MERRIFIELD, VA. – Many Post Offices throughout Northern Virginia will offer extended passport acceptance service on Saturday April 9, at the locations and times listed below:

“We are happy to provide a valuable service that is convenient for our customers,” said A/Manager Marketing Greg Derman. “If you’re planning to do any international traveling this year, the first itinerary is to get “passport” checked off your list. Postal Service Passport Fairs make the planning process easy and convenient with a one-stop shop solution.“

Depending upon the mode of travel, U.S. citizens are required to present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to re-enter the United States. This includes travel from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry. Passport cards are not valid for air travel.

In addition to showing picture identification such as a valid driver’s license or current government or military issued ID, evidence of citizenship is required such as a certified birth certificate, Naturalization Certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Applicants also need a photocopy of the front and back of the identification being presented. Passport photos and the application, DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport in Person, are available at the Post Office.

A U.S. passport book or passport card is not used just for travel anymore; they also serve as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. For adults, the U.S. passport book and passport card for adults are valid for travel for ten years, while passports for minors under age 16 are valid for five years. A passport book is valid for all modes of travel, while a passport card is valid for re-entering the U.S. via land or sea border crossings, but not by air.

Passport book fees for first time adult applicants (age 16 and older) are $135 and $55 for a passport card. Passport book fees for minors are $105 and $40 for a passport card. For more information on passports, including fees, proof of citizenship requirements, or to download an application, visit www.travel.state.gov. This information is also available by phone, in English or Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

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