Passports, concealed weapon permits for Lebanon Countians coming this weekend

The sixth edition of Lebanon County’s Passport Acceptance Day will be held this coming Saturday, Oct. 25, as a courtesy to individuals wishing to obtain their first passport.

Hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the prothonotary’s office (Room 104) on the first floor of the Lebanon County municipal building at 400 S. 8th St., Lebanon. 

The Lebanon County Sheriff’s Office will also be open those same hours that day to process applications for a Pennsylvania license to carry firearms permit. 

Also available to individuals looking to get a new passport is the required official photograph for inclusion with their renewal application. Prothonotary Barb Smith said her office is unable to renew passports but is authorized to shoot updated photographs for residents to include with their renewal applications.  

Smith said this increasingly popular service is provided as a courtesy to residents.

“During the work week, we are by appointment only,” Smith said. “But this is very helpful to those who work during the week or have children in school.”

The office is only open during this four-hour window for that purpose.

“This is all we do: passports only. We have this in the spring and fall due to vacation travel in the summer and for spring break,” Smith said. “With the holidays coming we want to get people their passports before the holidays come again.” 

Smith noted there are stations set up to accommodate speedy service, adding the process takes about 5 minutes from the time an applicant first interacts with one of 10 employees on duty that day.  

“We will have tables set up in the hallway and someone will check over their documentation to review everything and help ensure that they have everything and that their information is filled out properly,” she said. “It’s about 5 minutes to process an individual passport. Now, many times we are getting families. When we have a family coming in for Passport Acceptance Day, we can do a full family of six in half an hour. We really look forward to working on this Saturday because that’s all that we’re doing.” 

First held in 2019, the event has grown over the years. Smith said in September 2019 there were 52 passports processed and 50 renewal photos taken that day. In March of this year, her office processed 196 passports and took 111 photographs.

While Smith isn’t entirely sure why it has grown in popularity, she did offer some thoughts as to why that may be the case.

“Berks County no longer accepts passports and I think Dauphin County also did away with it. The fact that they can walk in, and because more people are traveling (internationally),” Smith said.

Smith said that all persons applying for a passport must appear in person, including children and both parents (except for special circumstances).

Individuals seeking a passport must: 

• Bring a passport application filled out in black ink only. (Applications are also available at the prothonotary’s office.)
• Bring an original birth certificate that includes parent’s names and a raised seal or naturalization certificate in lieu of a birth certificate.
• Present an old passport that has expired five years or longer.
• Have a photo ID (driver’s license or ID card. Children 15 years and younger need both parents to be present with their photo IDs. Children 16 or 17 need one parent to be present with their photo ID.) A photo identification card is also acceptable in lieu of a driver’s license.
• Bring or obtain a passport photo, which is available at that office for a $10 fee.

Individuals must have multiple checks or money order(s) for various fee services. One check or money order goes to the U.S. Department of State. Smith added one check or money order is needed per application.

The prothonotary’s fee can be either paid in cash, a check or money order. 

Costs are: 

• 16 years and older: passport book, $130; passport card: $30
• 15 years and younger: passport book: $100; passport card: $15

There is also a $35 processing fee for each application, payable to the Lebanon County Prothonotary. Smith noted this payment may be cash, check or money order, and processing fees may be combined. 

Smith said there are some extenuating circumstances for these various rules and that individuals who have questions should contact her office at 717-228-4418.

Smith reminds applicants that they should leave plenty of time in advance of their travel date to ensure that they receive their passports in time. Current processing time for routine service is four to six weeks with an expedited service of two to three weeks. However, there is an additional $60 charge per application for the expedited service. 

The processing time begins when the application is received by the government’s passport agency, she added.

Smith noted that if individuals are unavailable to attend this Saturday her office also provides this service via appointment during regular business hours of the county municipal building, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Concealed firearm permit details

Anyone interested in renewing or getting a new concealed firearm permit this Saturday, should:

• Bring $20 cash, check or money order for the processing fee.
• Possess a valid driver’s license or authorized ID card proving you reside in Lebanon County. 
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• County residents who are registered aliens must have their current alien registration card with them.

The sheriff’s office is located in Room 3 of the lower level of the county municipal building.