Decatur County Clerks Office Passport Services

The Decatur County Clerks Office accepts several forms of payment for passport application fees. You can pay with a check, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to the U.S. Department of State. For the $35 execution fee charged by the Clerk’s office, cash or a local check made payable to the Decatur County Clerk is accepted. Credit or debit cards are not currently accepted at this location for either fee. It’s advisable to confirm payment options when scheduling an appointment, particularly if you plan to pay in cash, to ensure you have the correct amount and denominations to avoid any inconvenience.

If you require a passport urgently, Decatur County Clerks Office can facilitate the expedited processing service offered by the U.S. Department of State. You will need to pay an additional fee for expedited service when submitting your application. While the Clerk’s office assists with the application process, the actual processing timeline is determined by the Department of State. For truly urgent situations involving life-or-death emergencies, you may need to contact the National Passport Information Center or visit a regional passport agency, such as the one in Atlanta, but start with Decatur County first. They can advise on emergency passport procedures and requirements.

Routine passport processing involves the standard processing time frame set by the U.S. Department of State. Expedited processing involves paying an additional fee to have your application processed faster. While Decatur County Clerks Office submits your application promptly, the processing speed is determined by the State Department. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks, while expedited averages 2.5 weeks. If you have upcoming travel plans, opting for expedited service is generally recommended for peace of mind. Check current processing times on the Department of State’s website before applying.

The Decatur County Clerks Office can assist with passport renewals, but only under certain conditions. If your previous passport was issued within the last 15 years, you were over the age of 16 when it was issued, and it’s undamaged, you may be eligible to renew by mail using form DS-82. The clerks can provide the form and instructions. If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll need to apply in person using form DS-11, which they also handle. The office can also help review your renewal application to ensure all documents and information are complete and accurate before submission. It’s always best to check eligibility requirements before visiting.

While walk-ins are accepted at the Decatur County Clerks Office, scheduling an appointment is highly recommended to minimize wait times and ensure a smoother process. You can call the office directly at (229) 248-3036 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are typically scheduled in 30-minute increments. If you choose to walk in, be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak seasons such as summer or around major holidays. Making an appointment allows the clerks to allocate sufficient time to assist you with your application, answer any questions, and review your documents thoroughly.

The passport office is located at 112 W WATER ST, BAINBRIDGE, GA 39817. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-17:00. Call ahead at 2292483025.0 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 “DECATUR COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking near the Decatur County Clerks Office is readily available both on-street and in nearby lots. On-street parking along West Water Street and North Broad Street offers metered parking at a rate of $1 per hour, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. The city also maintains a 40-space free parking lot located at the corner of West Water Street and North Crawford Street, just a block west of the courthouse. During peak hours, especially during court sessions, parking can be competitive. For longer appointments, consider the public parking lot on West College Avenue, approximately 0.2 miles (about a 5-minute walk) from the courthouse. In the summer, be mindful of the Georgia heat and park in shaded areas when possible. During the winter months, take extra caution on sidewalks if there is ice. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to secure parking and avoid any delays for your appointment.

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.