Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch Passport Services

If you find yourself needing a passport urgently, beyond the routine or even expedited services offered at the Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch, your best course of action is to contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They can guide you on options like obtaining an emergency passport at a regional agency. The closest regional passport agency to Chatham for urgent, in-person services, typically for travel within 14 days, would be located in Washington D.C. or Atlanta, GA, requiring a significant drive or flight. For travel within 3-5 weeks, selecting ‘expedited processing’ at the library during your appointment, along with paying the additional $60 fee per application, is the most effective approach to reduce wait times through this local facility. Always confirm your travel dates before your appointment so staff can advise on the best strategy.

As of late 2024, the standard routine processing time for a new passport application submitted at the Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch averages around 7 to 10 weeks from the date the National Passport Center receives your documents. If you opt for expedited service, which incurs an additional $60 federal fee, this timeframe is significantly reduced to approximately 3 to 5 weeks. These estimates do not include mailing times, which can add a few extra days on either end. The library staff will ensure your application is correctly filled out and sealed, but the actual processing is handled by the U.S. Department of State. It’s always prudent to submit your application well in advance of any planned international travel to avoid unnecessary stress.

Yes, absolutely, appointments are required for all passport applicants at the Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch, including minors. For children under 16, specific federal requirements dictate that both parents or legal guardians must be present with the minor during the appointment. They must also present their valid government-issued identification and the child’s original birth certificate or previous passport. If one parent is unavailable, a notarized consent form (DS-3053) is necessary from the absent parent, along with a copy of their ID. For minors aged 16-17, only one parent or legal guardian is required to be present with their ID, although two are preferred. It’s always best to verify current requirements directly with the library when scheduling your appointment to ensure a smooth process.

Once your passport application is accepted at the Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch, it is mailed to the National Passport Processing Center. Approximately 7 to 10 business days after your appointment, you can begin tracking its status online. To do this, visit the official Department of State’s passport status website, ‘passportstatus.state.gov’. You’ll need to enter your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to access your application’s real-time status. The library cannot provide tracking updates once the application leaves their facility, as they are solely an acceptance agent. You will also receive an email notification when your application status changes, guiding you through its progress from ‘in process’ to ‘approved’ and finally ‘mailed’.

When visiting the Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch for your passport appointment, you’ll need to bring several key documents to ensure your application can be processed efficiently. This includes proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your original birth certificate or a previous, undamaged passport. You’ll also need a valid government-issued identification, like a driver’s license from the Virginia DMV. If your ID is from out-of-state, a secondary form of ID might be required. Additionally, one recent, color passport photo (taken within the last six months, 2×2 inches, on a white background) is essential; please note the library does not provide photo services. Finally, ensure you have the appropriate payment methods for the application fee, typically a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State, and a separate payment for the $35 execution fee to the library.

The passport office is located at 24 MILITARY DRIVE, CHATHAM, VA 24531. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 4344323271.0 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 “PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY- CHATHAM BRANCH” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Pittsylvania County Public Library- Chatham Branch is straightforward and highly accessible, a notable advantage in a small town setting. A free, paved 35-space parking lot is directly adjacent to the library building itself, easily accessed from Military Drive. This lot typically has ample availability, especially outside of peak library programming hours (such as Tuesday mornings for children’s story time). For those with passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures you can secure a spot directly by the main entrance. Additionally, several parallel parking spots are available along Military Drive itself, though these are less consistently open. If the main lot is unexpectedly full, patrons can find additional free parking spaces within a two-block radius. Ample street parking is generally available on Depot Street, just one block north, or along North Main Street (US-29 Business), less than 0.2 miles to the east, though these spots may require a brief walk. There are no paid parking garages or metered street parking in Chatham, simplifying your visit considerably. During the summer months, be aware that the asphalt parking lot can become quite warm, so consider arriving slightly earlier to ensure a shady spot if available, and keep car interiors cool. In winter, while rare, icy patches can form in the mornings; exercising caution when walking from your vehicle to the entrance is always advised.

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.