Cottondale Post Office Passport Services

The cost for a new U.S. passport at the Cottondale Post Office involves several components. For a standard passport book, the application fee is $130, payable to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order only. Additionally, there is a separate $35 execution fee, payable directly to the Cottondale Post Office by check, money order, or credit/debit card. If you opt for the convenience of on-site passport photos, an additional $15 fee applies, which can be paid with cash or card to the Post Office. So, for a first-time adult applicant requiring a passport book and photos, the total initial outlay would be $180, split between two separate payments. Expedited services or passport cards would incur different, higher fees.

The Cottondale Post Office generally operates with specific hours for both postal and passport services. For general postal transactions, the lobby is typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturdays. However, passport acceptance services at this facility often have more limited hours or require an appointment. It’s highly advisable to confirm the exact passport service hours by calling the Cottondale Post Office directly at (205) 553-6111 or checking their official USPS page online. While the mail lobby might be open, the passport acceptance clerk may only be available during specific windows, often in the mornings or early afternoons on select weekdays, to ensure dedicated service.

If your travel plans require an urgent passport, the Cottondale Post Office can facilitate expedited processing for an additional fee. For an extra $60 per application, payable to the U.S. Department of State, your application will be processed much faster than the routine timeline. You can also opt for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book from the Department of State for an additional $19.53. However, even with expedited service, it’s crucial to factor in the mailing time from Cottondale to the processing center and back. For extremely time-sensitive situations (travel within 2-3 weeks), contacting a regional passport agency directly, such as the one in Atlanta, GA, or utilizing a private expediting service might be necessary, though this would involve a significant drive from Cottondale.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed at which your application is handled by the U.S. Department of State after it leaves the Cottondale Post Office. Routine processing, as of November 2024, generally takes 7-10 weeks. This timeframe is suitable if you have no immediate international travel plans. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this to 3-5 weeks for an additional $60 fee. This option is ideal if your departure date is within a few months. Both options are available when you submit your application at the Cottondale Post Office, and the postal clerk will guide you through the appropriate forms and payment structures to ensure your request is clearly marked for the desired processing speed.

Yes, absolutely. Appointments are always required for all passport applicants at the Cottondale Post Office, especially for minors under 16 years old. Furthermore, for a minor’s passport application, both parents or legal guardians must be present with the child at the appointment. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) along with a copy of their valid identification. The Post Office staff at 3101 Buttermilk Road adheres strictly to these federal regulations to ensure the legal protection of minors. It’s imperative to schedule this type of appointment in advance and arrive with all necessary documentation to avoid delays.

The passport office is located at 3101 BUTTERMILK ROAD, COTTONDALE, AL 35453. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-11:00, 12:00-15:00. Call ahead at 2055534297.0 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 “COTTONDALE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Cottondale Post Office is exceptionally convenient, eliminating much of the stress often associated with passport appointments. The facility boasts a dedicated, free asphalt parking lot situated immediately to the south of the main building, directly accessible from Buttermilk Road. This generous lot offers approximately 35 marked spaces, including two clearly designated accessible parking spots located closest to the main entrance ramp. Given the facility’s location in Cottondale, ample parking is almost always available, even during peak mail times around midday. You can typically find a space within 30-50 feet of the entrance, making for a very short, effortless walk. For those with an appointment, arriving 10-15 minutes early is recommended, though rarely necessary just for parking, to allow time for a relaxed entry. There are no parking meters or hourly fees to concern yourself with. During summer months, be mindful of the intense Alabama heat; parking in a spot that might offer some shade from the few scattered trees in the lot’s perimeter can make your return to the vehicle more comfortable. In winter, while ice is less frequent, the asphalt can be damp, so choose your steps carefully, particularly if visiting on a rare frosty morning. Overall, the parking situation here is one of the distinct advantages of choosing the Cottondale Post Office for your passport needs.

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.