Bloomington post office hosts first ever 'Passport Fair' Saturday

With the increased necessity for passports starting the first of the year, the Fourth Street Bloomington post office will host its first ever "Passport Fair," increasing its hours of availability to file the paperwork.\nAs of January 8, 2007, all people traveling to and from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Bermuda will be required to present a passport to enter and reenter the U.S. Previously, a basic form of identification sufficed for such international travel.\nThis change is in accordance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a document proposed to strengthen border security, according to the Department of Homeland Security Web site, www.dhs.gov. \nTo make this transition smoother for Bloomington residents, the post office at 206 E. Fourth St. will be open Saturday until 4 p.m.\nThe increased hours are being offered to get a "jump on the rush," said Linda Ticen, claims and inquiries worker at the post office. \nGaining a passport requires many steps and can take up to eight weeks to process, Ticen said. The Fourth Street office is fully equipped to walk applicants through the process, providing all the necessary forms, photos and mailing.\nFees for the services are $98 for those over age 16 and $82 for those 15 and younger. Photo processing fees are an additional $15. Payments are divided between the Department of State and post office and will only be accepted by cash or check, Ticen said. \nSpecific documents are needed to apply for a passport. First, applicants must provide proof of American citizenship, such as a certificate of citizenship, previous U.S. passport or official birth certificate. Hospital issued birth certificates will not be accepted.\nSecond, a state-issued photo ID or certificate of citizenship or naturalization is also required to prove identity.\nFor those under 14, both parents are also required to be present.\nApplications can be downloaded at www.usps.com/passport or picked up at the Bloomington post office. They may be filled out before arriving but must be signed in person.\nNormal hours for passport applications are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.