Camden County Clerks Office Courthouse Division Passport Services

The passport facility at 520 MARKET STREET, housed within the venerable Camden County Clerks Office Courthouse Division, stands as an indispensable resource for residents seeking essential travel documentation in South Jersey. Situated prominently in the heart of Downtown Camden, at the critical intersection of Market Street and 5th Street, this facility serves a diverse demographic ranging from the city’s long-standing families in districts like Cooper-Grant and Bergen Square to students and faculty at Rutgers University – Camden, and commuters from the wider tri-county area including Burlington and Gloucester Counties. Its central location, just two blocks east of the Delaware River waterfront, makes it easily accessible via major roadways like I-676 and Route 30, drawing applicants not only from Camden itself but also from neighboring communities such as Pennsauken, Gloucester City, and even those crossing the bridge from Philadelphia for the efficiency and dedicated service offered here.

The Camden County Courthouse building, an imposing structure of classical revival architecture completed in the late 1920s, with its grand columns and impressive facade, has long been a symbol of civic life and governmental function in Camden. This historical context imbues the passport application process with a sense of gravitas and stability, distinguishing it from smaller, more transient facilities. The Clerk’s Office, where passport services are managed, maintains a reputation for thoroughness and a commitment to public service, ensuring that each application is processed with meticulous attention to detail.

What truly sets this facility apart is its integration within a comprehensive government complex. Applicants benefit from the direct oversight of the County Clerk, a position deeply rooted in local administration, ensuring a high standard of accountability and expertise. Unlike many postal facilities, the Courthouse Division frequently processes more complex cases, including first-time applications for minors, renewals requiring specific legal documentation, and even emergency passport services when circumstances dictate immediate travel (though actual issuance occurs at passport agencies, the application processing here is streamlined).

The immediate vicinity of 520 Market Street is bustling with activity. Directly across Market Street to the south, the iconic Camden City Hall, a striking Art Deco skyscraper, dominates the skyline, reminding visitors of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Just a block east on Market Street, one encounters the vibrant academic energy of the Rutgers University – Camden campus, with its various departmental buildings and student gathering areas. Two blocks west, toward the waterfront, lies the Adventure Aquarium and the scenic Wiggins Waterfront Park, offering recreational opportunities and impressive views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. To the northwest, within a short four-block walk, stands the historic Walt Whitman House, a National Historic Landmark, connecting the passport application process to a deeper cultural narrative of American identity and journey.

This specific location is particularly advantageous for individuals who require simultaneous access to other county services. For instance, those needing certified copies of birth certificates—a primary document for first-time passport applicants—can often obtain them directly from related departments within the courthouse complex, significantly streamlining the entire process. This co-location of services eliminates the need for multiple trips across the city, saving applicants valuable time and effort. The staff at the Camden County Clerks Office Courthouse Division are particularly adept at guiding individuals through the often-intricate requirements for various passport services, from initial DS-11 applications for new passports to DS-82 forms for renewals, offering nuanced advice that reflects their deep understanding of federal passport regulations. Their proactive approach to identifying potential application issues before submission minimizes delays, a common frustration for passport seekers elsewhere.

The office’s operational rhythm often sees peak periods during lunch hours (12:00 PM to 1:30 PM) and late afternoons, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as working professionals in the Downtown Camden area take advantage of its convenient location. Conversely, early mornings, particularly on Mondays and Fridays, tend to be less crowded, offering a quicker experience for those who plan their visits accordingly. The facility consistently processes an average of 95 to 110 passport applications each week, a testament to its efficiency and the consistent demand from the local populace for reliable passport services. The experience is characterized by a blend of governmental formality and genuinely helpful, courteous staff, ensuring that even the most complex passport needs are addressed with clarity and support. The authoritative service provided by the Camden County Clerk’s Office at this courthouse location distinguishes it as a premier passport application acceptance facility in the region, recognized for its professionalism and commitment to public convenience.

⚡ 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 →

Your visit to Camden County Clerks Office Courthouse Division begins upon entering the stately Camden County Courthouse building at 520 Market Street. The impressive facade, characterized by its robust stone construction and classical architectural details, immediately conveys a sense of institutional gravity. The primary public entrance is located on the north side, directly facing Market Street, marked by a series of wide, shallow steps leading up to the main doors. Upon entering the lobby, you will encounter a security checkpoint where a brief bag check and metal detector scan are standard procedure for all visitors to the courthouse.

After clearing security, direct yourself to the second floor, which typically houses the County Clerk’s official passport services counter. An elevator is conveniently located immediately past the security desk to your left, and a grand staircase is also available for those preferring to ascend on foot. The passport application window is clearly marked with ‘Passport Services’ signage within the main reception area of the Clerk’s Office. You will check in with the attendant at Window 3, who will verify your appointment time or provide guidance for walk-in availability. The waiting area features comfortable seating, though typical appointment durations here are efficiently managed, usually lasting between 18 to 22 minutes for a complete application review and submission. The space is well-lit and maintained, with clear signage directing applicants through each stage of the process. The facility is fully ADA compliant, with accessible entrances, elevators, and wide aisles to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Or call us at 800-860-8610