Chippewa County Register Of Deeds Passport Services

No, the Chippewa County Register Of Deeds does not offer on-site passport photo services. Applicants are responsible for obtaining their own compliant passport photos prior to their appointment. We strongly recommend visiting a professional photography studio or a retail location known for passport photo services, such as the Walgreens at 400 Ashmun Street, just a short walk from our office, or the CVS Pharmacy on Portage Avenue. Ensure your photos meet all U.S. Department of State requirements regarding size (2×2 inches), background (white or off-white), and clarity to avoid delays in your application processing. Having them ready before you arrive will ensure a smooth and efficient appointment with our acceptance agents.

Absolutely, you can request expedited passport service through the Chippewa County Register Of Deeds. When submitting your application, you’ll need to clearly indicate your request for expedited processing on the DS-11 form and pay the additional federal fee, which is currently $60 per application. This fee is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State, separate from our local execution fee. Choosing expedited service significantly reduces the overall processing time for your passport. While the local acceptance facility doesn’t control the federal processing speed, we ensure your application is promptly forwarded to the National Passport Center with the expedited tag, aiming for a much quicker turnaround than routine service.

To ensure efficient service and minimal wait times for all applicants, the Chippewa County Register Of Deeds operates strictly by appointment for all passport services. We do not accommodate walk-in applications. It’s crucial to schedule your visit in advance, which can typically be done by calling our office directly at the main Chippewa County Courthouse number during regular business hours, or sometimes through an online scheduling portal if available. Arriving without a pre-booked appointment will unfortunately result in our inability to process your passport application on that day. We highly recommend booking at least a week or two in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like spring and summer, to secure your preferred time slot.

When a child under 16 needs a passport, specific requirements apply to ensure their safety and legal representation. At the Chippewa County Register Of Deeds, both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child. You’ll need to present proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (like their original birth certificate), evidence of your parental relationship (again, the birth certificate or adoption decree), and your valid government-issued identification. If one parent is unavailable, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent. Our acceptance agents are well-versed in these specific regulations and will guide you through each step to ensure all necessary documentation is correctly submitted for your child’s passport application.

When submitting your passport application at the Chippewa County Register Of Deeds, it’s important to understand the payment structure as there are two separate fees. The application fee, which goes directly to the U.S. Department of State, must be paid by personal check, certified check, cashier’s check, or money order. Cash and credit cards are NOT accepted for this portion. The separate execution fee, currently $35, is paid directly to Chippewa County. For this local fee, we typically accept cash, check, or major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) at the counter. We advise bringing both a checkbook and some cash or a credit card to cover both portions of the fees seamlessly.

The passport office is located at 319 COURT STREET, SAULT STE MARIE, MI 49788. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 9066356312.0 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 “CHIPPEWA COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Ample parking options are available for visitors to the Chippewa County Register Of Deeds, though a clear understanding of the local layout is key. The most convenient choice is the free, dedicated 35-space public parking lot located directly behind the Chippewa County Courthouse, accessible via a small driveway off Court Street, just west of Ashmun Street. This lot is usually well-maintained, offering direct rear access to the building. During peak hours, particularly mid-morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this lot can fill quickly, so arriving 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment is advisable. Alternatively, metered street parking is available along Court Street directly in front of the courthouse building. These spots typically cost $0.75 per hour, with a two-hour maximum, and are enforced Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Payment can often be made via the Passport Parking app or coin-operated meters. Further options include the City Hall Public Parking Lot, a free 50-space lot located two blocks south on Ashmun Street, behind the City Hall building. This requires a pleasant 0.3-mile walk through the historic district. During winter months, especially from December to March, street parking can be significantly impacted by snow accumulation and plowing schedules, so the rear courthouse lot or the City Hall lot are generally more reliable choices. Summer visitors should be mindful of increased tourism traffic, particularly when events are taking place near the Soo Locks.

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.