Renew Passports Early At County Offices in Freehold, Neptune

FREEHOLD, NJ – With the holidays fast approaching, Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is reminding residents that now is the time to apply for or to renew your passport.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department passport processing times reached unprecedented delays last year. Processing times have recently returned to near-normal levels, but it is still recommended to submit passport applications early.

According to the U.S. State Department, the current federal passport processing times are as follows:

• Routine service: Six to nine weeks from when the application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
• Expedited service (for an additional $60): Three to five weeks from when the application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.

“I encourage all to apply for a passport well in advance of any planned travel,” said Hanlon. “In addition, many countries require six months validity on a U.S. passport, so it is critical to check the expiration date on your passport and to plan accordingly.”

Residents can apply for a passport at one of the County Clerk’s two passport offices in Freehold and Neptune. Appointments are required for parties of four or more.

The County Clerk’s Passport Offices locations are:

• Freehold Borough: Monmouth County Clerk’s Office located in the Market Yard at 33 Mechanic St. (south of Main Street). The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 732-431-7324 to schedule an appointment.
• Monmouth County Connection at 3544 Route 66 (near Home Depot). The hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Please call 732-303-2828 to schedule an appointment.

To obtain a passport, it is necessary to have a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, social security number, and current identification such as a driver's license or government identification. Passport photos are available for a fee of $10 at both locations.

Passport forms should be filled out prior to arrival at the County Clerk’s offices and can be found online.

Parents who are making a passport application for a child under the age of 16 are required to appear together or to submit additional documentation.

For more information, please visit the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office website at MonmouthCountyClerk.com.