Franklin County Clerk Of Courts Passport Services

Your passport photos for submission at the Franklin County Clerk Of Courts must precisely meet the U.S. Department of State’s specifications. Each photograph must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, with your head centered and measuring between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. These are rigid guidelines, and photos that do not comply will result in a rejected application, requiring you to obtain new photos. While the Clerk Of Courts facility on South High Street does not offer on-site photo services, there are several convenient options nearby. Many local pharmacies, such as the Kroger Pharmacy at 150 West Sycamore Street (0.4 miles away) or the CVS at 100 East Broad Street, are equipped to provide passport-compliant photos, often within a 10-15 minute service window.

Yes, the Franklin County Clerk Of Courts typically accepts a variety of payment methods for the local acceptance fee, which is a separate $35 payment made directly to the facility. This fee can usually be paid using credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), debit cards, cash, or a money order made out to ‘Franklin County Clerk of Courts.’ However, it is crucial to remember that the passport application fee itself, which goes to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by check or money order only. These are two distinct payments. Always bring a personal check, certified check, or money order for the federal fee, and be prepared with cash or card for the $35 acceptance fee at the 345 South High Street location.

When applying for a minor’s passport at the Franklin County Clerk Of Courts, an appointment is not only strongly recommended but often essential to ensure a smooth process. All applicants under the age of 16 require both parents or legal guardians to be present, along with the minor, at the time of application. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a copy of their valid ID, to the attending parent. For 16 and 17-year-olds, only one parent is generally required to appear with valid ID, or they can show parental consent. Due to the specific documentation and two-parent signature requirements, scheduling an appointment helps staff at the 345 South High Street facility allocate sufficient time to verify all necessary identities and consent forms, preventing potential delays or multiple trips.

While the Franklin County Clerk Of Courts passport acceptance facility at 345 South High Street prioritizes scheduled appointments, walk-ins are generally accommodated on a limited, space-available basis. However, to guarantee service and minimize wait times, especially during busy periods like lunch hours or late afternoons, making an appointment is highly advisable. Appointments can typically be scheduled by calling the Clerk’s office directly or, if available, through their online scheduling system. Arriving with a confirmed appointment ensures that a trained acceptance agent is available to process your application promptly, typically within 20 minutes, allowing you to plan your day in Downtown Columbus effectively without extended delays. Without an appointment, you risk significant wait times or being asked to return another day, particularly if staffing levels are low or many scheduled applicants are present.

Absolutely, both parents applying together for a child’s passport at the Franklin County Clerk Of Courts is the preferred and most straightforward method. For all applicants under the age of 16, federal regulations stipulate that both parents or legal guardians must be present to give consent, or one parent must present the necessary notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent, along with a copy of their ID. When both parents attend the appointment at 345 South High Street with the child, they can simultaneously present their valid government-issued identification and sign the DS-11 application form in front of the acceptance agent. This ensures that the two-parent consent requirement is fully met on the spot, streamlining the entire process and eliminating the need for additional documentation or a second visit.

The passport office is located at 345 SOUTH HIGH ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43215. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-14:30. Call ahead at 6145253621.0 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 CLERK OF COURTS” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking in Downtown Columbus for your Franklin County Clerk Of Courts appointment requires foresight due to its bustling urban environment. Metered street parking is available along South High Street, West Mound Street, and adjacent avenues like South Front Street or South Third Street. These meters typically charge $2.50 per hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, payable via the ParkColumbus app or physical kiosks. However, street spaces can be scarce, especially during peak weekday hours. A more reliable option is the numerous parking garages nearby. The Columbus Commons Main Garage, located at 55 East Rich Street, is approximately a 0.3-mile, 5-minute walk north of the facility. Daily rates here average $10-$15, with hourly increments around $3-$5. Another excellent choice is the Statehouse Underground Parking Garage, accessible from East Broad Street, about 0.4 miles away (a 7-minute walk). It offers a flat daily rate of $15, with early bird specials sometimes available. For shorter visits, there’s a smaller surface lot at 285 South Front Street, offering 40 spaces for around $5-$8 for 2-3 hours, just two blocks west. During winter months, consider covered garages to avoid ice and snow accumulation, which can make street parking and walking less pleasant. In summer, shaded garages offer respite from the Ohio heat. Always allocate an extra 15-20 minutes for parking and walking to ensure you arrive promptly 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.