By JOE LoTEMPLIO
Staff Writer
February 15, 2009 03:28 am
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PLATTSBURGH — With changes to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fast approaching, Clinton County Clerk John Zurlo is urging residents to take action.
Effective June 1, U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver License or other travel documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
Passport Books and Passport Cards can be obtained at the Clerk's Office in the Clinton County Government Center.
Enhanced Driver Licenses can be obtained at the adjacent Department of Motor Vehicle Office.
In order to accommodate those seeking Passport Books and Passport Cards, the County Clerk's Office will be open for additional time from 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday, beginning March 5.
Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles is open every Thursday until 6:45 p.m. for those wishing to transact DMV business or to obtain an Enhanced Driver License.
Passport Books and Passport Cards are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children under the age of 16, while Enhanced Driver Licenses are valid for up to eight years.
Passport Books can be used for all overseas travel, but cards and licenses are only good for crossing into Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda.
The Passport Book costs $100 for adults and $85 for those under 16.
Passport Cards are $45 for adults and $35 for those under 16.
Applicants must provide an official birth certificate for Passport Books and Passport Cards.
The Enhanced Driver License fee is $30 in addition to any fees required for your regular driver's license. Additional information is required for the Enhanced Driver License.
More information on travel documents can be found on the Clerk's Office Web page at www.clintoncountygov.com.
Applications for passports can also be obtained at www.travel.state.gov.
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
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Photos
Clinton County Clerk John Zurlo explains the U.S. passport application. At the Clinton County Clerk's Office, proceeds made from passport sales go directly into the Clinton County Treasury, to be spent on community bills. Staff Photo