Manatee County offering Passport Saturday event April 11

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - People wanting to get a passport for the first time or to get a long-expired passport renewed will have a rare weekend chance to take care of the paperwork.

The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is opening its passport office on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to noon for its annual Passport Saturday event.

Passport Saturday offers anyone with busy weekday schedules an opportunity to apply for a passport outside of regular business hours, the clerk’s office said in a news release.

The event welcomes first-time applicants, those renewing a child’s passport, and adults renewing a passport issued more than 15 years ago. It is a walk-in event; no appointments are needed.

All applicants must be present when applying.

“We know that taking time off work or school isn’t always an option,” Court Clerk Angel Colonneso said in the news release.

It’s recommended that people fill out their passport application in advance. The application is available for download on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

On April 11, applicants must bring the following:

• A check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Visit the clerk’s website for a list of fees.
• A second form of payment for Clerk of Court fees (cash, check, credit, or debit card).
• A valid government-issued ID.
• Original proof of citizenship (for first-time applicants and minors under 16).
• Expired passport book/card (for renewals only).

Passport photos are available on-site for a nominal fee.

Applicants who arrive without a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State will need to leave and return with the accepted form of payment, forfeiting their place in line.

For more information, call the Passport Division at 941-741-4022 or visit the clerk’s website.