Lebanon County Prothonotary Barbara A. Smith has announced the first ever “Passport Acceptance Saturday” on September 21 from 9am to 1pm.
It will take place at her office in Room 104 of the Lebanon Municipal Building, 400 S. 8th Street in Lebanon. No appointment is necessary.
As with all county offices, the Prothonotary is normally open only Monday through Friday.
The special Saturday session is only for first time passport applicants, not for passport renewals.
First time applicants for a passport have to apply in person by submitting a paper application and supporting documents at their local “passport acceptance facility.” In Lebanon County, that’s the Prothonotary’s Office.
The completed application is then sent to the U.S. State Department, and the newly issued passport is mailed to the applicant.
The State Department says the process usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks from application to the passport arriving in the mail. An expedited procedure is available that reduces the turnaround time to about 2 to 3 weeks.
Smith said the Saturday idea was suggested by the Philadelphia Passport Office, and she sees it as a public service. “People work during the week. They have children. It’s not always easy getting here before 4:30 during the week.”
It’s important to bring the right documents, properly sized photos, and your checkbook. Prothonotary Smith has provided additional information, including fees, in a handout, here.
Six Prothonotary employees will be accepting the Saturday applications. Smith says they will receive flextime at no extra cost to the county.
Entrance to the Municipal Building will be through the back door only, off the main parking lot. Sheriff’s deputies will be providing security.
Smith, who first took office in 2015, is up for re-election this year in an uncontested race.
Need more information about Passport Saturday?
Lebanon County Prothonotary, Room 104, Municipal Building, Lebanon, PA. 17042.
Weekday telephone, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm: 717-228-4418.
Special hours this Saturday (9/21) run from 9am to 1pm.
