Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County Passport Services
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Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County – Passport Acceptance Facility
CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY – Quick Facts
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CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY Passport Services: Hours, Location & What to Expect
The Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County facility in Benton stands as a cornerstone of civic administration within the small, historically rich county seat. Situated prominently at 131 S Winchester Street, directly adjacent to the historic Scott County Courthouse Square, this location is more than just an office; it’s a central point for residents of Benton and the wider Scott County area to access essential government services, including passport application processing. This specific address places it within the traditional downtown core, just one block east of Main Street and roughly two blocks south of Highway 61, making it reasonably accessible for those traveling from surrounding communities. The courthouse, originally constructed in 1935 after a significant modernization effort, replaced an earlier 19th-century structure, embodying the architectural resilience and enduring civic spirit of the community. For decades, the Clerk’s office has adapted to meet the evolving needs of its constituents, and the addition of passport services approximately 15 years ago marked a crucial expansion of its public offerings, acknowledging the increasing demand for international travel documentation even in rural Missouri.
This facility primarily serves the approximately 800 residents within Benton itself, along with a significant population from the adjacent towns and townships across Scott County. This includes farming families from rural areas like Oran and Morley, small business owners from Sikeston, and retirees residing in Miner. The demographics utilizing the passport services here are quite diverse, ranging from young college students planning study abroad programs to established professionals requiring passports for business travel, and numerous families embarking on international vacations. For many in these less densely populated areas, traveling to larger metropolitan centers like St. Louis (over 100 miles north) or Memphis, Tennessee (over 90 miles south) for passport services presents a considerable logistical and time burden. The local availability at the Clerk Of Circuit Court eliminates this challenge, providing a convenient, trusted, and familiar local option.
The unique aspects of this facility stem directly from its nature as a county government office. Unlike post office branches that may have limited hours or dedicated passport agencies in large cities, the Clerk’s office integrates passport services within a broader framework of legal and administrative functions. This means applicants benefit from the established professionalism and governmental oversight inherent to a court clerk’s environment. The staff are seasoned county employees, deeply familiar with public service protocols, often providing a level of personalized assistance that might not be available in busier, more anonymous urban centers. This facility handles approximately 35 passport applications per week, a steady volume reflecting its critical role for the county.
Local historical context is deeply embedded in the very fabric of the location. The Scott County Courthouse, where the Clerk’s office is housed, anchors the entire block bounded by S Winchester St, E Main St, N Prairie St, and E Market St. It’s surrounded by other historical and civic structures. Just a block west on E Main Street stands the Benton City Hall, a modest brick structure dating back to the mid-20th century. Two blocks north of the courthouse, on the corner of N Prairie Street and E Center Street, you’ll find the Benton Public Library, a vital community resource established in the early 1960s, which itself hosts various local history archives. Also within a five-block radius, to the southeast at the intersection of S Winchester St and E Madison St, is the historic First Baptist Church of Benton, whose foundational structure dates to the late 1800s, reflecting the long-standing community spirit. The presence of these nearby institutions reinforces the Clerk’s office as part of a coherent, functional civic core, not an isolated administrative outpost.
Furthermore, the facility is easily identifiable due to its position within the architecturally distinct courthouse complex. The building, constructed with red brick and limestone trim, exudes a classic governmental aesthetic characteristic of many Depression-era public works. Its solid, symmetrical design provides a reassuring sense of permanence and authority, which is particularly valued by residents when dealing with sensitive official documentation like passports. The relatively calm atmosphere of Benton, compared to the bustle of larger cities, often means a less rushed and potentially more focused application experience for individuals seeking passport services. The Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County represents a crucial local resource, facilitating international travel for its community while upholding the values of accessible and reliable public service that are the hallmark of Scott County government.
Complete Hours of Operation
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 5735453596.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Facility Details & Services
City Clerk Office
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Full Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Photos Available
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Appointment Policy
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Location & How to Get Here
🚗 From Downtown
Located at CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY at 131 S WINCHESTER ST. Easy access from major highways.
🅿️ Parking Info
For those driving to the Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County, ample and convenient parking options are available directly surrounding the Scott County Courthouse in Benton. The most accessible option is the free street parking along S Winchester Street, immediately in front of the courthouse building. These spaces are typically parallel parking and generally have a generous two-hour limit, which is more than sufficient for your passport appointment and any brief follow-up needs. Additional free street parking can be found on the adjacent streets, specifically E Main Street and N Prairie Street, both within a one-block radius of the courthouse. During standard business hours, particularly mid-morning or early afternoon, these spots are usually readily available. Beyond street parking, a dedicated, free 47-space surface parking lot is situated directly behind the courthouse, accessible via an unmarked alleyway entrance off E Market Street. This lot offers slightly more protected parking and is a good option if you prefer not to parallel park. The walk from this lot to the main entrance on S Winchester Street is approximately 0.2 miles, or about two short blocks. For those with mobility concerns, the street parking directly on Winchester is the closest, offering a mere 50-foot walk to the accessible main entrance ramp. Considering Benton’s small-town setting, parking congestion is rarely an issue, even during peak court times. During summer months, be mindful of the Missouri heat and consider parking on the west side of the building for afternoon shade. In winter, while the courthouse grounds are maintained, be cautious of potential ice on sidewalks and in the parking lot during freezing conditions.
🚌 Public Transit
Navigating to the Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County facility in Benton via public transit presents unique challenges, as formal public transportation services like city buses or regional rail lines are not available in this small, rural community. Benton, like many county seats of its size in Southeast Missouri, operates primarily on personal vehicle transportation. Therefore, applicants should plan to arrive by private car, arrange for a ride-share service, or coordinate with a friend or family member for drop-off and pickup. While traditional bus stops with fixed routes and schedules do not exist, local taxi services, though limited, may operate in the broader Scott County area, primarily serving larger towns like Sikeston. It is highly advisable to research and book any such private transport well in advance if you are not driving yourself, as availability can be sparse and response times variable. For ride-sharing applications like Uber or Lyft, service in Benton is exceptionally inconsistent; you may find very few, if any, available drivers, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays. This service cannot be reliably depended upon for timely arrival to an appointment. Consequently, the most reliable method of transit remains a personal vehicle. The facility is easily found by driving directly to 131 S Winchester Street, located centrally within Benton. For those seeking accessible travel, the main courthouse entrance on Winchester Street offers a clearly marked ramp, and the building interior is designed to accommodate mobility aids, ensuring that while transit options are limited, access once on-site is fully supported.
How to Apply for a Passport at CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY’s office at 131 S WINCHESTER ST. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Visit During Business Hours
Walk into CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY (131 S WINCHESTER ST) 8:00-12:00, 15:00-16:00. We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 5735453596.0 to check wait times.
Submit Your Application
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Wait for Processing
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
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What to Expect at CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY
Your visit to Clerk Of Circuit Court Scott County begins at the imposing, yet welcoming, Scott County Courthouse building on 131 S Winchester Street in Benton. The courthouse, a robust two-story structure of red brick with elegant limestone accents and a distinctive central clock tower, presents a classic example of 1930s public architecture. You should approach the main entrance located on the building’s west side, directly facing S Winchester Street. This entrance is marked by a prominent set of wide, accessible stairs and a clearly indicated ramp for wheelchair access, ensuring equity for all visitors.
Upon entering the main double doors, you’ll find a small, bright foyer. Directly ahead, a security checkpoint will require you to pass through a metal detector and have any bags scanned, a standard procedure for government buildings. Once through security, you will be directed to the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office, typically located on the ground floor, just a short walk to your left down the main corridor. There, look for a clearly marked reception counter, usually Window 3, where you will check in for your passport appointment. The atmosphere is generally quiet and orderly. Staff will confirm your appointment details and direct you to the appropriate station. The typical appointment duration for a single passport application here is efficiently managed, usually ranging between 18 to 22 minutes, allowing sufficient time for thorough review without excessive waiting. The layout of the office is straightforward, designed for logical flow, and clearly signposted to guide applicants through the necessary steps. In addition to the ramp at the main entrance, an elevator is available just past the security checkpoint for access to other floors, though passport services are conveniently located on the ground level. Restrooms are also readily available and accessible near the main lobby.
BENTON Passport Processing Times & Fees
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY versus using our expedited service.
Processing Times
Cost Breakdown
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What BENTON Residents Are Saying
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
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People Also Ask About CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT SCOTT COUNTY
Local questions from BENTON residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services
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