Chambers County Circuit Clerk Passport Services

Yes, for a child under 16, both parents or legal guardians are generally required to appear in person at the Chambers County Circuit Clerk’s office to apply for a passport. They must present valid identification and provide proof of their parental relationship to the child, such as the child’s original birth certificate. If only one parent can appear, the absent parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a copy of their government-issued identification, front and back. The clerks at 2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114, are highly experienced in these specific requirements and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary forms and documents are correctly submitted for your child’s application. They prioritize the security and accuracy of minor passport applications.

The primary difference between routine and expedited processing for a passport application submitted at the Chambers County Circuit Clerk’s office lies in the speed of delivery. Routine processing is the standard service level, typically taking several weeks for your passport to arrive by mail. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks. Expedited processing, however, significantly shortens this timeframe to get your passport much faster, usually within 2.5 weeks, but it incurs an additional federal fee of $60 per application. When you apply at 2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114, you’ll indicate your choice on Form DS-11. Expedited service is highly recommended for those with imminent international travel plans, and remember to factor in shipping times if you also choose overnight delivery for the return of your new passport.

When visiting the Chambers County Circuit Clerk for your passport application, you’ll need to bring several key documents. Foremost, you must present proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged U.S. passport. Additionally, bring a valid government-issued identification, like an Alabama driver’s license or state ID. Don’t forget a recent, color passport photo that meets federal guidelines; while they do not offer photo services on-site at 2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114, nearby pharmacies often provide this service. You will also need your completed but UNSIGNED Form DS-11. Remember to bring payment for the application fee (check or money order payable to ‘U.S. Department of State’) and the execution fee (cash, check, or money order payable to ‘Chambers County Circuit Clerk’).

Regarding payment at the Chambers County Circuit Clerk’s office for passport services, there’s an important distinction to make. The federal passport application fee, which goes to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by personal check, certified check, or money order. Unfortunately, credit or debit cards are not accepted for this portion of the payment. However, the separate $35 execution fee, which is collected by the Chambers County Circuit Clerk for their service as an acceptance facility, can typically be paid using cash, a local personal check, or a money order made out to ‘Chambers County Circuit Clerk’. It’s always a good practice to bring both forms of payment when you visit 2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114, to ensure a seamless application process and avoid any delays.

The Chambers County Circuit Clerk’s office at 2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114, primarily processes applications for new passports (Form DS-11) or replacement passports for minors and those that are significantly damaged or lost. Most adult passport renewals (Form DS-82) are handled directly by mail. If you currently hold a passport that is less than 15 years old, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is in your current name or you have legal documentation to show a name change, you are generally eligible to renew by mail. The Circuit Clerk’s staff can provide the necessary forms and guidance on the mail-in renewal process, but they do not typically act as acceptance agents for routine adult renewals.

The passport office is located at 2 LAFAYETTE ST SOUTH STE B-114, LAFAYETTE, AL 36862. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-12:00, 13:00-16:30. Call ahead at 3348644348.0 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 “CHAMBERS COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Chambers County Circuit Clerk’s office at 2 Lafayette Street South is remarkably convenient, a distinct advantage in downtown Lafayette. The most direct option is the free public parking lot immediately adjacent to the building, accessible via a small entrance off First Avenue Southeast. This lot typically offers 25-30 spaces throughout the workday. For those with appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early usually guarantees a spot here, placing you mere steps from the north entrance. Additionally, ample free street parking is available along Lafayette Street South and First Avenue Southeast. These spaces are usually less congested than in larger cities, with a typical turnaround of 2-hour limits, though enforcement is generally lenient for short government visits. On First Street Northeast, directly behind the courthouse, you’ll find an additional 15-space free municipal lot. This is about a 2-block walk (approximately 0.15 miles) to the Circuit Clerk’s office, a pleasant stroll past historic structures. During hotter summer months, from June through August, it is advisable to seek shaded spots if possible, though finding direct shade can be challenging. In winter, usually December through February, while ice is rare, cold snaps can make a closer parking spot more desirable. Planning your arrival to coincide with non-peak hours, typically mid-morning (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM), often provides the easiest parking access, avoiding the courthouse rush.

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.