2008 News

February 5, 2008

Bucks County Prothonotary Advises of Passport Application Changes
New Policies in Effect February 1, 2008

As a public service, Bucks County Prothonotary Patricia L. Bachtle is notifying residents of multiple passport policy changes that went into effect on Feb. 1, 2008. Residents who are planning to apply for a passport with a form that was obtained before that date will need to use a new form. That application can be obtained at any passport acceptance facility and at most U.S. post offices, or by Web site download via the link www.travel.state.gov.

In addition, residents now will be able to apply for a new U.S. “Passport Card” at any passport acceptance facility. It is important to note the Passport Card cannot be used to travel by air, and is only valid for use for land and sea travel to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The U.S. Department of State is issuing Passport Cards in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. Although applications for the Passport Card are being accepted now, they will not be mailed to authorized individuals until June, 2008.

“We want to ensure all Bucks County residents are aware of these important changes,” Bachtle noted.

Furthermore, special requirements for minor applicants under the age of 14 now will apply to minors under the age of 16. These requirements include two-parent consent, meaning both parents must appear in person with the minor applicant when applying for a passport. If both parents are unable to appear with the minor, the non-applying parent must complete and have notarized a Statement of Consent. This Statement of Consent can be obtained at any acceptance facility, at most U.S. post offices, or be downloaded at www.travel.state.gov.

A breakdown of the new passport fee schedule is as follows:

Passport Book (Age 16 and over)
$75.00 payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order) and $25.00 payable to the facility where you apply.

Passport Book (Age 15 and under)
$60.00 payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order) and $25.00 payable to the facility where you apply.

Passport Book Renewal by Mail
$75.00 payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order).

Passport Card (Age 16 and Over)
$20.00 payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order) and $25.00 payable to the facility where you apply.

Passport Card (Age 15 and Under)
$10.00 payable to the U.S. Department of State (check or money order) and $25.00 payable to the facility where you apply.

For more information about the Bucks County Prothonotary office and its many services, please click here.