Rare passport fair is coming to Central CA, just ahead of Real ID deadline
Planning a trip? You can apply for a U.S. passport in person without an appointment ahead of California’s Real ID deadline.
The U.S. Postal Service office in Exeter will host a passport fair on Saturday, May 3, according to a news release.
Such events offer a “personalized experience,” especially for adults and children getting their passports for the first time, the U.S. Department of State said on its website.
Here’s what to know:
Why do I need a U.S. passport or California Real ID?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will soon require people to have a federally approved document — such as a passport or a Real ID driver’s license — on hand for domestic plane travel.
California’s Real ID requirement will be enforced beginning on Wednesday, May 7.
You’ll need the special state-issued identification card to board domestic airplane flights as well as access federal facilities and nuclear power plants, the Department of Homeland Security said on its website.
The law applies to everyone age 18 years or older, according to the federal agency.
When and where is Central California passport fair?
The passport fair will be held at the Exeter Post Office, 135 South D St. in Exeter, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
The Tulare County city is less than an hour’s drive from Fresno.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointments are required at the Exeter passport fair on Saturday, according to the release.
“There will be extra staff available to speed up the process,” the Post Office said.
However, the agency recommends filling out passport forms ahead of time.
Who is eligible to get a U.S. passport?
To be eligible, you must be either:
- A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
- A qualifying U.S. non-citizen national
What do I need to apply for a passport?
To apply for a passport, you’ll need:
- A valid form of photo identification, such as a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID
- A certified copy of your birth certificate, original certificate of naturalization or an old passport
Passport photo
Passport photos must be color photos taken in the past six months. You can find a full list of photo requirements online at travel.state.gov.
You can also get a passport photo taken for $15 at Saturday’s passport fair.
How much do fees costs?
If you’re age 16 or older and applying for a passport for the first time, you can expect to pay $35 for an acceptance fee, plus an application fee of $30 for a passport card or $130 for a passport book, according to the State Department.
The application fee for a passport card and book is $160.
Children under 16 must pay $35 for an acceptance fee, plus $15 for a passport card, $100 for a passport book or $115 for both.
You can pay in person at the Post Office using a credit card, debit card, check or money order.
If you’re 16 or older, you can renew your passport by mail or online for $30 for a passport card, $130 for a passport book or $160 for both.
How quickly can I get my passport?
According to the U.S. State Department’s website, it can take about four to six weeks to process your passport application — or two to three weeks for expedited service..
That doesn’t include mailing times.
If you need a passport for “urgent travel in less than two weeks,” the federal agency said, you should make an appointment at a passport agency or center.
You can use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person,” the federal agency said.
Call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 877-487-2778 for more information.
You can find application forms, instructions and information about fees online at usps.com/passport or travel.state.gov/passport.
%20Cropped.jpg)