Franklin County Circuit Clerk Passport Services

For a minor’s passport application at the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office, both parents and the child must appear in person. You will need to bring proof of U.S. citizenship for the child (original birth certificate or previous passport), proof of parental relationship (birth certificate or adoption decree), and valid government-issued identification for both parents. If only one parent can appear, they must present the second parent’s consent form (DS-3053) with a copy of the absent parent’s ID, or legal documentation proving sole custody. The clerks at 410 N Jackson Avenue are very experienced with these specific requirements and can guide you through each step to ensure all necessary forms are correctly completed and submitted for your child’s travel document.

While the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office does accept walk-in passport applications, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment to minimize your wait time and ensure dedicated assistance. Walk-ins are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and during busy periods, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, you might experience a significant wait. Scheduling ahead allows the staff at 410 N Jackson Avenue to allocate appropriate time for your application, leading to a smoother and more efficient process. You can typically call the Circuit Clerk’s main number during business hours to set up a convenient time slot, ensuring you receive prompt service for your passport needs without unnecessary delays.

Passport photos must adhere to strict U.S. Department of State guidelines to be accepted. For applications submitted at the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office, your photos need to be 2×2 inches in size, in color, and taken within the last six months. Ensure your full face is visible, looking directly at the camera, against a plain white or off-white background. No glasses, hats, or uniforms are permitted, except for religious attire worn daily. It’s often best to get your passport photos taken professionally at a location like CVS Pharmacy on W Franklin Street, about 0.2 miles away, or Walmart Supercenter on Highway 43. They are familiar with the exact specifications, significantly reducing the chances of your application being delayed due to an incorrect photo. Bringing two identical, untampered photos is always a good practice.

The Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office primarily functions as an acceptance facility for new passport applications (DS-11 forms) and for minors. If you are eligible to renew your passport by mail using a DS-82 form (e.g., your most recent passport is undamaged, issued within the last 15 years, and you were at least 16 when it was issued), you should generally send your application directly to the National Passport Processing Center via USPS. The staff at 410 N Jackson Avenue can provide guidance on whether you qualify for mail-in renewal and can answer questions about the process, but they do not officially “accept” DS-82 renewal forms for mailing. Always consult the U.S. Department of State website or call the Circuit Clerk’s office to confirm the appropriate renewal method for your specific situation.

After submitting your passport application at the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number, often referred to as your application locator number. You can use this unique 10-digit number, typically available 7-10 business days after your application has been mailed by the clerk’s office, to check the status of your passport application online through the U.S. Department of State’s official website at passportstatus.state.gov. The website provides real-time updates on whether your application is ‘In Process,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Mailed.’ It’s important to remember that the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office processes and mails applications but does not have direct access to the federal tracking system, so any status inquiries must go through the official State Department channels once submitted.

The passport office is located at 410 N JACKSON AVENUE, RUSSELLVILLE, AL 35653. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 2563328861.0 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 “FRANKLIN 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 Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office at 410 N Jackson Avenue in Russellville is generally straightforward, though it requires specific knowledge during peak hours. The most convenient option is the free, dedicated parking lot directly behind the building, accessible via a driveway on the west side of Jackson Avenue, just past the main entrance. This lot offers approximately 35 marked spaces. While usually sufficient, it can fill up quickly between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays, especially on court days. If the rear lot is full, ample free street parking is available along Jackson Avenue itself, immediately in front of the building and extending two blocks north towards Lawrence Street. These spots do not have meters or time limits, but availability varies. Alternatively, additional free public parking can be found along Lawrence Street, a block south of the facility, offering about 20 spaces within a 1.5-block walk east of the office. For those arriving for passport appointments, it’s advisable to aim to arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure a convenient spot, especially if your appointment is mid-morning. During summer months, be mindful of the intense Alabama heat and consider parking on the shadier west side of Jackson Avenue if possible to keep your vehicle cooler. In winter, while ice is less common, occasional frost can make sidewalks slick, so exercise caution when walking from street parking spots.

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.