ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Need a passport or passport card? A Passport Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, September 14, at offices throughout New Mexico.

These Passport Fairs will offer customers one-stop shopping for new passports, passport photos and passport cards. No appointment is needed; customers will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Our employees will help residents with passport applications, fees and photos, making the process quick and convenient,” said Postmaster Chris Yazzie. He recommended travelers apply for a passport or passport card at least two months prior to departure and bring all required documentation to the event.

The Passport Fair is being held for new passport applications only. Renewals will not be processed at this event.

Offices participating in this Saturday’s passport fair include:

Identification, including a copy, is required to prove U.S. citizenship, such as:

• Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
• Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state (Hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable)
• Consular report of birth abroad or birth certificate
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of citizenship

In addition, one current ID is required, such as:

• Naturalization certificate
• Valid driver's license
• Current government ID (city, state or federal)
• Current military ID (military and dependents)

The passport application also requires a recent passport photograph (2” x2”). Photos can be taken at participating Post Offices for a $15 fee.

The cost for a passport book is $145 for adults (16 years and older), with separate payments of $110 paid to the State Department for the passport application fee and $35 to the Postal Service for its processing fee (set by the Department of State). For persons under 16, the cost is $115, with separate payments of $80 and $35 respectively.

The cost of passport cards for adults (16 years and older) is $65: $35 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for the processing fee; and a $30 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee. The passport card cost for those under 16 is $50: $35 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $15 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee. Children under 16 must be accompanied by both parents when applying for a passport or passport card.

To make the process as quick as possible, applicants are strongly encouraged to print and complete their applications ahead of time by going online at travel.state.gov. Use only black ink and do not sign the application form, as the passport acceptance clerk must witness the signing. Customers may also obtain a form at any passport office.

Customers can go to usps.com/passport or call 1-800-ASK-USPS to get the location of passport Post Offices nearest them and their passport customer service hours. All applications are sent to the U.S. State Department for final processing and approval.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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