For Immediate Release:
May 23, 2016
Plan now for Passport renewal
Summer travel is approaching – visit county sites
to apply or update
FREEHOLD, NJ – County Clerk Christine Hanlon is reminding travelers that with summer fast approaching, it is time to make sure their current passport is up-to-date and the time to apply for a new one is now.
“Residents who don’t have a U.S. passport should consider applying for their passport immediately,” said Hanlon. “You never know when you may have to travel on short notice. Residents with U.S. passports should check the expiration date and begin the renewal process two months ahead of time.”
Hanlon also advises people to apply for passports early, well before their planned departure date.
“Many countries require six months validity on a U.S. passport so it is important to check your passport’s expiration date, well in advance of your anticipated travel date,” said Hanlon.
To obtain a passport, it is necessary to have a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, social security number, a passport photo 2x2 inches in size, and current identification such as a driver's license or government identification. Passport photos are available for a fee of $10 at county offices. For other application-related fees, visit the U.S. Passports and International website.
“Advance planning for a passport is a wise investment of time,” Hanlon said. “Whether it is an unexpected business trip, emergency travel outside the U.S. or a scheduled vacation, the best thing to do is get a head start and act soon.”
Parents who are making a passport application on behalf of a child under the age of 16 are required to appear together or submit additional documentation.
Passport applications are accepted at two Monmouth County Passport Offices:
· Freehold - Monmouth County Clerk’s Office located in the Market Yard (south of Main Street). The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Neptune - Monmouth County Connection at 3544 Route 66 (near Home Depot). The hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Information about the specific documentation can be found on the County website or by calling the Freehold Passport Office at 732-431-7324 or the Neptune County Connection Passport Office at 732-303-2828.
Hanlon recommends that residents contact the Passport Office prior to appearing at the office to be sure that you have the proper documentation and payments.
For more information, call the Monmouth County Clerk’s office at 732-431-7324 or visit the County website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
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