PASSPORTS
The Town Clerk's office has been designated as a passport acceptance site. Passport applications are processed daily:
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM on certain Wednesday evenings
With the approach of spring, many families are making vacation plans for travel outside the United States.
The Department of State has announced an importance change in response to the needs of US citizens for flexibility regarding travel documents in complying with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. As of February 1st, citizens now have an opportunity to choose between the passport book and a passport card.
U.S. citizens may now begin apply for the new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card. The passport card only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
This is important to keep in mind, because the passport card cannot be used for air travel or for countries other than listed above.
The fee for a passport card for an adult is $45.00. Children (age 15 and under) pay $35.00.
Whether applying for a passport book or a passport card, you need to appear in person with a certified copy of your birth certificate (filed within one year after birth), and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Here in the Town Clerk’s office, steps have also been taken to assist customers with applications. We now offer a one-stop process by providing photographs as well as processing your passport application. Photographs are reasonably priced at $8.00.
The Department of State has placed a $3.00 increase in the fee for a passport book, now $100.00 for adults and $85.00 for children under 16.
For children under the age of 16, both parents or the child’s legal guardian(2) must appear in person with all the necessary documentation.
January historically marks the beginning of the busy season and it is always best to apply well in advance of planned travel. As of today, passport applications are currently at the normal processing time of four to six weeks for routine service and three weeks for expedited service. There is an additional $60.00 fee for expedited service.
Passport applications are processed in the Town Clerk’s office daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on certain Wednesday evenings until 6:30 p.m. by appointment. It is suggested that interested parties contact Pat DePasquale, Town Clerk (558-3215) or deputy clerk Jacqueline Felser (558-3216) prior to appearing to ensure that either one is available to process your application(s).
- Fees for Passport Book are as follows:
- Adults (16 years of age or older)
$100.00 Two (2) separate checks are required
$ 75.00 check made payable to Department of State
$ 25.00 check made payable to West Seneca Town Clerk
- Children (15 years of age or younger) $85.00 Two (2) separate checks are required
$ 60.00 check made payable to Department of State
$ 25.00 check made payable to West Seneca Town Clerk
- Passport Photos - $ 8.00
- Fees for Passport Card are as follows:
- Adults (16 years of age or older)
$45.00 Two (2) separate checks are required
$ 20.00 check made payable to Department of State
$ 25.00 check made payable to West Seneca Town Clerk
- Children (15 years of age or younger) $35.00 Two (2) separate checks are required
$ 10.00 check made payable to Department of State
$ 25.00 check made payable to West Seneca Town Clerk
- Passport Photos - $ 8.00
All minors must appear in person when applying for U.S. passports.