Clerk Of Court Clarke County Passport Services

Yes, for a minor’s passport application at Clerk Of Court Clarke County, the U.S. Department of State generally requires both parents or legal guardians to be present with the child. Each parent must bring valid, government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license from Alabama or another state. They also need to provide proof of their parental relationship to the child, typically an original birth certificate or a certified copy of a foreign birth certificate, or a court order establishing guardianship. If only one parent can attend, that parent must present the necessary documentation along with a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) from the absent parent, or proof of sole legal custody, or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased. The Deputy Clerks at the Grove Hill office are highly experienced in these specific requirements and will meticulously review all documentation to ensure compliance before processing the application, preventing potential delays in the federal review process. It’s always best to call ahead to the Clerk’s office at (251) 275-3211 for any unique circumstances.

Passport photos submitted to Clerk Of Court Clarke County, and indeed to any U.S. passport acceptance facility, must adhere strictly to U.S. Department of State guidelines. The photos must be 2×2 inches in size, in color, and taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. They need to be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper with a white background, free of shadows or glare. Crucially, your full face must be visible, with a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, and both eyes open. No eyeglasses are permitted unless medically necessary with a doctor’s note. The Clerk Of Court in Grove Hill does not offer on-site photo services; therefore, applicants must arrive with two compliant photographs. We highly recommend visiting a local professional photo service or a CVS Pharmacy located at 109 Commerce Street in Grove Hill, which offers passport photo services that typically meet these exact specifications, ensuring your application avoids delays due to non-compliant imagery.

While the Clerk Of Court Clarke County strives to accommodate all residents of Grove Hill and the surrounding areas, scheduling an appointment for passport services is highly recommended to ensure the most efficient and timely service. The office on Court Street primarily manages judicial and other county business, and passport acceptance is a specialized function. Walk-ins are accepted only if a Deputy Clerk is available without disrupting scheduled appointments or other court duties. Without an appointment, you might experience a significant wait, especially during peak hours such as late mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To avoid potential frustration and lengthy delays, we strongly advise calling the Clerk’s office directly at (251) 275-3211 during their business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, to schedule a specific time for your passport application. This ensures a Deputy Clerk is fully prepared to assist you, allowing for a smooth and quick processing of your documents.

If your child, defined as anyone under 16 years of age, needs a passport, the process at Clerk Of Court Clarke County requires careful adherence to specific federal guidelines designed to protect minors. Generally, both parents and the child must appear in person at the Clerk’s office at 114 Court Street. You will need to bring proof of U.S. citizenship for the child (original birth certificate or previous passport), proof of parental relationship (child’s birth certificate or adoption decree), and valid, government-issued identification for both parents. If one parent is unavailable, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 (Statement of Consent) along with a copy of their ID, or the applying parent must present documentation of sole legal custody or the death certificate of the absent parent. The dedicated staff at the Grove Hill Clerk’s office will meticulously review all documents and guide you through the completion of the DS-11 application form, ensuring every detail is correct before submission to the U.S. Department of State. It is advisable to gather all required originals well in advance of your visit.

The cost of a U.S. passport involves two separate payments, one to the U.S. Department of State and an execution fee to the Clerk Of Court Clarke County. As of late 2024, a standard passport book for an adult costs $130, while a passport book for a minor (under 16) is $100. A passport card, valid for land and sea travel to certain areas, costs $30 for an adult and $15 for a minor. These fees to the Department of State must be paid by check or money order only. Additionally, the Clerk Of Court Clarke County charges a $35 execution fee for each application, which covers the cost of reviewing your documents and witnessing your signature. This execution fee can typically be paid by cash, credit card (with a small processing fee), or money order at the Grove Hill office. Expedited processing, which reduces the federal processing time, costs an additional $60 per application to the Department of State, plus any overnight delivery fees. It’s always prudent to check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current fee schedule, as these can change without local notice.

The passport office is located at 114 COURT STREET, GROVE HILL, AL 36451. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00. Call ahead at 2512753363.0 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 “CLERK OF COURT CLARKE COUNTY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Clerk Of Court Clarke County is conveniently located around the historic courthouse square, offering multiple free options designed to accommodate visitors. The most direct parking is along Court Street itself, where approximately 15 parallel parking spots are available on both sides of the street, typically free of charge with a two-hour limit observed during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). These spots are often filled by 9:30 AM. A larger, dedicated 25-space free public parking lot is situated one block west of the courthouse on Jackson Street, adjacent to the Clarke County Public Library. This lot usually has ample availability, especially before 9:00 AM and after 2:00 PM. From this lot, the walk to the courthouse’s main entrance is a comfortable 0.15 miles, or about a 3-minute stroll. For longer appointments, or if visiting other county offices, a smaller 10-space lot can be found behind the courthouse, accessible via a small alleyway off Commerce Street; however, this fills quickly. During the summer months, particularly July and August, temperatures in Grove Hill can exceed 95°F, so utilizing the closest available spot on Court Street or the Jackson Street lot directly across from the courthouse is advisable to minimize exposure to the Alabama heat. Conversely, winter months rarely present significant ice or snow, but rain is common, making a shorter walk more comfortable.

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.