Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office Passport Services

Yes, for minor passport applications (applicants under 16), both parents or legal guardians are generally required to appear in person with the child at the Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office. This policy, established by the U.S. Department of State, ensures consent from both legal guardians. Each parent must bring a valid, government-issued identification document, such as a Missouri driver’s license, and also present proof of their parental relationship to the child, typically the child’s original birth certificate or a court order. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) along with a copy of their ID. The passport acceptance agents at 200 North Main Street are highly experienced in reviewing these specific requirements and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documentation is present for a smooth application.

When applying for a passport at the Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office, it’s important to understand the specific payment requirements. For the U.S. Department of State passport fee, credit cards are *not* accepted directly at this facility. You will need to bring a check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” For the separate execution fee, which is collected by the Recorder Of Deeds office itself, cash or a check is accepted. It’s always advisable to carry both payment methods, or at least a checkbook, when you visit 200 North Main Street. Neither the state department fee nor the local execution fee can be paid with a credit or debit card at the counter, so plan accordingly to avoid any delays in your application process.

Unfortunately, the Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office does not have the equipment or staff to take passport photos directly on-site at 200 North Main Street. All applicants must arrive with two identical, recent 2×2 inch color photographs that meet the specific U.S. Department of State requirements. These photos must be clear, well-lit, taken against a plain white or off-white background, and free of shadows. We recommend visiting local establishments in Charleston such as L & S Pharmacy at 406 South Main Street or the Walmart Supercenter in Sikeston, which is about 15 miles away, prior to your appointment. Ensuring your photos are compliant before your visit helps prevent delays and ensures a complete application submission.

Yes, ample and convenient parking is available for visitors to the Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office, located within the courthouse at 200 North Main Street in Charleston. The most accessible option is street parking directly along North Main Street, which typically offers free, unmetered spaces right in front of the building. Additional free street parking can usually be found on the intersecting streets, such as East Commercial Street and North Locust Street, within a block or two of the courthouse. Since Charleston is a smaller town, finding a spot usually isn’t an issue, even during peak business hours. We recommend arriving about 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to ensure you can secure a spot close by and walk directly into the building without rushing. This makes visiting the Recorder’s Office quite straightforward.

After you submit your passport application at the Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office in Charleston, the documents are mailed to a national processing center. The processing times are determined solely by the U.S. Department of State, not by the local acceptance facility. As of November 2024, routine processing is averaging approximately 7 to 10 weeks, and expedited processing, which incurs an additional $60 fee, is typically completed within 3 to 5 weeks. These estimates do not include mail time, which can add a few extra days on either end. It is always wise to apply well in advance of any planned international travel. You can track your application status online using the U.S. Department of State’s website a few days after your application has been accepted here at 200 North Main Street.

The passport office is located at 200 N MAIN ST, CHARLESTON, MO 63834. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-16:00. Call ahead at 5736832598.0 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 “MISSISSIPPI COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Mississippi County Recorder Of Deeds Office, located within the courthouse at 200 North Main Street, is readily available and primarily consists of convenient street parking. Directly surrounding the courthouse square, spaces can typically be found on North Main Street, East Commercial Street, and North Locust Street. These spots are unmetered and generally free of charge throughout the business day, Monday through Friday. While there isn’t a dedicated parking garage in downtown Charleston, the ample street availability means most visitors will find a space within one or two blocks of the facility. For appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes prior is a sensible strategy to secure a prime spot directly on North Main Street, often within 100 feet of the courthouse entrance. If those are occupied, consistent turnover on East Commercial Street, just half a block south, usually provides alternatives. During the warmer months, particularly July and August, direct sun exposure on parked vehicles can be intense, so consider shaded spots on the east side of North Main if available. In winter, especially after an ice or snow event, street parking might be slightly more challenging due to potential accumulation along curbs, making walking a short distance more likely, so allocate extra time.

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.