Delphi P.O. to hold Passport Fair Dec. 29
Comet staff report

For those planning a trip outside the country, a Passport Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Delphi Post Office, located at 201 W. Franklin Street. Postal Service sales and service associates will help residents with passport applications, fees and photos.

Federal regulations now require all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling by air to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

The State Department advises passport production time averages four to six weeks.

"Passport Fairs' make it easy and convenient for travelers to apply for a passport," said Delphi Postmaster Bruce Vaders.

The cost for adults (16 years and older) is $97: $30 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $67 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee.

The cost for those under 16 is $82: $30 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $52 separate payment to the State Department for the passport application fee.

Two identical color photos must be submitted with the passport application and according to the State Department they can be no older than six months.

Passport photo service will also be available on site for $15. The application fee must be paid with cash or check.

Passports will be mailed to the customer in four to six weeks after application.

An expedited process (twothree weeks) is available for $185 in total fees (not including photos).

To help the passport application process go smoothly and efficiently, the Postal Service recommends the following: • Bring in proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either: a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (Please note: a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable.) • Bring in proof of identity. This must be either: a previous U.S. passport; a naturalization certificate; a certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver's license, government ID or military photo ID. • The passport application requires two recent identical photographs. Passport photo service will be provided on site for $15. • To save time, customers can download a passport application at www.usps.com/passport to complete their application beforehand (do not sign the application - you will be requested to sign at the time you present the paperwork). • All applicants must appear in person (including minors). Applicants under age 14 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.

Vaders also emphasized the importance of bringing the appropriate documentation, a complete list of which can be found at www.usps.com/passport.