Post Office sets up 'Passport Fair'

The event will take place from noon-3 p.m.

It is recommended that customers come in as early as possible to apply for a passport -- at least eight weeks or earlier before their departure -- to avoid extra costs involved in expediting their application. The U.S. Department of State is currently reporting four-six weeks processing time for routine passport applications.

Cost is $100 for adults (18-older), with separate payment of $25 to the U.S. Postal Service for processing fee, and $75 paid to the State Department for the passport application fee. For persons under 18, the total cost is $85 with separate payments of $25 to the postal service and $60 to the state department.

For expedited passport service, an additional $60 should be included, payable to the state department. In such cases, the applicant also incurs overnight (Express Mail) delivery costs, payable to USPS.

Passport photos will be available at the post office for $15. The application fee must be paid with cash or check. Credit or debit cars, as well as cash or checks, may be used to cover the cost of photos and the acceptance fee.

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. (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,

* Passport photograph services will be provided onsite for a fee of $15,

* To save time, customers can download a passport application at www.usps.com/passport, to complete their application before hand, and

* All applicants must appear in person (including minors). Applicants under 18 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.