St. Johns County residents looking to jet-set internationally have a new date to circle on their calendars. According to the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller's Office, Passport Saturday will be taking over the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center on August 2. The event, slated to run from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, promises a no-appointment-necessary approach to expedite the often burdensome passport application process. The Clerk's Office announced the initiative in an effort to assist travelers during off-work hours.
"We process new passport applications daily during regular business hours, but scheduling an appointment during the workweek can be challenging, especially for families," Clerk Brandon J. Patty stated. This one-day event is designed specifically to offer the community a chance to avoid to struggle to work out a time that fits into their busy schedules. Passport Saturday is also set to help with first-time passports, renewals for those issued more than 15 years ago, and cases where passports have been lost, stolen, or damaged.
During this special half-day window, applicants can breeze in to have clerks review their applications, snap the required passport photos, and receive assistance with filling out forms. The Clerk's Office notes that even the youngest of travelers, including infants, must have their own passports. They emphasize that all applicants submitting a new application form must appear in person.
For those looking into renewing their travel documents, the clerks can review renewal applications to ensure accuracy and also provide passport photo services. However, keep in mind to directly submit renewal applications using Form DS-82 to the U.S. Department of State, either online or via mail. Current processing times were cited by the U.S. Department of State, saying that routine services take between four and six weeks and expedited service between two and three weeks.
