be delivered on the Colubus day federal holiday.  

To save time and simplify the submission process, the Westfield Postmaster recommends bringing original documents and following these guidelines:

• Download and complete a passport application at www.travel.state.gov beforehand. 
• Bring proper proof of US citizenship (as shown on the application DS-11 dated 09/2013)
• Bring proof of identity.  This must be either: a recently issued U.S. passport; a recently issued naturalization certificate; a recently issued certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID.
• Bring a photocopy of your proof of identity.  Each applicant must bring a front and back photocopy of the ID that will be presented at the time of passport acceptance.
• The passport application requires a recent passport photograph of you (2” x 2” in size). Photo service is available at the Fallsburg Passport Fair.
• All applicants must appear in person (including minors).
• Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents.  If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.

The Postal Service posted a new free online video with tips on applying for a U.S. Passport and Passport renewals at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkvAMz_tj18&sns=em. 

The U.S. Department of State provides detailed guidelines for preparing passport applications and supporting documents as well as current processing times on their website at: www.travel.state.gov.

If you have any questions about the Westfield Post Office’s Memorial Day Passport Fair, contact Customer Service Supervisor Shemaine Wrenn-Sheffield at 908-233-4053 or via email at shermaine.wrenn-sheffield@usps.gov.

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