KEARNS SPONSORS SPECIAL ONE-STOP PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE FAIRS

County Clerk to hold events at select AAA Western and Central New York Travel Centers

Erie County, NY- Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns announced that his office will be conducting a "Passports on the Move" outreach event at select AAA Travel and Insurance Centers. Each event are for first-timepassport applicants only. Reservations are required and can be made by contactingthe Erie County Clerk's Outreach Centerat (716) 858-8864.

This passport event will be held on "Travel Tuesdays" on October 29th from 5pm-7pm at the Ken-Ton Branch located at 1737 Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda. A second event is planned for November 19th at the Amherst Branch, located at 100 International Drive in Williamsville.

"I ampleased to bring this popular service to residents of Erie County, along with our community partners at AAA of Western and Central New York," said County Clerk Kearns. "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. "With the holidays around the corner, 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 6-8 weeks," Kearns stated.

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 6 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/passportsor by contacting the Erie County Clerk's Office Outreach Center at (716) 858-8864.