Cottonwood Post Office Passport Services

At the Cottonwood Post Office, for passport application fees paid directly to the U.S. Department of State, personal checks or money orders are the only accepted forms of payment. This is a federal policy, consistent across all acceptance facilities. However, for the separate execution fee charged by the Post Office itself, typically $35, you do have more flexibility. The Cottonwood facility accepts major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, along with debit cards, for this local processing fee. They also accept cash or personal checks for the execution fee. It’s always a good practice to bring a checkbook or have enough cash for the execution fee, especially if you’re uncertain about which cards are accepted or to ensure a smooth transaction without any unexpected delays. Be aware that two separate payments are required: one for the application fee to the Department of State, and one for the execution fee to the Post Office.

Applying for a passport for a child under 16 at the Cottonwood Post Office requires specific documentation and the presence of both parents or legal guardians. You’ll need to complete Form DS-11, and both parents must appear with the child. If only one parent can attend, the absent parent must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a copy of their valid, government-issued identification. Additionally, you must present the child’s original birth certificate (proving U.S. citizenship and parental relationship), both parents’ valid government-issued photo IDs, and a recent passport photo of the child. The staff at the Cottonwood facility are well-versed in these requirements and will patiently guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary consent and identity verification protocols are met for your child’s application. They can clarify any ambiguities regarding documentation or parental presence.

Processing times for passport applications submitted at the Cottonwood Post Office mirror national averages set by the U.S. Department of State. As of November 2024, routine processing is estimated to take approximately 7 to 10 weeks from the day your application is received, not from the day you submit it at the Post Office. For those needing their passport sooner, an expedited service option is available for an additional $60 fee, which currently shortens the processing time to about 2 to 3 weeks. Keep in mind these timeframes do not include mailing times to and from the processing centers. The helpful clerks at the Cottonwood facility will ensure all your documents are correctly submitted to minimize any potential delays, but it’s always best to plan well in advance of any travel, especially for critical international trips, to avoid last-minute stress.

The fundamental difference between routine and expedited processing, as handled through the Cottonwood Post Office, lies primarily in the speed of the Department of State’s review and printing of your passport. Routine service, as previously noted, is the standard option and takes about 7 to 10 weeks as of late 2024. This is suitable for individuals with no immediate travel plans. Expedited processing, however, cuts this timeframe significantly down to 2 to 3 weeks, for an additional fee of $60 per application. Choosing expedited service ensures your application is fast-tracked through the system. You can also opt for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for an extra $19.53. The staff at the Cottonwood Post Office can help you weigh these options based on your specific travel needs and budget, ensuring you select the service level that best fits your timeline.

Absolutely, both parents are strongly encouraged to apply together for a child’s passport at the Cottonwood Post Office, as this streamlines the process significantly. When both parents are present, they can both present their valid government-issued identification along with the child’s proof of U.S. citizenship and the completed DS-11 form. This fulfills the two-parent consent requirement immediately and negates the need for any additional consent forms or notarized statements. The clerks here prefer this scenario as it simplifies verification and helps prevent common application delays. Just remember to bring all original documents, including the child’s birth certificate, and a compliant passport photo. The friendly staff are always ready to assist and answer any last-minute questions you might have about this crucial step in international travel for minors.

The passport office is located at 53 JOE COOK ST, COTTONWOOD, AL 36320. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-10:30, 12:00-15:00. Call ahead at 3346912669.0 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 “COTTONWOOD POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Cottonwood Post Office is remarkably straightforward and free, a significant advantage compared to facilities in larger municipalities. The Post Office boasts its own dedicated asphalt parking lot directly adjacent to the building on its west side, accessible via a clearly marked entrance off Joe Cook Street. This lot features a robust 35-space capacity, including two designated accessible parking spots situated closest to the main entrance ramp. Even during peak hours, which tend to be mid-morning (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM) and early afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM), finding an open space is rarely an issue for passport applicants. For those rare occasions when the main lot is full, ample overflow parking is available on Joe Cook Street itself, directly in front of the Post Office. This street parking is entirely unrestricted and free, allowing for convenient access with no meters or time limits to worry about. You would typically park within 0.1 miles of the entrance. There are no paid parking garages or complex multi-level structures to navigate in Cottonwood. The best strategy for a passport appointment is simply to arrive a few minutes early and pull directly into the Post Office’s main lot. During the summer months, with temperatures frequently climbing into the mid-90s, parking close to the building is particularly appreciated to minimize exposure to the intense Alabama sun. Conversely, during brief winter cold snaps or the rare icy conditions, a short walk from your vehicle ensures safety and comfort, as the lot is routinely maintained.

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.