James V Brown Library Passport Services

When you submit your passport application at the James V Brown Library, the processing timeline is determined by the U.S. Department of State, not by the library directly. As of November 2024, routine processing typically averages 7 to 10 weeks from the day your application is received at a passport agency, not from your appointment date. For those requiring a quicker turnaround, expedited service is available for an additional fee, reducing the waiting period to an average of 3 to 5 weeks. It’s crucial to factor in mailing times for both your application to reach the processing center and for your completed passport to be mailed back to your address in Williamsport or elsewhere. The library’s acceptance agents ensure your application is correctly filled out and securely sent, which helps prevent delays due to common errors.

Yes, expedited service is definitely an option for your passport application submitted at the James V Brown Library. To request this, you must pay an additional $60 fee directly to the U.S. Department of State, in addition to the standard application fees. Simply check the ‘expedited service’ box on your DS-11 form and include the extra fee with your payment to the Department of State, usually via check or money order. While the library’s acceptance agents in Williamsport can process your application for expedited service, they do not control the actual processing speed at the federal level. Remember that even with expedited service, as of November 2024, you should still anticipate a processing time of approximately 3 to 5 weeks, plus mailing time, so plan accordingly for your international travel.

Payment for passport applications involves two distinct fees, and the James V Brown Library handles them separately. The first fee is for the passport itself, which is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State. For this federal fee, *only* a personal check, certified check, cashier’s check, or money order is accepted; credit cards are not an option for this portion. The second fee is the $35 execution fee, paid to the James V Brown Library for their service as an acceptance facility. For this specific $35 fee, the library does accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, money orders, or cash. It’s highly advisable to bring separate payment methods to your appointment to ensure a smooth transaction without any unexpected delays.

Yes, absolutely, appointments are required for all passport applicants, and this includes minors applying at the James V Brown Library. For any applicant under the age of 16, specific federal regulations apply to protect the minor. Both parents or legal guardians must be present with the minor during the appointment. They must bring valid government-issued identification, as well as the minor’s proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate) and proof of parental relationship (e.g., birth certificate listing parents). If one parent cannot be present, a notarized DS-3053 ‘Statement of Consent’ form from the absent parent is required. The library’s trained acceptance agents in Williamsport will meticulously review all documentation to ensure compliance.

The total cost for a passport application at the James V Brown Library varies depending on the type of service you need. For a first-time adult applicant (age 16 and over) seeking a passport book, the current fee to the U.S. Department of State is $130. If you also want a passport card, that’s an additional $30. For minors (under 16), a passport book costs $100. In addition to these federal fees, there is a mandatory $35 execution fee payable to the James V Brown Library for their role in accepting and processing your application. If you opt for on-site passport photos at the library, there is an additional charge, typically around $15. Remember, the federal fees require a check or money order, while the library’s $35 execution fee can be paid by credit card, cash, or check.

The passport office is located at 19 EAST 4TH STREET, WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701. Get directions

Hours are 9:30-17:30. Call ahead at 5703260536.0 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 “JAMES V BROWN LIBRARY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking in downtown Williamsport for your James V Brown Library passport appointment offers several convenient options, though strategies vary by time and desired walking distance. Directly on East 4th Street and surrounding blocks like Pine Street and West 3rd Street, metered street parking is available. These meters typically cost $1.50 per hour and are enforced Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For an average 20-minute passport appointment, this is a highly convenient choice, often finding available spaces within a block of the library’s entrance. Be sure to have quarters or use the Flowbird app for payment. For those preferring covered parking or anticipating a longer visit, the Church Street Transportation Center parking garage at 150 West Church Street is an excellent option. This garage is approximately 3 blocks south and 1 block west of the library, translating to about a 0.35-mile walk. Rates are around $1.00 per hour with an $8.00 daily maximum. Another reliable garage is the Midtown Parking Garage at 230 West 4th Street, located just 2 blocks west of the library, roughly a 0.2-mile walk. Its rates are slightly higher at $1.25 per hour, with a $9.00 daily maximum. For passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early is recommended to secure a suitable parking spot and allow for the short walk, especially during peak downtown hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Consider seasonal variations when planning your parking. During winter months, Williamsport can experience significant snowfall, and street parking availability may be reduced due to snow piles or plowing operations, making the covered garages a more reliable choice. Conversely, during hot summer days, the shaded levels of a parking garage offer a cooler return to your vehicle than an exposed street 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.