A passport fair offering new U.S. passport issuances and renewals will take place in Los Angeles Koreatown on October 5. The event, hosted by Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-CA 34)’s office, will begin at 9 a.m. The exact location will be disclosed only to those who make a reservation in advance. Korean interpreters will be available on-site, ensuring that community members who are not fluent in English can apply or renew their passports without difficulty.
Reservations are mandatory to participate in the fair. Reservations can be made through the congressman’s website. While applications submitted through the US Postal Service (USPS) typically take 4–6 weeks to process with the State Department, this fair will streamline delivery and administrative steps, allowing applicants to receive their passports more quickly.
Applicants must bring completed passport application forms (DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals), as well as original and copies of proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or most recently expired passport, a government-issued photo ID and its copy, and a passport photo. Forms can be downloaded from the State Department’s website, filled out, and printed in advance, or completed on-site with the help of interpreters.
Passport fees must be paid by check or money order. For adults, the combined passport book and passport card costs $160, the passport book alone is $130, and the card alone is $30. The payee must be listed as the U.S. Department of State. Applicants may also choose expedited service for $60 and delivery for $19.53, both payable by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State. In addition, all applicants must pay a $35 execution fee to USPS, which can be paid by check, money order, or credit card.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
