Washington County Circuit Clerks Office Passport Services

While the Washington County Circuit Clerks Office aims to accommodate all citizens, appointments are strongly recommended for passport services to ensure a clerk is available to assist you without extensive waiting. As a smaller facility in rural Chatom, staffing can sometimes be limited, and walk-ins are processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to clerk availability and current workload, particularly with court proceedings. If you choose to walk in, it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning, shortly after the office opens at 8:00 AM, or during the mid-afternoon lull, typically between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM, to increase your chances of being seen promptly. However, to guarantee dedicated service and minimize potential delays, scheduling an appointment in advance by calling their office directly at (251) 847-2239 is always the most prudent approach.

The Washington County Circuit Clerks Office specifically handles new passport applications (Form DS-11) and provides services for minors. If you are eligible to renew your passport by mail (meaning your previous passport is less than 15 years old, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is undamaged), you will need to submit Form DS-82 directly to the National Passport Processing Center via mail. This facility in Chatom does not process mail-in renewals. They can, however, provide guidance on completing the DS-82 form and verify that you meet the mail-in renewal criteria. If you do not qualify for mail-in renewal and require a new passport due to significant damage, loss, or theft, or if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, then you would need to apply in person with a DS-11 form, and the Circuit Clerk’s office can certainly assist with that type of application.

Yes, securing an appointment is highly recommended for passport services at the Washington County Circuit Clerks Office. While the office may, on occasion, be able to accommodate walk-in applicants, their primary duties revolve around court administration for Washington County. Dedicated passport acceptance agents might not always be immediately available without a pre-scheduled slot. Calling ahead to book your visit ensures that a staff member is prepared to guide you through the application process efficiently, preventing potentially long waits or the need to reschedule your visit. This is particularly true during peak travel seasons or on court days when the office experiences higher traffic. A quick call to (251) 847-2239 can save you considerable time and effort, making your experience in Chatom much smoother.

No, the Washington County Circuit Clerks Office does not currently offer on-site passport photo services. Applicants are required to bring two identical, color passport-sized photographs (2×2 inches) that meet the specific U.S. Department of State requirements. These photos must be recent (taken within the last six months), show a clear, front view of your full face with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open, and be taken against a plain white or off-white background. You can typically obtain compliant passport photos at local pharmacies like B & F Drug on Jordan Street (0.2 miles away), or other commercial photo services available in larger nearby towns like Citronelle or Thomasville. Ensure you have your photos ready before your appointment to avoid any delays.

Yes, you absolutely can request expedited passport service when applying at the Washington County Circuit Clerks Office. While the local office itself doesn’t speed up the processing, they correctly submit your application with the expedited service request to the National Passport Processing Center. This involves an additional government fee, currently $60, on top of the standard application and acceptance fees. It’s crucial to clearly indicate your need for expedited processing on your application and when speaking with the clerk. You also have the option to include overnight delivery service for your new passport card or book, which incurs another fee to ensure quicker return mail. Be aware that expedited processing significantly reduces the wait time, often to 2-3 weeks, compared to the routine 7-10 weeks, but this timeline begins once the State Department receives your application, not from your appointment date in Chatom.

The passport office is located at 45 COURT STREET, CHATOM, AL 36518. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-16:30. Call ahead at 2518472239.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERKS OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Parking for the Washington County Circuit Clerks Office in Chatom is refreshingly straightforward, especially compared to larger municipal centers. The most convenient option is the dedicated, free parking lot situated immediately behind the courthouse building, accessible via North Jordan Street. This paved lot offers approximately 35-40 unmarked spaces and is almost always available, even during peak court hours. It’s an ideal choice, placing you just a short 0.1-mile walk (less than a block) from the main entrance on Court Street. Simply exit the rear of the lot and walk around the northern side of the building. Additionally, ample free street parking is available along Court Street directly in front of the courthouse and extending north and south for several blocks. These spaces generally have no time limits and are rarely completely occupied. For those arriving from the south, turning onto Court Street from Highway 177 (Main Street) will bring you directly past the main entrance, with parking easily found on either side of the road. During the humid Alabama summers, especially from June through August, consider parking on the west side of Court Street if possible, as the courthouse building offers some morning shade, making the short walk more comfortable. Conversely, during cooler winter months, the sunnier east side might be preferable. There are no paid parking garages or complex meter systems in Chatom; all public parking around the courthouse is free and readily accessible, simplifying your visit considerably.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.