FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2010

Union County Clerk Continues Free Passport Photos
at Elizabeth and Westfield Offices through March;
Westfield Branch Extends Saturday Office Hours

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that free passport photographs are available until the end of March when customers apply for a U.S. Passport Book or a U.S. Passport Card at her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield. In addition, the Westfield office will stay open for business an hour later on Saturdays throughout the month of March, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“My offices will waive the normal $10 fee for having your photograph taken when you apply by March 31st for a passport book or passport card at our offices in Elizabeth and Westfield,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “Furthermore, to encourage you to get your passport ready for spring and summer vacations, the Westfield office will process applications until 2 p.m. each Saturday in March.”

Passport application forms may be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at http://www.ucnj.org/ctyclerk/passport.html.

“Our Elizabeth office opens at 7:30 a.m. and it has experienced, helpful, English and Spanish-speaking certified passport agents ready to assist you in any way we can,” Rajoppi said. “Our Westfield office has convenient night hours and also is fully staffed.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The telephone number at the Westfield Annex is 908-654-9859.

The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number in Elizabeth is 908-527-4966. Clients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing time to allow for staff assistance with the passport process.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call (908) 527-4966.