Clerk Of The Superior Court – Gila County Passport Services

The Clerk Of The Superior Court – Gila County generally processes passport applications during its standard business hours, which are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it’s crucial to understand that passport acceptance services typically conclude 30-60 minutes prior to closing, around 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM, to allow staff adequate time to finalize the day’s submissions. We strongly recommend scheduling an appointment rather than attempting a walk-in, especially if you are traveling from outside Payson, such as from Pine or Star Valley. Appointments ensure that a dedicated clerk is available to assist you without extensive wait times, particularly during busier periods like lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) or Friday afternoons. Always confirm the specific passport service hours when booking your slot.

For any U.S. passport application submitted at the Clerk Of The Superior Court – Gila County, your photos must strictly adhere to specific federal guidelines. Each applicant must provide two identical, recent color photographs, measuring exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). These photos must be taken against a plain white or off-white background, without shadows, and must show a full-face, front view with a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open. Hats, eyeglasses (unless medically necessary with a doctor’s note), and uniforms are generally prohibited. It’s advisable to obtain your photos from a professional service in Payson, such as CVS Pharmacy on N. Beeline Highway or a local photography studio, to ensure they meet all requirements and avoid delays. The court facility itself does not offer on-site photo services, so please come prepared with compliant photographs.

Yes, ample and convenient parking is available right at the Clerk Of The Superior Court – Gila County building in Payson. Directly to the west of the courthouse, you’ll find a sizable, free surface parking lot specifically for visitors. This lot can accommodate around 45 to 50 vehicles, including accessible spaces. It’s rare for this lot to be completely full, even during busier court days. If, by chance, the main lot is packed, you’ll generally find open street parking along West Frontier Street, which is just one block north of the court building, completely free and unrestricted. Given Payson’s warm climate, especially in summer, arriving a bit earlier might allow you to snag one of the few shaded spots in the main lot, which can make a noticeable difference for your vehicle.

Applying for a passport for a minor (under 16) at the Clerk Of The Superior Court – Gila County involves specific federal requirements designed to protect children. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child and present their valid government-issued photo IDs, along with proof of parental relationship (e.g., child’s birth certificate or adoption decree). Additionally, evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship is required, such as an original birth certificate or previous passport. If one parent is unavailable, specific consent forms (DS-3053) or sole custody documents must be presented. The Payson clerks are highly experienced in these nuanced applications and will meticulously guide you through each step, ensuring all necessary documentation is correctly submitted to prevent processing delays for your child’s travel document.

The processing times for U.S. passport applications submitted at the Clerk Of The Superior Court – Gila County are determined by the U.S. Department of State, not by the local acceptance facility. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks, and expedited processing, which incurs an additional fee, averages 2.5 weeks. These times begin once your application is received at a national passport agency or center, not from your appointment date in Payson. You can opt for expedited shipping both to and from the processing center for an extra cost to potentially shave a few days off the total delivery time. It’s always wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates, especially if you have international flights booked, as processing times can fluctuate based on demand.

The passport office is located at 714 S. BEELINE HWY, PAYSON, AZ 85541. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9284743978.0 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 THE SUPERIOR COURT – GILA 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 The Superior Court – Gila County is quite straightforward, designed for public convenience. The primary option is the large, free surface parking lot situated directly to the west of the building, accessible via an entrance off S. Beeline Highway. This asphalt lot typically offers between 45 to 50 unmarked spaces, including several designated ADA-compliant spots near the building’s main entrance. During peak hours, generally mid-morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this lot can fill up, but turnover is relatively quick due to the nature of court business. If the main lot is at capacity, ample street parking is often available along W. Frontier Street, just one block north, with no meters or restrictions, requiring about a 2-minute walk back to the court building. Another viable, though slightly further, option is parking within the Payson Public Library lot, located across S. Beeline Highway, about 0.15 miles away. This lot is also free and generally less congested, adding a short 3-4 minute walk, crossing at the signalized intersection of S. Beeline Hwy and W. Wade Ln. For those visiting during Payson’s intense summer months (June-August), it’s highly advisable to seek shaded parking or arrive early to secure a spot under one of the few trees in the main lot to protect your vehicle from the relentless Arizona sun, where temperatures can routinely exceed 100°F. Conversely, during rarer winter snowfalls or freezing rain, exercise caution as the asphalt surfaces can become slick; staff typically de-ice walkways, but the lot itself is not always treated.

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.