Prices for Passports Increase Next Week

If you're looking to apply for a passport, now would be the time to do it before prices increase on Tuesday, July 13.

The federal government issued a 47 percent price increase on passports on July 2, and it goes into effect on Tuesday, according to information from the Essex County Clerk's Office.

An adult passport will increase from $75 to $110 after the increase, and the price for a minor under 16 years old will increase from $60 to $80. There also is a $25 processing fee.

The county clerk's office accepts passport applications at its office in Newark, but the clerk also holds "outreach centers" in the various towns in the county. Livingston's Library will hold one on Saturday at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; there will be one in Maplewood Town Hall on Monday at 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Also, Millburn Library will offer one on July 26.

In order to apply for a passport, the applicant must bring the passport application, two two-inch by two-inch face-front photographs and either a certified copy of a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a previous U.S. passport. The clerk's office will take a photo for an additional $10.

For identification purposes, the applicant also much bring a valid driver's license, government identification or previous U.S. passport issued after his 16th birthday that is not more than 15 years old.

For more information, call 973-621-4921, ext. 237 or visit the clerk's passport page.