Kearns sponsors special one-stop passport acceptance fairs

County clerk to hold events at select AAA Western and Central New York travel centers

Submitted

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns announced his office will be conducting a “Passports on the Move” outreach event at select AAA travel and insurance centers.Each event are for first-time passport applicants only. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Erie County Clerk’s Outreach Center at 716-858-8864.

This passport event will be held on “Travel Tuesdays” on Oct. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the Ken-Ton Branch located at 1737 Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda. A second event is planned for Nov. 19 at the Amherst Branch, located at 100 International Drive in Williamsville.

“I am pleased to bring this popular service to residents of Erie County, along with our community partners at AAA of Western and Central New York,” Kearns said. “Our main objective is to make county government more customer-centered, including offering easily accessible locations for travelers to apply for their U.S. passport.”

Applicants will be able to apply for a passport card, passport book or both. Payment must be in the form of check or money order. No cash or credit cards will be accepted.

“I encourage anyone planning overseas travel or college students preparing for a semester abroad to schedule an appointment for our ‘Passports on the Move’ event while current wait times to receive a first-time passport are six to eight weeks,” Kearns stated.

“AAA welcomes travelers to stop by ‘Passports on the Move’ to obtain their passports in a convenient and helpful setting,” said Elizabeth Carey, director of public relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “We’re pleased to partner with the clerk’s office to offer this popular service once again. With international travel on the rise, now is the time to get your documents in order, so you can plan the trip of your dreams!”

A certified copy of birth certificate and proof of identity such as a current New York state driver’s license or non-driver identification card is required in order for any application to be accepted. Passport photos can be taken on-site and are available for $8.95, plus tax for AAA members and $12.95, plus tax for non-members.

Current passport holders with less than six months validity remaining are encouraged to follow the instructions on how to renew their passport by mail at travel.state.gov/passports. Passport applications, a list of all required documents and a schedule of fees are available by visiting erie.gov/passports or by contacting the Erie County clerk’s office outreach center at 716-858-8864.