Erie County Clerks Office Passport Services

When applying at the Erie County Clerks Office, the total cost for a new passport book for an adult (16 and older) is typically $130 payable to the U.S. Department of State, plus a separate $35 execution fee payable to the Erie County Clerk. For minors under 16, the State Department fee for a passport book is $100. If you opt for a passport card in addition to or instead of the book, that adds another $30 for adults and $15 for minors to the State Department fee. It’s important to remember that the State Department fee must be paid by check or money order only, while the $35 execution fee to the Erie County Clerk can usually be paid by cash, credit/debit card, or money order. Be sure to have two separate payment methods prepared to streamline your appointment at 92 Franklin Street.

After your passport application has been successfully processed and mailed from the Erie County Clerks Office at 92 Franklin Street, you can track its status online through the U.S. Department of State’s dedicated tracking system. You’ll need the information from your application, typically your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. It usually takes about 7-10 business days from your appointment date for your application to appear in the online system as ‘in process,’ as it needs to be mailed to a processing center first. The Erie County Clerk’s Office cannot provide specific updates on your application’s status once it leaves their facility, so direct inquiries to the State Department’s website or their National Passport Information Center are necessary.

The Erie County Clerks Office serves primarily as an acceptance facility for new passport applications and renewals that require in-person submission (such as expired passports from minors or passports issued more than 15 years ago). If you meet the criteria for a mail-in renewal – specifically, your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and you still have it in your possession – you can typically renew by mail using form DS-82. In such cases, you would mail your application directly to the National Passport Processing Center, bypassing the need for an in-person visit to 92 Franklin Street. However, if your renewal situation mandates an in-person appearance, the staff at the Erie County Clerk’s Office is fully equipped to assist you with that process.

When visiting the Erie County Clerks Office for a passport application, you’ll need to present several key documents. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need a valid form of identification, like a driver’s license from New York State or another government-issued photo ID. Additionally, bring a clear, color passport photo taken within the last six months that meets all U.S. Department of State specifications. The Clerk’s Office at 92 Franklin Street can typically provide photo services for a separate fee, which can be convenient. Finally, you will need to complete the DS-11 Passport Application Form, which can be filled out online and printed, or obtained on-site. Remember, all citizenship and identification documents must be originals, not photocopies, for verification purposes.

The processing times for passport applications submitted at the Erie County Clerks Office are determined by the U.S. Department of State, not by the local facility. As of late 2024, routine processing typically averages 7-10 weeks from the day your application is received by the passport agency. If you require your passport sooner, expedited processing is available for an additional fee of $60, reducing the wait to approximately 3-5 weeks. This does not include mailing times to and from the processing center. It’s always advisable to check the most current processing times on the State Department’s official website before your appointment at 92 Franklin Street, as these timelines can fluctuate based on demand. Factor in potential mail delays, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure you receive your passport well in advance of your planned departure.

The passport office is located at 92 FRANKLIN ST, BUFFALO, NY 14202. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-16:00. Call ahead at 7168588785.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “ERIE COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Parking for the Erie County Clerks Office at 92 Franklin Street requires careful planning, as it’s situated in the heart of downtown Buffalo’s government district. Metered street parking is available on Franklin Street, Church Street, and Delaware Avenue, typically costing $2.00 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These spots are highly sought after, especially during peak morning hours between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and might require circling a few blocks. For more reliable parking, several parking ramps are within a short walking distance. The Augspurger Parking Ramp, located at 230 Pearl Street, offers daily rates averaging $8-$12 and is approximately a two-block walk east from the Clerk’s Office. Another convenient option is the Fernbach Ramp, situated at 200 Pearl Street, which offers similar rates and proximity. Surface lots, such as the one on Church Street near Washington Street, are also available, usually priced at $5-$10 for daily parking, about 0.3 miles away. For passport appointments, arriving 15-20 minutes early to secure parking is highly advisable. During winter months, typically from November to March, sidewalks and parking areas can be slick with ice or snow, necessitating extra caution and appropriate footwear. Summer visits might involve warmer temperatures, so consider wearing comfortable attire for a short walk from your parking spot.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.