The Town of Hempstead is now offering residents a "one-stop passport shop" in the town clerk's office. Town Supervisor Rich Guardino and Town Clerk Kate Murray announced this week that full passport services are now available to residents on the first floor of Hempstead Town Hall, the only place on Long Island where residents can complete the entire passport application process under one roof.

"We are delighted to announce that we have Long Island's only one-stop passport shop," Guardino said. "This service will include the ability to pick up and process forms here in the Town of Hempstead and also provide the photo service at the same time."

Guardino noted that most residents are probably used to having to go to one location to get passport photos taken and then to a government office to file the application. He said that is no longer necessary and, as Murray noted, the town's photo fee undercuts the competition, as the town charges $5 for passport photos. Murray stated that she and Guardino had been discussing the possibility of providing passport services at the town since she was elected.

"When I first took office as Hempstead Town Clerk in January of this year, one of the first conversations that I had with the supervisor was about instituting our combined desire to have a passport application program," Murray said.

The town clerk noted that to complete the application process, residents will need proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or an old passport), proof of identity (such as a driver's license), two photos (which the town can now provide), a completed passport application and appropriate federal fees. Children under 14 years of age require parental consent.

Murray added that the town clerk's office will send out the completed applications to the US Passport Agency on a daily basis by certified mail. Residents can expect to receive the agency's decision on their application or their new passport within six weeks. Fees for passports vary depending on the type of passport needed and the age of the applicant.

Hours of operation for passport services are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Murray noted that the town has instituted a direct telephone inquiry line so residents can have any questions regarding the passport application process answered. The number is 812-3100.

"I anticipate that as the demand for our passport application services grows, we will expand the hours of operation as well," Murray said, noting that residents can come into the town clerk's office any time during the town's regular hours of operation (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) to pick up the applications. "I'm confident that the residents of the Town of Hempstead will take full advantage of this program and be well served."

Guardino and Murray welcomed the town's first two passport applicants, Jackie DiVittorio and Wantagh resident Jackie Wipperman, who were the first to take advantage of the town's new service.

Guardino noted that these services are now available thanks to the great financial shape of the town. He added that he hopes that being able to complete the whole passport application process in one location will help ease the strains on town residents.

"Obviously people are very busy these days and to have to make that additional stop in order to get the photo and then to also get the application is a bit burdensome," Guardino said, adding that he believes this will help ease the strain. "This town clerk's office does an excellent job of providing services. We're very customer oriented and customer friendly - this is another indication of that."