Post office offers special chance to get passport

The Ashby Post Office staff is hosting a Passport Day to help residents compile with the new federal passport regulations.

Postmaster Andrew Marrama said the special hours should make it easier for parents with minor children applying for a passport because both parents must accompany children if they are under 14 years old, and one parent must accompany children between 14 and 17 years olds.

The special hours will be on Saturday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ashby Post Office, 851 Main St.

The new regulations require a passport for all air and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The new rules took effect in January.

More new regulations will take effect on Jan. 1, 2008, which require passports for all land border crossings.

Marrama recommends that people apply for their passports at least two months or earlier before their departure to avoid extra costs to expedite an application.

Those applying for a passport must all bring proof of citizenship, two passports photos and a current photo identification. Passport fees can be paid by check or cash. Passports cost $97 for people 16 and older, $82 for people under 16 and $67 for passports being renewed.

More information can be obtained by calling Ashby's Post Office at (978) 386-0041 or can be obtained online at www.usps.com/passport.