Union County Temporarily Waives Passport Photo Fee

For a limited time, Union County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are offering free passport photos as an incentive for residents to apply for a passport or a passport renewal.

From April 13 through April 18, the county is suspending its normal $10 fee for a passport photograph when a resident applies for a new passport or a passport renewal.

“With summer vacations rapidly approaching, now is the time to make sure your passport is up-to-date,” Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi said in a release from the county. “My offices are helping travelers save on their vacation expenses by providing free photographs for those who apply for a passport while still providing a full range of passport services with no need for an appointment.”

Citizens looking to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, countries in the Caribbean or anywhere else overseas must have a valid passport to enter or depart from the United States. Additionally, the county said the National Passport Center has a backlog of applications, which could delay the application process.

“Now is the time to make sure your passport is valid. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport,” Rajoppi said. “If your passport expires within six months of your planned visit, many countries will not permit you to enter. You will need to renew your passport.”

Passport applications can be obtained at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse, located a 2 Broad St. in Elizabeth, or at the County Clerk’s office annex in the Colleen Fraser Building, located at 300 North Ave. East in Westfield.

Applications and related information can also be found online at the Union County website.