September is Passport Awareness Month

Don't Let an Expired Passport Derail Your Next Adventure

As Erie County Clerk, one of my priorities has always been making government work better for the people we serve. That means improving customer service, bringing services closer to our residents and making it easier to navigate what can sometimes feel like a complicated process.

That is especially true when it comes to passports.

September is National Passport Awareness Month, and I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to check their passport before booking that next vacation, visiting family overseas or planning an international adventure.

Don't wait until you are standing at the airport to discover there is a problem.

Many travelers know they need a passport for international travel, but having a passport that has not technically expired does not necessarily mean you can travel. Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Requirements vary by destination, and airlines may enforce those requirements before you ever leave the United States.

That is why I always tell residents: check your passport before you book the trip-not after.

If your passport is nearing expiration, give yourself plenty of time. The U.S. Department of State currently estimates routine processing at four to six weeks, while expedited service generally takes two to three weeks for an additional fee. Processing times can change, and those estimates do not include mailing time.

Here in Erie County, we have worked hard to make the passport process more convenient. The Erie County Clerk's Office is an official Passport Application Acceptance Agent, and residents can apply at Old County Hall in Buffalo, our Southtowns Outreach Center in West Seneca, and our Northtowns Outreach Center at Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville.

Our passport agents can assist first-time applicants, help families applying for children and make sure applications are properly completed before they are submitted. Need a passport photo?We can take care of that, too, for just $10.

It is also important to understand the costs. A first-time adult passport book currently costs $165 total-a $130 application fee and a $35 acceptance fee. A passport book for a child under 16 costs $135,including the $100 application fee and $35 acceptance fee. Eligible adult passport renewals are $130.

Your passport can also provide another option for federally accepted identification. A valid U.S. passport book or passport card can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver license or identification card for domestic air travel.

My philosophy as Erie County Clerk has always been simple: government should work for the people-not the other way around.

A passport can represent a family vacation, a visit to loved ones or an opportunity to see someplace new. I don't want an expired passport or a missed requirement standing between you and that experience.

So during National Passport Awareness Month, pull out your passport, check the expiration date and check your destination's requirements.

If you need a passport, don't wait. We're here to help you get the process started-and get you on your way.

For passport information, required documents, fees and locations, visit erie.gov/passports or contact the Erie County Clerk's Outreach Center at (716) 858-8864.