Anchorage - US Passport Fair

Thinking about travelling via air to Canada or Mexico this year?  Maybe going next year by car or boat?  You will need a passport.  Here's one way to get one if you plan to be in Anchorage Feb 3.  Check the ADN article for quicker methods to obtain a passport or for those of you who won't be in Anchorage on Feb 3.

Link: adn.com | life : New passport regulations in effect Tuesday.

If you know you'll need a new passport, but you're not in a rush, consider attending the USPS passport fair, scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Feb. 3 at Wendler Middle School, 2905 Lake Otis Parkway. The USPS held a similar event last November at the Loussac Library, and it was such a huge success that for this event, they're relocating to a larger venue.

"We think there's going to be a big push for (applications) around that time," said Robin Rampmeyer, USPS manager of retail for Alaska.

The event makes it easy to get all your passport paperwork done at once, in one place. The USPS will provide forms, offer photos, notarize applications and send them to the U.S. Department of State.

Bring ID and proof of citizenship. Acceptable payment methods include cash, check or money order (no credit cards).

For more information, call 564-2808.

Get your photo

A few options in Anchorage:

Costco
4125 DeBarr Road.
Phone: 269-9510, press five for other departments, press five for photo.
Cost: $4.99, members only.

Costco
330 W. Dimond Blvd.
Phone: 349-2335; press five for other departments; press four for photo.
Cost: $4.99, members only.

Carrs Aurora Village,
1650 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Phone: 297-0500, press eight for customer service, ask for photo.
Cost: $7.99

Kits Camera
Anchorage 5th Avenue mall
320 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 252.
Phone: 276-8592.
Cost: $14.95

Gather forms and papers

Submit the completed forms, two 2-inch-by-2-inch photos and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) in person at a valid passport acceptance center. You'll also need to show ID.

Passport acceptance centers in the area

U.S. Post Office Downtown station
344 W. Third Ave.
279-9188
Passport acceptance hours: 10-11 a.m. and noon-4 p.m. Monday-Friday

U.S. Post Office Postal Store
Anchorage 5th Avenue mall, Suite
348 276-6790
Passport acceptance hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Eagle River Post Office
11471 Business Blvd., Eagle River
694-2732
Passport acceptance hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday.

U.S. Post Office
401 N. Main St., Wasilla
1-907-376-5327
Passport acceptance hours: 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

U.S. Post Office
1-907-745-5051
500 S. Cobb St., Palmer
Passport acceptance hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Your passport and other documents will be returned to you by mail. Bon voyage!