What:

With only three months until Christmas, many are thinking about their holiday excursions.  As part of those plans, travel documents should be at the top of the list.

The Postal Service is hosting special passport fairs so you can beat the rush.  The US Postal Service acts as a Passport agent for the State Department.

When & Where:

Saturday, September 28, 2019
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Somerset WI Post Office
750 Rivard Street
(715) 247-3551

Background:

Postal customers are urged to make a passport application appointment online by visiting usps.com/passport and clicking the “Schedule an Appointment” link or by calling the office as listed above. Walk-in customers are also welcome, but are only assisted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those with appointments.

Passport renewals can be handled directly with the State Department online at www.travel.state.gov/passports. 

The cost for a passport book is currently $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 current cost is $115, with separate payments of $80 and $35 respectively.
The cost of passport cards for adults (16 years and older) is currently $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 current 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.

Travelers should apply for a passport or passport card at least two months prior to trip departure and bring all required documentation for their appointment at the Passport Center:
Identification (original and 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”). Postal clerks at the Passport Center also offer passport photo services for $15 per photo. 
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 usps.com/passport. Do not sign the application form, as the passport acceptance clerk must witness the signing.

In most cases, passport renewals do not require an in-person application process; full information is available at travel.state.gov. 

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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