New Passport Requirements

(MINEOLA – August 30, 2006) “Although summer vacation plans may be behind us, if you are planning vacation travel for the holiday recess in December, please note that new requirements for traveling takes place December 31, 2006,” today announced County Clerk Maureen O’Connell.  “This requirement applies to all air and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda,” she stated.

"In 2004 U.S. Secretaries of Homeland Security and State were mandated to implement a plan that would require U.S. Citizens and foreign nationals to present secure identity and citizenship documentation, such as passports, when entering the United States. Timelines were set for meeting these mandates.  The first phase begins this December as outlined above. The second phase is to be implemented by December 31, 2007, and will require a passport for all border crossings including land, air and sea,” began O’Connell.

“December is usually a very busy travel season, so please allow yourself a sufficient amount of time to apply and receive your passport.  Passport processing usually takes up to 6-weeks. If you need a passport sooner, you may pay for an expedited service and should expect to receive your passport in 2-weeks.” continued the clerk.

Anyone traveling abroad, including newborn infants is required to obtain passports in their own names.  “If you are applying for a passport on behalf of a minor under the age of 14, both parents and the child have to be present,” O’Connell emphasized.  “Parents are required to submit documentation of parental relationship and consent, as well as comply with all other documentation requirements for the issuance of the passport,” she added.

“Application forms can be picked up from the County Clerk’s Office or downloaded  from the County Clerk’s website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/clerk/,” concluded O’Connell.