USPS Test 18
5 min40 WPM required317 words
Click on the passage and start typing to begin.
Passport acceptance at post offices provides an important public service that helps millions of Americans obtain the travel documents they need, and postal employees at designated acceptance facilities play a critical role in ensuring that applications are complete, accurate, and accompanied by the required documentation before they are forwarded to the Department of State for processing. Applicants for a first passport or for a replacement when the previous passport has expired for more than five years, was issued before age sixteen, or was lost or stolen must complete DS-11, the Application for a U.S. Passport, which requires a certified copy of proof of U.S. citizenship, a government-issued photo identification, and a signed statement that the applicant has not previously obtained a passport or that the prior passport is unavailable. Acceptance facility designation means that a post office location has been approved by the Department of State to receive passport applications, and employees at these facilities are trained to review applications for completeness, witness the applicant's signature, and certify that the identity documents presented match the applicant. Photo requirements for passport applications are specific regarding size, background color, lighting, head position, and the prohibition against glasses, and acceptance agents must review photos to ensure they meet standards before including them with the application. Fees for passport applications include a Department of State fee paid by check or money order made payable to the Department of State, as well as an acceptance fee paid to the United States Postal Service, with the total cost varying depending on whether the applicant is requesting a book, card, or both. Expedited processing is available for additional fees and is recommended for applicants who have imminent travel plans, and employees should inform customers about processing timelines and the option to check application status online. The passport acceptance role adds revenue and foot traffic to post offices while providing a genuinely valuable community service.