Hilton Post Office offers passport services at special Sunday event

Hilton Post Office offers passport
services at special Sunday event

The first phase of the Western Hemisphere Initiative went into effect January 23, making it necessary for air travelers to have a passport when flying in and out of the United States and the Postal Service is making it easier for families to apply for a passport at an upcoming passport event.

The Hilton Post Office will be open on Sunday, February 11 from noon to 4 p.m. to accept passport applications and provide passport photo services.

"We know it's difficult for families to get out of work and school during normal passport acceptance hours," said Hilton Postmaster Marisa Papagelis. "By making passport services available on Sunday, February 11, it's more convenient for our customers to get their necessary travel documentation."

Passport services are available at the Hilton Post Office, 30 South Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 10 a.m. The regular passport photo service fee is $15. On February 11, passport photo services will be available for $10.

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; because of the high volumes, it may take as many as eight weeks. However, for a additional fee, the State Department will expedite the application and process it within three business days, and for those who need speedy delivery, the U.S. Postal Service offers Express Mail next day delivery both to and from the State Department. "Customers can pick up a blank passport application and a tip sheet from the Post Office at any time," Papagelis said. "Having the necessary paperwork and application completed ahead of time will help to expedite the application process.

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 are: $97 for ages 16 and older ($67 U.S. Department of State fee and $30 USPS fee) and $82 for ages 15 and younger ($52 U.S. Department of State and $30 USPS fee). U.S. Department of State fee may be paid with a check or money order; USPS fee may be paid with cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.

For information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative or other passport application requirements, visit the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov.