You can apply for a passport at the Butler County Prothontary's office in the Butler County Courthouse. Access is through the Butler County Government Center, 124 W. Diamond St., Butler.

Applications take up to six weeks to process.

If you have never had a passport, you will need two passport photographs, a copy of a state-certified birth certificate with a raised seal and photograph identification such as a driver's license. Children's birth certificates must list the parents' names.

People 16 and older must pay a total of $85 for a passport. A check for $55 must be made out to the U.S. State Department and a separate check of $30 is made to the prothonotary's office. It is good for 10 years.

People under 16 must pay $70 ($40 to the U.S. State Department, $30 to the office) for a passport. It is good for five years.

Applicants must apply in person. Both parents or a legal guardian must apply for a passport for someone younger than 13.

Expedited service costs $60 and guarantees the passport to arrive in two to three weeks.

Expired passports can be renewed for $55 if the applicants were older than 16 when they acquired the passports.

For more information, call the prothonotary's office at 724-284-5214.