Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office Passport Services

The Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office, located at 424 Blount Avenue, Suite 201, operates for passport services from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It’s important to note that the office adheres strictly to state and federal holiday schedules, so checking the official Marshall County government website for any specific closures, particularly around Thanksgiving or Christmas, is advisable. While the doors generally open at 8 AM, it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early if you have an initial morning appointment, especially if you need to finalize any last-minute document checks. The last appointments are typically scheduled around 3:30 PM to ensure adequate time for processing before the office closes. This consistent schedule makes planning your visit straightforward for most Guntersville residents and those from surrounding Marshall County communities.

When applying for a passport at the Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office, you will need to prepare two separate payments. The application fee, which is payable to the U.S. Department of State, must be submitted via check or money order only; cash or credit/debit cards are not accepted for this portion. For the execution fee, which is $35, payable to the Marshall County Circuit Clerk, you have more flexibility. This fee can be paid with cash, a local check, or a money order. It is crucial to have these payments ready in the correct forms to avoid delays during your appointment. We recommend bringing extra checks or having sufficient cash for the execution fee, as the nearest ATM might be a few blocks away at ServisFirst Bank on Gunter Avenue. Planning ahead for these specific payment methods will ensure a smooth processing experience.

Applying for a passport for a minor (under 16) at the Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office requires both parents/legal guardians to be present, along with the child. You’ll need to submit the child’s original birth certificate or previous passport, as well as a valid government-issued ID for both parents. If only one parent can attend, they must present the absent parent’s signed, notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a copy of the absent parent’s ID. In cases of sole legal custody, documentation proving this must be provided. The clerks at the office are highly experienced in handling child passport applications and can guide you through the specific requirements, ensuring all necessary paperwork is correctly completed to meet federal regulations. Bringing all relevant documents and IDs for everyone involved is key to a successful application.

While the Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office does generally operate on an appointment-preferred basis for passport services, they do make efforts to accommodate walk-ins when their schedule permits. However, relying on a walk-in can lead to significant wait times, especially during busy periods like summer vacation planning or early afternoons. To guarantee prompt service and avoid prolonged waiting, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment in advance. You can typically do this by calling the Circuit Clerk’s office directly at (256) 571-7786 during their operational hours. For those residents traveling from more distant parts of Marshall County, such as Arab or Boaz, securing an appointment is particularly important to prevent a potentially wasted trip. If you do attempt a walk-in, be prepared for the possibility of being asked to return at a later, less busy time or to schedule an official appointment.

Yes, expedited passport service is available through the Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office, just as it is at any official acceptance facility. When submitting your application, you will need to clearly indicate your request for expedited processing and include the additional expedited fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State, with your application fee. As of November 2024, expedited processing typically takes 2-3 weeks from the time your application is received by the Passport Agency, significantly faster than the routine 7-9 week timeframe. You also have the option to pay an extra fee for 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book from the Department of State. While the Circuit Clerk’s office can facilitate the initial expedited submission, they do not control the actual processing speed once the application leaves their facility; that remains with the federal passport agencies. The staff will ensure your expedited submission is correctly prepared to maximize processing efficiency.

The passport office is located at 424 BLOUNT AVENUE SUITE 201, GUNTERSVILLE, AL 35976. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-16:00. Call ahead at 2565717785.0 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 “MARSHALL 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 Marshall County Circuit Clerks Office is relatively straightforward, particularly for a government building in a small city center. The most convenient option is the dedicated, free municipal parking lot situated on the west side of Blount Avenue, directly behind the courthouse building. This 65-space lot is accessible via an entrance on Taylor Street, which runs parallel to Blount Avenue one block west. It’s a short, level walk of approximately 0.1 miles (or half a block) from the rear of the parking lot directly to the Blount Avenue entrance of the courthouse. Additional street parking is often available along Blount Avenue itself, especially north of Gunter Avenue, which typically runs at no cost for up to two hours. Be mindful of any specific signage indicating permit-only zones during weekday business hours. During peak summer months, when tourism around Lake Guntersville increases, the demand for street parking can be slightly higher, so arriving 15-20 minutes early for your appointment is a wise strategy. In winter, especially during colder spells, the exposed lots can be icy, so exercise caution. There are no paid parking garages directly adjacent to the courthouse; the free municipal lot is designed to accommodate most visitors. For longer appointments or if the main lot is full, consider the auxiliary free parking lot behind the Guntersville Public Library, a 0.3-mile walk east on Gunter Avenue, offering around 30 additional spaces. This parking strategy ensures ample time to arrive and locate a suitable spot, regardless of the season.

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.