Travelers in need of a passport can take advantage of a special Passport Fair at the Gulf Shores Post Office on Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event, hosted by the U.S. Postal Service, offers a convenient option for those unable to visit during regular

The Gulf Shores Post Office, located at 2149 W. First St., is accepting appointments for the fair. Customers can call (251) 968-2231 to schedule a time. To streamline the process, applicants are encouraged to visit www.usps.com/passport to review requirements and complete an application form before arriving.

Applicants must bring proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad or a previous U.S. passport. A photocopy of the document, including both front and back if double-sided, is also required.

Proof of identity is necessary and can include a valid U.S. passport, driver's license, government-issued ID or military identification. Minors under 16 must appear with both parents or provide a notarized authorization form if one parent is unavailable.

An adult passport book must be accompanied by a check or money order of $130 payable to the U.S. State Department and a $35 acceptance fee payable to Postmaster. An adult passport card is $30 with a $35 acceptance fee. An adult seeking both a passport book and a passport card will pay $160 to the U.S. State Department and a $35 acceptance fee to the Postmaster. The passport application requires a recent color passport photograph which may be taken by a postal photographer for a $15 fee.

Fees for children under 16 are $100 for the Passport Book and a $35 acceptance fee. A child's passport card will cost $15 with a $35 acceptance fee. A passport book and a passport card for a child is $115 plus a $35 acceptance fee.

Additional information, including details on other passport locations and customer service hours, is available at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS. Travelers can also visit the U.S. State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov for further guidance.