For the lucky people taking trips overseas this summer, now is the time to focus on your passports.
Anyone hoping to save money will want to act within the next week.
The State Department announced it will be raising its fees on passport applications beginning next month.
That's the fee customers are charged when the post office processes the paperwork, according to Julie Chavez, a passport acceptance clerk at Denver's downtown post office.
Currently, the price is $25 to have the paperwork processed. Starting April 2, the cost will hop to $35.
People are encouraged to apply for a passport or passport card at least two months prior to their trips and schedule appointments with the post office, according to David Rupert with the U.S. Postal Service.
When soon-to-be travelers show up to the post office, Rupert said they should have all required documentation for their appointments including:
-Identification (original and a copy) to prove U.S. Citizenship
- Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
- Certified birth certificate issued by the 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, such as:
- Naturalization certificate
- Valid driver's license
- Current government ID (city, state or federal)
- Current military ID (military and dependents)
A recent two inches by two inches passport photograph is also required as part of the application process.
Applicants are asked to print and complete their applications before their appointments by going to usps.com/passort. Rupert warns people to not sign the application form because the passport acceptance clerk must witness the signing.
