Randolph County Circuit Clerk Passport Services

If you require your passport urgently for international travel within a few weeks, the Randolph County Circuit Clerk’s office can help you with expedited processing. While they cannot issue the passport on the same day, they will ensure your application is marked for expedited service and sent to the national processing center with priority. This service incurs an additional federal fee of $60, on top of the standard application fees. You will still need to provide all required documentation, including proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, and passport photos. For travel within 14 business days, or 28 days if a foreign visa is required, you must contact the National Passport Information Center directly to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, as the local Circuit Clerk’s office is not equipped for same-day issuance.

At the Randolph County Circuit Clerk’s office, payment for the passport acceptance facility fee, which is currently $35, must be made separately from the payment to the U.S. Department of State. The Circuit Clerk’s office specifically accepts cash, check, or money order for their $35 execution fee. It is crucial to remember that personal credit or debit cards are generally not accepted for this portion of the payment at this location. For the passport application fee payable to the U.S. Department of State, which varies by service, a personal check or money order is the only accepted payment method. Make sure to prepare two separate payments before your visit to ensure a smooth application process.

Processing times for passport applications can fluctuate, but as of November 2024, routine processing through the Randolph County Circuit Clerk’s office is averaging approximately 7-9 weeks from the date your application is mailed. If you opt for expedited service, which includes an additional $60 federal fee, the average processing time shortens considerably to about 3-5 weeks. These estimates do not include mailing times to and from the passport processing center, which can add another 1-2 weeks in total. It’s always advisable to apply well in advance of any planned international travel. You can track the status of your application online using the U.S. Department of State’s website approximately 7-10 business days after your application has been submitted.

The Randolph County Circuit Clerk’s office operates primarily on a walk-in basis for passport services, particularly given its smaller size and community focus. While appointments are not typically required, it is highly recommended to call ahead at (256) 357-4922 to confirm daily hours and inquire about current wait times, especially if you are traveling from a distance. The office handles a variety of county clerk duties, so passport processing is integrated into their daily operations. Visiting earlier in the morning, typically between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, or in the mid-afternoon, around 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, usually results in shorter wait periods. Peak times, such as lunchtime or right after the office opens, can be busier. Ensuring you have all your documents prepared before arrival will expedite your service.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed at which the U.S. Department of State processes your application. Routine processing, which is the standard service, is generally sufficient for travelers who have flexible plans and no immediate international travel needs, typically taking 7-9 weeks as of November 2024. Expedited processing, on the other hand, is a faster service designed for individuals who need their passport sooner, cutting the processing time down to an average of 3-5 weeks. This quicker turnaround comes with an additional federal fee of $60, payable to the Department of State. Both options are available for application at the Randolph County Circuit Clerk’s office, with all other application requirements remaining the same. Remember to account for mailing times, which are additional for both service levels.

The passport office is located at 1 MAIN STREET, WEDOWEE, AL 36278. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30. Call ahead at 2563574551.0 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 “RANDOLPH 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 Randolph County Circuit Clerk’s office is notably convenient, reflecting the small-town nature of Wedowee. The most direct option is the free, dedicated 45-space parking lot situated immediately behind (west of) the Randolph County Courthouse building, accessible via a short driveway off College Street. This paved lot typically has ample availability, especially during mid-morning or mid-afternoon hours, providing direct access to the courthouse’s rear entrance. Alternatively, visitors can find free on-street parking along Main Street, directly in front of the courthouse. While there are no meters, designated two-hour parking zones are enforced on certain blocks, though typically these are not congested. For extended stays, the large, free public lot located one block south of the courthouse, adjacent to the Wedowee Public Library on Broad Street, offers plentiful open parking with no time limits. From this lot, it’s a mere 0.2-mile, two-block walk north to the Circuit Clerk’s office. During summer months, shaded spots in the rear lot are highly sought after due to Alabama’s intense heat, so planning to arrive slightly early might secure a cooler parking space. In winter, icy patches are rare but possible on less-traveled side streets, though the main lots are usually well-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.