NEW BEDFORD MA — No school is cool.  But no travel is not, especially if it is due to the need for a child’s passport.  One local post offices is poised to help all travelers, including the youngest, secure their passports on Presidents Day.

Applications for children under 16 have special requirements.  Both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both to go with the child when applying.

Children need evidence of citizenship. Parents or guardians need proof of parental relationship.  All applicants, including children, need proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents. Originals and a photocopy are required.

Applicants must appear in person, including infants.

And, because children’s passports are only valid for 5 years, extra attention to current passports for younger travelers is always worth a check before travel begins.

Although regular postal window services will not be available on February 18 Presidents Day holiday, all services required for passport applications — including on-site photos or money orders for fees — will be available at the New Bedford Post Office, 695 Pleasant Street, from 9 am to noon on Monday. 

Postal officials recommend the following steps before visiting a post office to apply for a passport:

• Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
• Print your completed application. Do not sign the application. A Postal employee must witness the signature.
• Your post office can help you:
1. Have a passport photo.
2. Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
• Calculate your fees. Bring 2 checks, cash or cash (for a money order) for fees.
1. Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
2. State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

According to postal officials, routine passports now take 4 to 6 weeks. 

More information on passport applications, procedures and fees can be attained by visiting: usps.com/passport.

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