Clerk's Office open Sept. 17 for Passport Day

Oakland County Clerk's Office Open Saturday, Sept. 17, for Passport Day in the USA Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullard Jr. announced that his office will be participating in the national Passport Day in the USA on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the main office at 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac. In addition to processing passports, the Vital Records section of the Clerk's office will observe Saturday hours and assist with, business/assumed names registrations, on-the-spot copies of birth, death and marriage certificates, marriage license applications, notary services and concealed pistol license applications. "People lead busy lives," Bullard noted. "And it's not always easy for them to get to our office during normal hours. My goal is to make our office more accessible to the public. This is another opportunity, along with our mobile office that visits a different community every month, our outdoor mobile offices that have visited festivals and farmers' markets, and our expansion of online services." For someone born in Oakland County who cannot locate their birth certificate, these hours are a unique opportunity for a "one stop shop" for obtaining a passport. The cost of a passport for applicants age 16 and older is $110. For applicants under the age of 16, the cost is $80. Both are payable via personal check or money order to U.S. Dept. of State and a $25 processing fee payable by cash or credit card to Oakland County Clerk. Photos, which are required, can be taken on the spot for a fee of $10 at the Oakland County Clerk's Office. The Oakland County Clerk's Office is located on the ground floor of the Oakland County Courthouse at 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac. Visitors for Passport Day in the USA must use the north, first floor entrance of the courthouse. The Clerk's Office would like residents to note: * Applicants must be present when submitting the application and must have a valid driver's license or state identification card. * Parents requesting a passport for minors under the age of 16 must both be present at the time of their application, unless one parent has a notarized consent form signed by the absent parent. * All minors applying for a passport must appear in person with their parents. * Applicants must bring a certified copy of his or her birth certificate or naturalization papers to be forwarded to the U.S. Passport Office. Documentation is mailed back to the applicant when the passport is issued. * For those born in Oakland County, birth certificates are available at a cost of $15 (cash or credit card) for the first copy. * Applicants must bring a check or money order as a portion of the fees is sent directly to the U.S. Department of State. Passport regulations have been tightened in the last several years. Currently, U.S. citizens must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States by air. Citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government. For full passport requirements, visit the Clerk's website at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod. Published: Thu, Sep 15, 2011