Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel this winter. Some countries will not allow entry for travelers with passports that are within several months of expiring. Travelers also need to account for the time it will take for the U.S. Department of State to process an application for passport renewal.
“The State Department has made significant progress on reducing the wait time for passport renewals, but it could still take a matter of weeks if not months,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “My office can provide assistance with the initial filing of an application, but unfortunately we have no control over the State Department’s timeline. Travelers should check their expiration dates now and plan their trip accordingly.” said Ms. Rajoppi. “
The State Department currently estimates that it will take 8-11 weeks to process a passport renewal. Applicants who are willing to pay a fee for expedited processing can expect a wait of 5-7 weeks.
Last summer, the State Department estimated wait times of up to 18 weeks.
For the latest updates on wait times, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit the State Department online at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.
The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.
To make an appointment for this service at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, or at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, use the online booking system at https://ucnjclerk.simplybook.me/v2/#book.
Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.
For more information about the County Clerk’s passport service, visit us at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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