Oakland County, Michigan, March 4, 2010 -- The Oakland County Clerk and several local city and township clerks will be participating in this year's national "PASSPORT DAY in the USA" - opening their doors on Saturday, March 27, to accommodate travelers.

"We're happy to open on Saturday because it may be a big help to working families - parents can bring their kids with them and not have to worry about child care or work," said Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson.  "We can offer most of our services online, but passport applicants have to apply in person."

Clerk Offices in the following communities will be open on March 27:

• The Oakland County Clerk's Office, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Birmingham, 151 Martin St., Birmingham, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Bloomfield Township, 4200 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Farmington Hills, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Novi, 45178 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi, 9 a.m. to 1. p.m.
• Rochester Hills, 1000 Rochester Hills Dr., Rochester Hills, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Walled Lake, 1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• West Bloomfield Township, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Walled Lake, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wixom, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For the first time ever, the Oakland County Clerk's Office will be offering expanded services during the March 27 Passport Day, including business/assumed names registrations, on-the-spot copies of birth, death and marriage certificates, property records, marriage license applications, notary services and concealed pistol license applications. To assist residents, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office will also be open for several hours on March 27 for fingerprinting service, which is required for CPL applications.

Passport regulations have been tightened in the last several years. Today, 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. 

The cost of a passport for applicants age 16 and older is $100. For applicants under the age of 16, the cost is $85. Photos, which are required, are available for $10 at the Oakland County Clerk's Office and at most of the participating communities. Applicants should call their local community to inquire whether photo service is available. For full passport requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website at www.travel.state.gov. Additional information is available on the Oakland County Clerk's website at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod.
                            
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 March 27 must use the north, first floor entrance of the courthouse.

Please 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 their checkbook or money orders as a portion of the fees is sent directly to the U.S. Department of State.