McMinnville, OR – The Yamhill County Clerk’s Office is warning residents about an increase in fraudulent third-party websites offering passport services and charging hundreds of dollars in extra fees.
According to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, some sites are charging applicants between $150 and $600 in addition to normal U.S. Department of State fees. Officials stress that only the official government site, travel.state.gov, should be used for any passport applications or renewals.
“All passport forms are free, and applicants should never have to pay for a form,” the announcement stated. Passport applications can be completed at authorized acceptance facilities, including the Yamhill County Clerk’s Office, or directly through the federal site.
County officials remind residents that passport agents must be trained and authorized, and appointments for renewals at the local office typically take less than 30 minutes. The office also offers passport photo services and assistance for those needing expedited options.
Residents are encouraged to verify any website ends in “.gov” and avoid giving payment or personal information to third-party sites.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Yamhill County Clerk’s Office at 503-434-7518 or by email.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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