Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello advises residents that the US Department of State is raising the County Passport Execution Fee from $25.00 to $35.00 beginning on April 2. The fee is in addition to the existing Federal Passport Fee of $110 for a regular passport, and is mandated by the U.S. Department of State.
The fee increase applies to passport applications that are submitted to an authorized agent, including a US Post Office, County Clerk or other authorized government office. Passport applications submitted to the U.S. Department of State by mail are not subject to the fee increase.
“To avoid paying this increased fee, it is a good idea to apply now for your new or updated passport, rather than waiting until April,” said County Clerk Sollami Covello. “Since passports are valid for ten years, you will avoid the added cost and be ready to travel in time for summer vacation.” she added.
Applicants can also have their passport photograph taken on site when obtaining passport services from the County Clerk’s Office for an additional fee.
The Mercer County Clerk’s office provides two convenient locations for submitting passport applications, in Trenton at 240 West State Street, and in Hamilton Township at the Mercer County Connection Office. Both offices offer some extended evening hours, and the Hamilton office offers Saturday hours as well.
The County Clerk also travels with staff to various municipalities throughout the year for Passport Service Days. This Spring, the County Clerk’s Office is scheduled to hold passport days in Ewing, Hopewell and East Windsor Townships. To schedule an appointment to have your passport processed there, please contact 609-989-6473.
For more detailed information about the County Clerk’s passport services, visit online at http://nj.gov/counties/mercer/ officials/clerk/services/ passports.html or on the Federal website at travel.state.gov.