Baldwin County Circuit Clerk Passport Services

When applying for a minor’s passport at the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk in Fairhope, both parents or legal guardians must generally be present with the child. You’ll need to bring the child’s original birth certificate (or equivalent proof of U.S. citizenship), proof of parental relationship (like the birth certificate), and valid government-issued identification for both parents. If one parent is unavailable, specific consent forms (DS-3053) or sole custody documentation will be required. The clerks here are very experienced with minor applications and can guide you through the precise requirements, ensuring all necessary affidavits are properly executed within the judicial environment of the office. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm the specific documents needed for your family’s situation.

Once your passport application is accepted at the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk in Fairhope, it is physically mailed to a national processing center. You won’t track it through the local clerk’s office directly. The most effective way to monitor its status is by using the U.S. Department of State’s online Passport Application Status System, available at travel.state.gov. You’ll need to provide your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number to check the status. This system updates regularly from the moment your application is received at the processing center until your new passport is mailed out. Remember that it can take a week or two for your application to be entered into the federal system after you submit it in Fairhope.

To ensure a smooth passport application process at the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk in Fairhope, you should come prepared with several key documents. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need a valid government-issued identification, like an Alabama driver’s license. Don’t forget your recent passport photo, which must meet federal guidelines – many local pharmacies on Section Street offer this service. Finally, bring the completed DS-11 application form (but do not sign it until instructed by a clerk) and your payment in the form of a check or money order for the passport fee, plus a separate payment for the acceptance fee. Having photocopies of all documents (front and back for ID) can expedite your visit significantly.

If you require your passport urgently, the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk in Fairhope can help facilitate expedited processing. When you submit your application, you can opt for expedited service for an additional fee, currently $60 per application. This reduces processing times significantly. Furthermore, you can pay for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport book. While the Fairhope office cannot guarantee specific delivery dates, choosing these options is the fastest route through a local acceptance facility. For true emergencies, such as imminent international travel within 2-3 weeks, you might need to contact a regional passport agency directly for an in-person appointment, but the expedited service through the Circuit Clerk is the best local option for faster-than-routine service.

Yes, securing an appointment is highly recommended, and often required, for passport services at the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk in Fairhope. While some smaller facilities might accommodate walk-ins on rare occasions, the Fairhope office generally operates by appointment to manage applicant flow and ensure adequate staff availability. This approach minimizes waiting times for everyone and allows the clerks to prepare for your specific service needs. Appointments can typically be scheduled by calling the Circuit Clerk’s main number during business hours. Calling a few days to a week in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons like spring and summer, to secure a slot that fits your schedule. Arriving for your scheduled appointment with all documents prepared will ensure a prompt and efficient service experience.

The passport office is located at 1100 FAIRHOPE AVE, FAIRHOPE, AL 36532. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-16:00. Call ahead at 2519370379.0 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 “BALDWIN COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk in Fairhope offers a few convenient options designed to accommodate visitors efficiently. The most direct choice is the free, dedicated parking lot situated immediately behind the building, accessible via a small drive off North Section Street or from a shared alleyway just west of the Circuit Clerk’s office. This lot provides approximately 30-35 marked spaces, including several ADA-compliant spots, making it the most desirable for direct access. For those unable to find a spot in the primary lot, street parking is available along Fairhope Avenue, directly in front of the building. These metered spaces typically cost $1.00 per hour, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a two-hour maximum. It’s advisable to bring quarters or use a parking app for payment. An alternative is the municipal parking lot located one block north, between Fairhope Avenue and Church Street, offering an additional 47-space free lot. From this lot, the Circuit Clerk’s office is an easy 2-block walk south along Section Street. During peak tourist season, particularly summer months or during popular local festivals like the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival in March, parking can be more challenging. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment is a sound strategy to secure a convenient space. In the summer, Fairhope experiences significant heat and humidity, so minimizing walking distance from your vehicle is a practical consideration; the rear lot offers the quickest route into the building. Conversely, during rarer winter cold fronts, shorter walks are also appreciated.

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.