(El Paso, Texas) - During today's meeting, the members of Commissioners Court unanimously approved to extend the hours of operation of the District Clerk's Passport Service Division in an effort to process a greater number of the applications submitted to this office.
Monday, June 1st, 2009 is the deadline by which people traveling by land or sea from the Mexico, Panama, Bermuda and the Carribbean must present a valid U.S. Passport while entering the United States.
The Passport Service Division will now be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez suggests applicants to have their documents and the correct forms of payments ready to quicken the process.
Due to the increasing number of residents soliciting a valid U.S. Passport, applicants must be prepared to wait at least 2 hours before completing all the application process.
The Passport Service runs in a walk-in basis.
In anticipation of the new entry requirements, the District Clerk Office is also taking applications for the Passport card, a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional Passport book issued by the US Department of State.
This wallet-sized card, which uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to facilitate wireless reading, was created in response to the needs of border resident communities an will also facilitate entry and expedite document processing at the ports of entry.
The cost is $45 for first-time adult applicants, $35 for children 15 and younger and $20 for current passport holders seeking the new documents.
The new federal document will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, and five for children 15 and younger.
The traditional Passport book is $75 for adults' payable by check or money order and $60 for children; in addition there will be a $25 cash processing fee.
First time applicants for both documents will pay only one execution fee.
Passport Requirements:
- Two Photographs (Photography service available for $10)
- Proof of citizenship
- A valid form of identification like Texas Driver's License.
People interested in applying for a Passport card or book can do it at the lower level of the County Courthouse located at 500 E. San Antonio.
For additional Information please call Gilbert Sanchez at (915) 546-2000