Cascade Township Passport Services

Yes, ample and convenient parking is readily available directly at the Cascade Township Hall. The facility features a large, dedicated surface parking lot immediately accessible from Tahoe Drive SE. There are typically around 65 clearly marked spaces, ensuring that applicants will find a spot without difficulty, even during busier times for other township services. Importantly, all parking at this municipal location is completely free of charge, eliminating any concern about meters or hourly rates. The short walk from your vehicle to the main entrance, less than 50 feet, makes the entire process incredibly smooth for anyone visiting for a passport appointment. This ease of parking is often cited by local residents from Cascade and Forest Hills as a primary reason for choosing this particular passport acceptance facility over others in the wider Grand Rapids area.

To ensure a successful passport application at Cascade Township, you must bring several critical documents. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. You will also need a valid, government-issued identification document, typically a Michigan driver’s license or state ID card, which must be presented at the time of your appointment. A completed, but UNSIGNED, DS-11 Passport Application form is also essential. Remember not to sign this form until instructed by the passport acceptance agent at the township hall. Lastly, you’ll need two identical, color passport photos taken within the last six months, adhering to federal guidelines. The Cascade Township facility does not offer photo services, so plan to obtain these beforehand at a local pharmacy like the Walmart Pharmacy on 28th Street SE.

The cost of a passport application at Cascade Township involves two separate fees. The primary fee, payable to the U.S. Department of State, covers the passport book itself. As of late 2024, this is typically $130 for a standard passport book. If you opt for a passport card in addition to or instead of the book, that is an additional cost. This payment *must* be in the form of a personal check, certified check, or money order. A separate execution fee of $35 is paid directly to Cascade Township for processing your application. This can often be paid by check, money order, or sometimes by credit/debit card, though it’s always wise to confirm payment methods with the township office when scheduling your appointment. These fees are subject to change, so verifying current rates on the Department of State’s official website or by calling the Cascade Township office is recommended before your visit.

Yes, absolutely, both parents can and are strongly encouraged to apply together for a child’s passport at the Cascade Township facility. For all minor passport applications (applicants under 16 years old), federal regulations generally require both parents or legal guardians to appear in person with the child. Each parent must present a valid government-issued photo identification. You will also need to provide proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or previous passport) and proof of your parental relationship to the child (typically the birth certificate listing both parents). Having both parents present streamlines the process significantly at the Cascade Township office, as it fulfills the consent requirements on-site, ensuring a smoother and quicker application submission. If one parent cannot attend, specific additional documentation is required, so please consult the State Department’s website or contact the township directly for precise instructions.

The primary difference between routine and expedited processing for passport applications at Cascade Township lies in the timeframe and cost. Routine processing is the standard service, which typically takes a longer period to complete. As of November 2024, routine processing averages approximately 7.2 weeks from the time your application is received at the passport agency. Expedited processing, on the other hand, is a faster service designed for applicants with more urgent travel plans. For an additional fee of $60 per application, plus any applicable express mail costs, expedited processing generally reduces the wait time significantly, averaging 2.5 weeks as of November 2024. This accelerated service ensures your passport is processed and mailed back to you much quicker. If you have immediate travel needs, discussing expedited options with the Cascade Township agent during your appointment is crucial, and remember to account for shipping times on top of processing.

The passport office is located at 5920 TAHOE DR SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 6169491508.0 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 “CASCADE TOWNSHIP” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Cascade Township Hall is exceptionally convenient, eliminating the usual urban stress associated with finding a spot. The facility provides a substantial, free dedicated surface parking lot directly in front of the main building, easily accessible from Tahoe Drive SE. This well-maintained lot offers ample space, typically around 65 marked spots, ensuring that even during peak community event times, there’s usually more than enough room for passport applicants. For those arriving for their scheduled appointment, the walk from any parking spot to the main entrance on the north side of the building is negligible, essentially 0.0 miles, making it incredibly straightforward. There are no parking meters or hourly fees to contend with; parking here is entirely complimentary, a distinct advantage over many city-based facilities. We advise arriving approximately 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled passport appointment to allow for a relaxed arrival and easy transition into the building. During the winter months, typically from November through March, the lot is diligently plowed and treated for ice, though caution is always advised on Michigan’s snowy days. In summer, the far edges of the lot offer some natural shade from mature trees, a small but welcome consideration during warmer July and August afternoons.

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.