Post offices to host information fairs

Procrastination could cost you when new passport rules take effect June 1.

At that time, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry.

The passport card, a smaller, less expensive alternative to a passport book, will allow re-entry at land and sea ports but is not valid for international air travel.

Several state post offices are hosting a "passport fair" Saturday to provide information and to accept applications.

In the Lowcountry, the following offices are participating:

--Awendaw, 7503 U.S. Highway 17, 8-10 a.m.

--Huger, 3282 S.C. Highway 41, 8:30- 11 a.m.

--Mount Pleasant, 1050 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

--St. Stephen, 3981 Byrnes Drive, 9 a.m.-noon.

--Summerville Oakbrook Station, 10070 Dorchester Road, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Passport photo service will be available at these locations for a $15 fee. The total passport book fee for adults 16 and older is $100 and $85 for children younger than 16. The total passport card fee for adults 16 and older is $45 and $35 for children under 16.

Items needed to apply for a passport are two identical color passport photos; proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate issue by the city, county or state, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship and consular report of birth abroad; and proof of identity such as a current, valid driver's license, military or government ID or a certificate of naturalization.