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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	April, 2007	Return to newsletter index

Accepting Passport Applications: A New Service at City Hall

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Starting later this month, we are pleased to offer the citizens of greater Saco a new service here at City Hall: accepting passport applications for processing by the US Department of State.

As many of you may know, requirements for traveling in and out of the country have changed, such that having a valid passport is more important now than it ever was. So, it was timely for the City of Saco to offer this service for our citizens, especially as there is no other such agency in town.

We will process applications Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9AM and 3PM, in the customer service area on the main floor a City Hall. The standard fees total $97 for an adult, and $82 for a child under 15. The person applying for a passport must be present and children applying must be accompanied by both parents in most circumstances. From the time you submit a completed application to us to process, to the time you have your passport in hand, is usually 6 weeks for standard service.

We also will offer expedited service, which is a 2 week total processing time after you submit a completed application. This service includes an additional processing fee for the Department of State, plus overnight mailing fees to them and then back to you. Please note that no matter what agency you go to, the processing time frames and fees are the same.

In order to submit an application for a passport, most citizens will need to present:

• a completed application (we hope to have received the forms by the time this newsletter goes to print!)
• two 2x2 recent color photos (we have a list of local photographers who can get you photos that meet the exact size and lay-out requirements)
• proof of citizenship (a certified Birth Certificate is the most common document presented to verify citizenship)
• a photo ID (such as a valid driver's license with photo)
• and payment by check or money order (credit and debit cards are not accepted by the US Department of State).

There are many variations on what is required, depending on where you were born or when and how you became a citizen. You may need to do a little research before you can assemble all the necessary documents, and we strongly suggest that you pick up the application form and review what you will need with us in advance. But, don't worry - we will be able to help guide you through the process. Just leave yourself plenty of time before your trip!

This service is part of our ongoing effort "to enhance our community through exceptional service." We hope citizens can take advantage of this benefit soon and appreciate your patience while we get our agency up and running!

For more information, please contact Denise Pendleton in Finance at 282-1032.