ROCKLAND — Beginning March 1, the Knox County Probate Court on the first floor of the Knox County Courthouse at 62 Union Street in Rockland will begin processing U.S. passports. The Rockland Post Office will continue offering passport services. Probate is helping out with the overflow.

According to Probate Clerk Vickie Gamage, other courts are doing this, as well.

“We had the potential to do it and we decided it would be a good job,” she said. “The post office was overwhelmed and we assumed they were understaffed, as well. We won’t be able to do the photos, but there are several places where people can get them done.”

Gamage said there would be no change in the price of obtaining a passport and all the rules required to obtain one will stay the same.

The U.S. Passport applications are accepted on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. U.S.citizens planning international travel may apply for their passports in the Probate Office between 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for on holidays when the office is closed.

Gamage said no appointment is necessary and the office is handicap-accessible. Gamage stressed that the office cannot accept credit cards for payment of fees, but will accept cash or check. One check will be for the federal government and one for the probate.

“You need to have proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or valid ID,” she said.

For application forms, information on documentation required, fees, and a wealth of other passport and international travel information, visit the official website for passport information: http://travel.state.gov.

You may also contact the Probate Office at (207) 594-0427.