Need a Passport? Come to George Mason University

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Release: U.S. Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. State Department and George Mason University’s Center for Global Education will join forces to host a special passport event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the university’s main campus in Fairfax.

“This is a great opportunity for Northern Virginia residents planning to travel outside the United States to apply for a passport,” said USPS Retail Manager Phan Coty.

Since June 2009, Americans returning to the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda have been required to present a valid passport book.

Those applying for a passport should bring a completed application. You can complete it online through the State Department’s website or print and complete it by hand in black ink. New applicants, renewals, name changes or corrections, and lost or stolen passports each require a different application.

Identification, including an original, is required to prove U.S. citizenship. IDs can include:

• Previously issued, undamaged passport
• Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state
• Consular report of birth abroad or birth certificate
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of citizenship

In addition, one current ID other than proof of citizenship is required, such as:

• Naturalization certificate
• Valid driver’s license
• Current government ID (city, state, federal)
• Current military ID (military and dependents)

Also required is a passport photo. It should be in color and taken within the past six months, measuring 2 inches by 2 nches with a full-face, front view (head should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches) and a plain white or off-white background. For an additional fee, some post offices can take your photo for you.

Finally, payment for applicable fees is required. More information regarding fees can be found on the State Department’s website.

The passport event will be in the GMU Center Student Union Building Room 3A (SUB 1 3A), at 4400 University Drive in Fairfax. Parking is available at the Mason Pond parking deck. For more information, visit the website of GMU’s Center for Global Education.