How much is a passport card at the post office

Do you need to apply for a passport or renew your current one? The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Department of State is holding passport fairs on Saturday, June 8, designed to help you navigate the process. 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., select post offices throughout metro Phoenix and across Arizona will help people apply for or renew passports and passport cards. You can even get your photo taken at some of the locations. You don't need an appointment. Just drop by one of the locations and you'll be assisted on a first come, first serve basis.

Staff members will be on hand to guide you. Here's what you should do before you arrive to make everything go smoothly. 

What should I bring?

Go online and print out the passport application before you arrive. A questionnaire on the website will direct you to the right form. Fill it out with black ink and don't sign it until you meet with the passport clerk. The clerk needs to witness your signature. 

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship:

• Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport.
• Certified birth certificate issued by a 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:

• Naturalization certificate.
• Valid drivers license.
• Current city, state or federal government ID.
• Current military ID (military and dependents).

You'll also need a recent 2-inch by 2-inch passport photograph. You can have your photo taken at some of the passport fairs for a $15 fee. Not every location offers this service, so check in advance. 

Bring your payment. You'll pay separate fees to the Postal Service and State Department. The Postal Service accepts credit cards, checks and money orders. The State Department accepts only checks or money orders payable to the U.S. Department of State.

How much is the passport fee?

If you're getting a passport book: The total cost is $145 for those 16 and older and $115 for children 15 and younger. 

• The State Department passport book fee is $115 for age 16 and older and $80 for those 15 and younger. 
• The Postal Service processing fee is $35. 

If you're getting a passport card: The total cost is $65 for age 16 and older and $50 for those 15 and  younger. 

• The State Department passport card fee is $30 for those 16 and older and $15 for those 15 and younger.
• The Postal Service processing fee is $35. 

If you want expedited processing: It will cost an additional $60 paid to the U.S. Department of State.

What's the difference between a passport book and a passport card?

• A passport book covers international travel anywhere by air, land or sea. It meets Real ID regulations and can be used for domestic air travel.
• A passport card allows you to enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It cannot be used for international air travel. It's Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic flights.

This State Department page will help you decide which one to apply for.

Can I get a passport for my child?

Yes. Both parents must be present.

How long until I get my passport?

You won't get your passport at the fair. It will be mailed to you after the State Department processes your application. The department recommends applying at least two months before you plan to travel. Typically, it takes six to eight weeks for normal processing and two to three weeks for expedited processing.

Should I renew my passport at the fair?

If you already have a passport, a couple of things could keep you from traveling on it. If one of these things applies to you, you need to renew:

• Your passport expires in six months or less. Your passport technically expires six months before the expiration date. Airlines won't let you board if your passport doesn't have at least six months left on it. 
• You don't have enough space in your passport. Check the entry regulations for the country you're visiting. If you don't have the required number of pages, you'll need to renew. For example, Fiji requires one blank page. South Africa requires you to have two consecutive pages free.

You can renew a passport at the fair, but it's easy to do by mail. Just follow the instructions on the State Department website.

You can connect with Melissa through email at . You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 

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