Davidson clerk's office to expedite passports

DAVIDSON COUNTY The Davidson County Clerk's office will accept and process passport applications from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For one day only, applicants in need of expedited passport processing can request this $96 service at no extra charge. The office ordinarily accepts and processes passport applications from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday though Friday. Starting in 2007, American citizens were supposed to have passports to visit nearby countries and regions including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and all the countries in the Caribbean. But application backlogs led the State and Homeland Security departments to delay the deadline for travelers to June 2009. To remind Americans of the need for passports, the State Department named Saturday "Passport Day in the USA." Applications will be accepted Saturday at the clerk's main office at 523 Mainstream Drive in MetroCenter. Visit www.dcclerkonline.com/passports.php for detailed information about what documents, photos and fees applicants must provide. — JANELL ROSS THE TENNESSEAN