by Kirstin Fuller
Still don’t have your passport? Well”...the Department of State wants to help YOU! April 9, 2011 is the date of the next “˜Passport Day in the USA’ event. If your next business trip or family vacation will take you on international travel by air, you will need a valid U.S. passport (book) to re-enter the country. If you are traveling by land or sea ports of entry (i.e. Cruise ships), the U.S. Passport Card will give travelers re-entry access from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
“˜Passport Day in the USA 2011′ will take place on April 9th from 10:00am till 3:00pm at the Washington Passport Agency located at 1111 19th St. NW (Ground Level), Washington, DC 20036. The passport book fees are the same $110 + $25 (execution fee) for adults (age 16 and older) and minors $80 + $25 (execution fee). Processing time is usually 4-6 weeks. For this event only, the expedited processing fee of $60 is being waived. This means that your passport will arrive in approximately 2-3 weeks. Fabulous deal!
The passport card fees are $30 + $25 (execution fee) for adults and $15 +$25 (execution fee) for minors. The passport card has the same age restrictions as the passport book.
Online applications are available on the official Department of State website. You will also have to bring the necessary documents to process your application. They include: proof of U.S. citizenship ¹, proof of identity ¹, and a recent color photograph (2×2 full front view of the face) ² along with your fees. Fees can be paid by debit/credit cards, money orders ³ and personal checks ³. The passport book/card fee and the execution fee must be paid separately using the same payment methods.
This is an excellent opportunity to get your passport or passport card. Don’t miss it! For more information, please visit: www.travel.state.gov.
Happy & Safe Travels,
The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller of Reservations Travel Guide)
¹For the list of approved “˜proof of U.S. Citizenship’ and “˜proof of identity’ documents, please visit the Depart of State website or call 1-877-487-2778.
²Please call the toll free number to verify if photographs can/will be taken onsite the day of the event.
³All personal checks and money orders should be made payable to the Department of State.