Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse Passport Services

At the Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse, two distinct payments are required for a passport application. The application fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State, must be submitted via check or money order only; cash and credit/debit cards are not accepted for this portion. The separate execution fee, which is $35, is paid directly to the Lake County Clerk. For this execution fee, the facility accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). It’s crucial to have both payment methods prepared before your appointment to avoid any processing delays. Many applicants find it easiest to bring two separate checks, one for the State Department and one for the Clerk’s office, ensuring smooth transaction completion at window 103.

The Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse strongly recommends scheduling an appointment for passport services to ensure efficient processing and minimize wait times. While they do occasionally accommodate walk-ins, availability is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the current staffing levels and the volume of scheduled appointments. Walk-in service is typically handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and you may experience significant delays, especially during peak hours like weekday mornings or lunch periods. To guarantee service and reduce your wait, it is always best to call the Clerk’s office at their Tavares location or visit the Lake County Clerk of Court website to book a specific time slot in advance. This ensures an agent is ready to assist you upon your arrival at window 103.

If you require your passport urgently, the Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse can facilitate expedited processing through the U.S. Department of State. When applying, you will pay an additional fee of $60 per application to the State Department for expedited service. This significantly shortens the processing time, typically reducing it from several weeks to just a few. It’s important to note that even with expedited service, actual delivery times can vary, so plan accordingly. If your travel is within two to three weeks, or involves a life-or-death emergency, you might need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly or visit a regional passport agency in person, as the Tavares facility cannot guarantee processing within such an extremely short timeframe for immediate travel.

The fundamental difference between routine and expedited passport processing, as managed by the U.S. Department of State and facilitated by the Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse, lies in the time it takes to receive your passport and the associated cost. Routine processing, the standard option, has a longer turnaround time, currently averaging 7-10 weeks as of November 2024. Expedited processing incurs an additional $60 fee per application, paid directly to the State Department, and significantly reduces the processing time to approximately 2-3 weeks. Both options require the same documentation and application procedures at the Tavares facility. The decision between routine and expedited depends entirely on your travel timeline and how quickly you need your new passport in hand.

No, the Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse passport acceptance facility in Tavares does not offer on-site passport photo services. Applicants are required to bring two identical, color passport photos that meet the U.S. Department of State’s specific requirements (2×2 inches, white background, taken within the last six months, etc.) with them to their appointment. There are several local businesses near the courthouse that provide passport photo services, such as the UPS Store at 1800 N Donnelly St in Mount Dora (approximately 4 miles away) or various pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens throughout Tavares. Ensuring your photos meet all specifications beforehand will prevent any delays in processing your application.

The passport office is located at 550 W MAIN ST, TAVARES, FL 32778. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-12:00, 13:00-16:30. Call ahead at 3522532648.0 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 “LAKE COUNTY CLERK OF COURT – LAKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking around the Lake County Clerk Of Court – Lake County Courthouse in Tavares presents several viable options, though strategy can vary depending on the time of day. The most convenient, albeit limited, choice is the small, free public parking lot located directly behind the courthouse, accessible via Tremain Street, which offers approximately 12 spaces. This lot tends to fill quickly, especially during morning hours between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. For appointments, aiming to arrive before 8:45 AM can improve your chances of securing a spot here. Ample street parking is available along West Main Street and Joanna Avenue, typically metered at $1.25 per hour, with enforcement from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. There are usually 40 to 50 parallel parking spaces within a two-block radius. The closest street spots are often found directly in front of the courthouse on West Main Street or around the corner on Joanna Avenue, putting you within 0.1 miles or a brief one-minute walk of the north entrance. A larger public parking lot, offering around 55 free spaces, is situated on the corner of Joanna Avenue and Alfred Street, about 0.3 miles (a five-minute walk) south of the courthouse. This lot is a reliable alternative during peak times. When visiting during Florida’s summer months, from June through September, consider arriving slightly earlier to account for the intense heat and humidity, which can make even short walks uncomfortable. Parking in a shaded spot, if available, is always a good idea. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common, so having an umbrella handy is advisable for the walk to and from your vehicle.

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.