Holley Post Office will offer passport service

Travelers to Canada, Mexico and other locations may have delayed applying for a soon-to-be required U.S. passport because of busy work schedules, but the U.S. Postal Service is providing a weekend solution to make it easy to file applications with the State Department.

"To facilitate the passport application process for local travelers and provide convenience for families with school-age children, I am offering passport services on Sunday, February 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Holley Post Office," said Postmaster Jeanne Spada.

Currently, passport services are available at the Holley Post Office, 5 Wright Street by appointment only. The office also offers passport photo services, for a fee. During the special event, passport photos will be available at a discount rate.

Travelers are encouraged to apply for a passport several months before they are scheduled to travel overseas. A passport application is normally processed by the State Department within five to six weeks. For an additional fee, the State Department will expedite the application and process it within three business days.

To apply for a passport, travelers need to complete Passport Application Form DS-11 (unsigned), provide proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity, submit two identical passport photos and pay the appropriate passport fees.

Fees for passports for age 16 and older is $97; age 15 or younger is $82.

February 5, 2006