Post offices, towns offer passport services

Post offices, towns offer passport services

Because travelers to Canada, Mexico and other locations may soon need passports to cross the borders, and because they may have delayed in applying for them, some post offices and many town offices are offering passport services. In Holley and in three Monroe county post offices, officials were on hand to make it easier for individuals to file their applications with the State Department. In January, the Monroe County Department of Motor Vehicles stopped processing passport applications.

On Sunday, February 12 in Holley, Mary Anne Glantz and her grandson, Patrick Glantz, were among those in line for their passports.

"I was renewing mine and it was a relatively quick process," Mary Anne said.

For Patrick, it was his first time applying for a passport. "It was pretty easy and only took about 20 minutes.

The Glantzs said they are planning an overseas graduation trip for Patrick, who graduates in June from Holley High School.

Parents with school-age children were encouraged to attend the Sunday post office hours that were offered as a convenience. Donna Hennessey, USPS customer relations, said it's difficult for parents to take a day off from work and have their children miss school to submit their passport applications. Children under the age of 16 are required to appear in person, with their parents, for the processing of the passport applications.

Processing of passports normally takes five to six weeks but can be expedited for an additional fee.

To apply for a passport, travelers need to complete Passport Application form DS-11 (unsigned), provide proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of identity, submit two identical passport photos and pay the appropriate fees in order to apply. Town officials recommend a birth certificate with a raised seal and a driver's license or other photo identification as proof of identity.

Fees are: $97 for age 16 and older -- $67 is the U.S. Department of State fee, $30 is a processing fee for the entity assisting with the process (town or post office); under age 15 -- $82 total, $52 U.S. fee and $30 processing fee.

The towns of Clarkson, Hamlin and Ogden are offering passport services. Appointments can be made for Clarkson at 637-1130; Hamlin at 964-2421; Ogden at 352-2100. In Orleans and Genesee counties, passports are offered at select post offices and through the county clerk's office.