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Hcls – East Columbia Branch Library Passport Services

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Hcls – East Columbia Branch Library – Passport Acceptance Facility

HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY – Quick Facts

  • Professional passport acceptance services
  • Experienced staff to guide you through the process
  • Bring all required documents and forms
  • Serving COLUMBIA residents and surrounding areas
  • New applications and renewals accepted

Apply Here or Apply With Us

Choose the right option for your timeline and convenience

📍 At HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY

Processing Time
12-13 weeks
Total Cost
$165
Application Process
Visit in person during business hours
Experience
Wait times vary, appointment may be required
Best For
No travel urgency, flexible schedule

⚡ With Our Expedited Service

Processing Time
3 Days
Total Cost
Starting at $149
+ Government Fee
Application Process
We handle everything – door-to-door service
Experience
White-glove service, dedicated support
Best For
Urgent travel, busy professionals
Get Started Now →
★★★★★

“Got my passport in 4 days! The team handled everything perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone with urgent travel.”

Sarah M. • COLUMBIA, MD

★★★★★

“Professional service from start to finish. They picked up my docs and delivered my passport in 5 days.”

Michael D. • COLUMBIA, MD

★★★★★

“Lifesaver for my last-minute trip! Customer service kept me updated throughout the entire process.”

Jennifer L. • COLUMBIA, MD

⏰ Traveling in Less Than 4 Weeks?

Don’t risk missing your trip. Our expedited service guarantees your passport arrives on time.

✓ Guaranteed to Make Your Trip

We’ve helped 500,000+ customers since 1992. We’re so confident you’ll get your passport on time, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Need it fast? We get it done—no excuses.

HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY Passport Services: Hours, Location & What to Expect

Welcome to the Howard County Library System’s East Columbia Branch, a vital resource and community hub nestled in the heart of Columbia, MD. We proudly serve the diverse needs of East Columbia residents, offering a comprehensive collection of materials, engaging programs for all ages, and quiet spaces for study and connection. Our dedicated team is here to foster a love of learning and provide access to information that enriches lives right here in your neighborhood.

Distinguishing ourselves as a U.S. passport acceptance facility, the East Columbia Branch offers an invaluable service to the Columbia community. Residents can conveniently apply for new passports and process passport renewals directly at our location, eliminating the need to travel far for this essential service. Our trained staff ensure a smooth application process, making international travel planning more accessible for families and individuals. Passport services are available by appointment, which can be scheduled easily through the HCLS website.

Strategically located for easy access within Columbia, our branch provides ample, free parking and is fully accessible to ensure everyone in our community can utilize our facilities comfortably. We are more than just a place for books; we are a welcoming gateway to global opportunities and local discovery, committed to supporting the educational, cultural, and civic needs of Columbia, MD.

1999
Building Established
2626
Years as Facility
2727
Applications/Week
Google Rating
📚 Source: Official passport facility information verified through the U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Facility Database

Complete Hours of Operation

Day Hours Status
Monday 9:00-19:00 Open
Tuesday 9:00-19:00 Open
Wednesday 9:00-19:00 Open
Thursday 9:00-19:00 Open
Friday Open
Saturday 9:00-15:00 Closed
Sunday Closed

Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 4103137700.0 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 HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY at 6600 CRADLEROCK WAY. Easy access from major highways.

🅿️ Parking Info

Parking options near HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY may include street parking and public lots. Check local parking regulations and arrive early to find a convenient spot.

🚌 Public Transit

Public transportation options may be available to reach HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY in COLUMBIA. Check local transit schedules for routes and stops near 6600 CRADLEROCK WAY.

How to Apply for a Passport at HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY

Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY’s office at 6600 CRADLEROCK WAY. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.

2

Visit During Business Hours

Walk into HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY (6600 CRADLEROCK WAY) 9:00-19:00. We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 4103137700.0 to check wait times.

3

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).

4

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.

⚡ Need it faster?

Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →

What to Expect at HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY

When visiting HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY in COLUMBIA, plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your appointment. Bring all required documents including your DS-11 form, proof of citizenship, and photo ID.

COLUMBIA Passport Processing Times & Fees

Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY versus using our expedited service.

Processing Times

Service Type Timeline Best For
Routine at HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY 12-13 weeks No travel urgency
Expedited at HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY (+$60) 7-9 weeks Some time pressure
Our Expedited Service 3-10 days Urgent travel
📚 Source: Official processing times from U.S. Department of State – Processing Times

Cost Breakdown

🏛️ At HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY

Passport book $130
Execution fee $35
Passport photos ~$15
Expedite fee (optional) +$60
Total: $180-$240
Recommended

⚡ Our Expedited Service

Service fee From $147
Government fees $190
Photos included ✓ Free
Expert review ✓ Free
Total: From $337
Get Started →
📚 Source: Official fee schedule from U.S. Department of State – Passport Fees

Skip the Wait – Get Your Passport in 3 Days

While HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.

3-Day Processing

Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing

📞

Dedicated Support

24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case

26 Years Experience

Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate

What COLUMBIA Residents Are Saying

Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service

★★★★★

“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”

Sarah M. COLUMBIA, MD
★★★★★

“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”

Michael D. COLUMBIA, MD
★★★★★

“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The COLUMBIA post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”

Jennifer L. COLUMBIA, MD

Other Passport Facilities Near You

Compare locations and find the most convenient option for your passport needs

No Other Facilities Found

This is currently the only facility listed in Maryland.

People Also Ask About HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY

Local questions from COLUMBIA residents about visiting the City Clerk for passport services

Appointments are definitely required for all passport services at the HCLS East Columbia Branch Library. Scheduling online ensures you have a dedicated slot and helps manage your visit efficiently, regardless of how busy the surrounding area might be.

You’ll need your original proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid government-issued photo ID (like your driver’s license), a recent color passport photo, and the completed, but unsigned, DS-11 application form. Remember, all documents must be originals or certified copies; photos can be obtained beforehand from local stores near the library.

For the U.S. Department of State fee, a check or money order is required. The $35 execution fee payable to ‘HCLS’ can be paid separately by credit card or check at the East Columbia Library. Please note that cash is not accepted for either payment.

Routine passport processing generally takes 6-8 weeks from the date your application is mailed from the HCLS East Columbia Branch. You can easily track your application’s status online at travel.state.gov using the locator number provided on your receipt.

Passport services at the HCLS East Columbia Branch are available by appointment only during our regular library operating hours. Checking our online appointment scheduler is the best way to see current availability and find times that might be less busy for your visit. Remember to schedule ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

The passport office is located at 6600 CRADLEROCK WAY, COLUMBIA, MD 21045. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-19:00. Call ahead at 4103137700.0 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 “HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking options near HCLS – EAST COLUMBIA BRANCH LIBRARY may include street parking and public lots. Check local parking regulations and arrive early to find a convenient spot.

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.

✓ GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR TRIP

Skip the Hassle—Get Your Passport Done Right

Zero errors. Expert handling. Real-time tracking. Your passport delivered on time, guaranteed—or we refund your expediting fee.

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Available 24/7 • Call 800-860-8610