New requires passports for all out-of-country travel by air or sea

Bill Jackson, (Bio) bjackson@greeleytribune.com
September 12, 2006

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The Greeley downtown and Evans post offices are among many post office locations nationwide offering passport application services.

New laws require that by Jan. 8 that travelers -- by air or sea to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda -- have a valid U.S. passport.

When applying for a passport, customers must present proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or previous passport and proof of identification -- previous passport, driver's license, military identification card. Photos required for your passport application can also be taken at the downtown office and at most post offices offering passport service.

The cost of a passport at the post office is based on the age of the applicant and includes the passport and Department of State processing fee.

For those 16 and older, the charge is $97. Anyone younger than 16 is charged $82. The U.S. State Department recommends allowing at least six weeks for passport processing. Passport applications must be made in person at a participating post office. Applications cannot be made online.

In addition, through Oct. 31, the Postal Service is partnering with Shutterfly.com in a special promotion. The "Get a Passport, Travel the World" promotion allows customers who apply for a new passport at the Greeley downtown location and at passport post office locations nationwide to qualify for a free, customer-designed, 20-page Classic Photo Book through Shutterfly -- www.shutterfly.com.

Customers purchasing passports at the post office will receive a luggage tag containing a uniquely coded coupon to redeem the photo book that can contain up to 1,000 pictures. After entering the code on shutterfly.com, customers will be able to select a cover and page style, and then add digital photos and captions to create a one-of-a-kind memory book of their travels. The promotion is offered through Oct. 31, but the coupon may be redeemed through March 2007.

Breakout: The Greeley Post Office's passport acceptance service hours are 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the downtown location, 925 11th Ave. The Evans Post Office, 3344 11th Ave., has the same hours. Passport information is available at (800) 275-8777.