Passports made easy

Need a passport? You can get one more easily on Dec. 5 when the federal Seattle Passport Agency hosts a special "Passport Day" at its downtown office.

While aimed especially at travelers planning to go to Vancouver, B.C., or Whistler for the 2010 Winter Olympics in February, the Passport Day is open to all U.S. citizens who need passports. A passport or other federally approved document (such as the Washington enhanced driver license) is required to cross the U.S.-Canada border.

A passport application can be done by mail or in person at many passport-acceptance facilities such as post offices, but the Passport Day has some advantages, said Seattle Passport Agency spokesman Trip Atkins.

Applications will be done "at the source" so any problems can be quickly resolved, said Atkins. It saves on mailing/processing time. And the Saturday hours (which many passport-acceptance facilities don't offer) are convenient. In addition, U.S. consular officials are expected to offer advice on assistance they can provide to travelers during the Olympic Games in Vancouver/Whistler.

The Passport Day in Seattle runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Seattle Passport Agency at the Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Ave., Suite 992. Applicants — who must be U.S. citizens — should go to the Second Avenue entrance. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry into the building.

First-time passport applicants should bring proof of citizenship (a certified copy of U.S. birth certificate, original naturalization certificate, etc.); government-issued photo ID (driver's license or identification card), two passport photos, check, money order or cash (exact change). Get details on passport fees and requirements at www.travel.state.govor phone 877-487-2778. Application forms can be printed from the Web site.

For passport renewals, applicants should bring a previous U.S. passport (must be undamaged and in current name), photo ID, two passport photos and check/money order/cash (exact change).

Both expedited and routine applications will be accepted at the Passport Day, but passports will not be issued while applicants wait. All passports will be mailed. With expedited processing (for which there's an extra fee), a passport should be received within two to three weeks. With routine processing, it should be received within four to six weeks.

Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com