Alleghany County Circuit Court Passport Services

Yes, for minors under 16, both parents generally need to apply together, presenting their own valid government-issued IDs and the child’s original birth certificate at Alleghany County Circuit Court. If only one parent can attend, the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a photocopy of both the front and back of their valid identification. The passport acceptance agents in Covington are very thorough in confirming these specific requirements, ensuring that all applications for minors are fully complete and correctly submitted according to federal guidelines. It’s always prudent to call the Clerk’s Office at (540) 965-1721 in advance if you anticipate any unusual circumstances regarding parental presence or documentation, to avoid a wasted trip to West Main Street.

Alleghany County Circuit Court accepts payment for the $35 passport execution fee by cash or check only. It is crucial to understand that credit card payments are not accepted for this portion of the fee at the Clerk’s Office in Covington. For the separate application fee, which is payable directly to the “U.S. Department of State,” only a personal check or money order is permitted. Therefore, visitors must plan accordingly and ensure they have the correct forms of payment on hand before their appointment on West Main Street. Attempting to pay with a credit card for either fee will unfortunately result in a delay or the inability to process your passport application, as there is no facility to process credit transactions for passport services at this location.

When applying for a passport at Alleghany County Circuit Court, you’ll need to prepare two separate payments. The primary application fee, which goes directly to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by personal check or money order only; cash and credit cards are not accepted for this federal fee. For the separate $35 execution fee, charged for the court’s service as an acceptance facility, you can pay with either cash or a check made out to “Alleghany County Circuit Court.” It is highly advisable to bring two distinct checks for each fee to streamline the process efficiently. The Clerk’s Office staff on West Main Street are very helpful in guiding applicants through these specific payment requirements to ensure a smooth and complete submission.

Yes, appointments are very strongly recommended for all passport applications involving minors at Alleghany County Circuit Court. Scheduling ahead ensures that a dedicated passport acceptance agent is available to thoroughly review all necessary documents, including the child’s original birth certificate, both parents’ valid government-issued IDs, and the notarized consent form (DS-3053) if one parent is unable to attend. While walk-ins for minors are sometimes accommodated, this is strictly based on unexpected staff availability and current workload, with scheduled appointments always taking priority. Planning your visit to the Clerk’s Office in advance guarantees that the staff can provide the meticulous attention required for these critical applications, allowing you to finalize everything efficiently during your time on West Main Street.

While Alleghany County Circuit Court primarily operates by appointment for passport services, walk-ins are accepted on a limited, first-come, first-served basis, typically until 3:30 PM. This is contingent upon staff availability and the existing queue of scheduled applicants. If you plan to visit without an appointment, it is highly advisable to call the Clerk’s Office ahead of time at (540) 965-1721 to inquire about the likelihood of being seen that day and potential wait times. Arriving with all your documents meticulously prepared, including your passport photo and the correct forms of payment, significantly increases your chances of a successful same-day submission, even without a prior appointment. Be prepared for a potential wait, especially during busier periods in the early afternoon, as priority is always given to those with scheduled appointments.

The passport office is located at 266 W. MAIN ST., COVINGTON, VA 24426. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 5409651730.0 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 “ALLEGHANY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for Alleghany County Circuit Court applicants requires some forethought due to its downtown Covington location. Directly on West Main Street, in front of the court, you will find limited metered street parking available. These spots typically cost $1.00 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Payment can be made using coins or through the ParkMobile app, utilizing Zone 2450. For a more economical and often less stressful option, several free municipal lots are within a short walking distance. A compact public lot, offering approximately 25 free spaces, is conveniently located just one block south on South Court Avenue, adjacent to Covington City Hall. This provides a very quick walk to the court. Another larger, free, and uncovered parking lot with around 40 spaces can be found two blocks east of the court, situated behind the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce building on East Main Street. This option offers a pleasant, five-minute walk through the historic downtown area. The best parking strategy is often to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled passport appointment, aiming for a spot in the South Court Avenue municipal lot. During summer months, be mindful of the warm Virginia humidity during your short walk, while winter visits may require extra caution for potential black ice on the side streets, especially in the early morning hours after a cold night.

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.