County Clerk to Process Passports in Pound Ridge

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. – As new passport requirements go into effect, staff members of the Westchester County Clerk’s office will set up shop at Scotts Corners Market in Pound Ridge on Monday, April 16 to process passport applications from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“Passports have always been a necessary document for those who traveled outside of the North American continent, but now a U.S. Passport will be required for travel even closer to home,” said County Clerk Timothy Idoni.

Consequently, Idoni said that when planning a business trip or vacation, there are some things travelers should keep in mind

“Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply now because routine passport applications generally take approximately four to six weeks,” he said. “For an additional charge, expedited service will result in obtaining your passport in two to three weeks. But only in emergency circumstances can a passport application be processed more quickly, so don’t delay.”

Everyone, including U.S. citizens, will need a passport to enter the United States by air, by land or by sea unless you are a child under the age of 16 entering by land or sea with proof of U.S. citizenship or an adult with another travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

For next week’s passport application processing, Idoni said to be sure to bring the proper documentation.

“You will need proof that you are a United States citizen such as a previous unexpired U.S. passport, an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad or a naturalization certificate,” he said. “You will also need proof of your identity such as a current valid driver’s license or a government issued identification card.”

The fee for an adult passport is $135 and $105 for a child’s passport. Idoni’s staff can take a photo for an additional $10. Expedited service costs an additional $60 for each application. The fees for the U.S. passport card limited to land and sea border travel are $55 for adults and $40 for children. Fees can be paid by money order, by check or by credit card only. Cash cannot be accepted on the mobile office. Be sure to bring original documents with raised seals to avoid having to make a second trip.

For more information, call (914) 995-3086 or visit www.the county clerk's website.

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