Clerk: 6,000 passports processed

By: centraljersey.com
TRENTON – Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello reported her office processed nearly 6,000 applications for United States passports in 2010.
"Our annual review of passport operations showed that 5,933 passport applications were taken at Mercer County’s two passport processing locations and nine local passport events," she said. "Despite the slow economy, the number of passport applications is rising. It is likely due to the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security tightening U.S. Passport requirements by requiring that all U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must now present a passport to enter into or depart from the United States.
The Mercer County Clerk’s office continues to receive and process U.S. Passport applications Monday through Friday during business hours at the County Clerk’s Office, 209 South Broad Street in Trenton. In addition, the Clerk’s Office will continue taking U.S. Passport processing on the road to local town centers at various dates throughout the year. Please check local listings beginning in the springtime.
One can also apply for a U.S. Passport at the County Connection located at the Hamilton Square Shopping Center on Route 33 and Paxson Avenue in Hamilton.
For further information on U.S. Passport requirements, and what personal documents are needed to obtain a passport, residents should visit www.mercercounty.org and click on County Clerk or call 609-989-6473.