Oakland County, Michigan, April 24, 2009 -- Ruth  Johnson, the Oakland County Clerk & Register of Deeds, is once again holding Saturday office hours to accommodate travelers in meeting new passport requirements. Her office will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2nd.

Joining with Johnson's office is Farmington Hills, which will be open from noon to 2 p.m., and West Bloomfield Township, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Our Passport Day last month was such a success and residents truly appreciated the convenience of Saturday hours so they could bring in their kids and not have to worry about child care or work," said Johnson. "It can be tough for working parents. We know that so we have tripled the amount of services customers can access online. Passport applicants, however, must appear in person when applying for a passport."

Beginning June 1, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports. Earlier requirements only affected air travel.

Passports are required for all international air travel. The cost of a passport for applicants age 16 and older is $100. For applicants under age 16, the cost is $85. Photos, which are required, are available for $10 at the Oakland County Clerk's Office. For full passport requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's web site at www.travel.state.gov.

The new passport cards, which were approved in July 2008 and are slightly less expensive, can only be used for entry at land border crossings and sea ports. The passport card is $45 for applicants age 16 and older or $35 for applicants age 16 and younger. Photos, which are required, are $10.

The Oakland County Clerk's Office is located on the ground floor of the Oakland County Courthouse at 1200 N. Telegraph in Pontiac. Visitors on May 2nd must use the north entrance of the court house.

 
Please note:

• Applicants must be present when submitting the application and must have a valid driver's license or state identification card.
• Parents that are 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 parent.
• 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 pay Clerk processing fee of $25 & Photo Fee of $10, if necessary, by cash or credit card. Checks or money order for the application fee must be made payable to the US Department of State.
• Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced this month that a new, enhanced driver's license is also available for $45 for travel to and from Canada. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/sos.

For more information or to interview Ruth Johnson, call (248) 858-0168.