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Chemung County Clerks Office, located at 210 LAKE STREET, stands as a central administrative pillar within the heart of Elmira, New York, serving not only the immediate residents of the city but also the broader population of Chemung County and surrounding rural communities. Positioned on the eastern side of Lake Street, just north of the significant intersection with East Church Street, this facility anchors a historically rich section of Downtown Elmira, often referred to by locals as the Civic Center district due to the concentration of government buildings.
The building itself, a robust brick structure, projects an enduring civic presence, reflecting its role in Chemung County’s administrative landscape for decades. Originally constructed in 1958, the County Clerk’s Office has dedicated a portion of its operations to passport services for approximately 25 years, evolving with the needs of its constituents. This specific location is easily accessible from major thoroughfares like Water Street, which runs parallel to the Chemung River just a block south, and South Main Street via the Lake Street Bridge.
Demographically, the Chemung County Clerks Office caters to a diverse cross-section of individuals. Young families from neighborhoods such as Grove Park and Fairview, often planning their first international trips, frequently visit for new passport applications for their children. Students from Elmira College, situated just a few blocks north on Park Place, utilize the office for their study abroad programs or post-graduation travel plans, finding its downtown location convenient for public transit or a short walk. Furthermore, business professionals and frequent travelers from areas like Southport and Big Flats rely on the efficient services provided for expedited applications or renewals, valuing the professional approach taken by the county staff.
The office handles an average of 85 passport applications each week, indicating its consistent demand and importance in facilitating international travel for area residents. Its strategic placement on Lake Street puts it within a five-block radius of several key Elmira landmarks. To the west, across Lake Street, is the historic Steele Memorial Library, a stately building frequently bustling with community activity. Two blocks north on Lake Street, one finds the magnificent Arnot Art Museum, showcasing fine art within its stunning architectural confines. Just one block east, at the corner of Church Street and Baldwin Street, is the Clemens Center, a performing arts venue that regularly draws crowds for its diverse shows. Wisner Park, a serene green space often hosting community events, lies approximately three blocks to the northwest, offering a pleasant walk or a quiet spot before or after an appointment.
The immediate vicinity of 210 Lake Street tells a story of Elmira’s past and present. The Chemung Canal, though now largely defunct in its original form, was a vital artery for commerce in the 19th century, influencing the city’s early development and the layout of its downtown grid. The area has also witnessed the city’s resilience, particularly after the devastating floods of 1972 caused by Hurricane Agnes, which required significant rebuilding and community effort. The county building, designed with an eye toward longevity and public service, is a testament to this enduring spirit. It’s not uncommon to see visitors combining their passport appointment with other errands, whether it’s a visit to the Chemung Canal Trust Company at 1 Chemung Canal Plaza for banking needs, a quick stop at the Weis Pharmacy at 401 North Main Street for prescriptions, or simply enjoying lunch at a local eatery along Water Street. This integration into the downtown fabric makes the Chemung County Clerks Office a genuinely hyper-local resource, deeply embedded in the daily rhythms and historical narrative of Elmira.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 6077372920.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at CHEMUNG COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE at 210 LAKE STREET. Easy access from major highways.
Securing parking for your passport appointment at the Chemung County Clerks Office requires a little foresight, as direct on-site parking is not available for the general public. Metered street parking is the most common option, running along Lake Street, Church Street, and Water Street. On Lake Street directly in front of the building, meters typically cost $1.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These spots often fill quickly, especially during peak morning hours between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. A more reliable alternative is the Elmira Parking Garage, located just two blocks west on West Church Street, between Baldwin and Main Streets. This multi-level garage offers hourly rates starting at $1.00 for the first hour and $0.75 for subsequent hours, with a daily maximum of $7.00. From the garage, it’s a straightforward 0.3-mile walk east on Church Street to Lake Street, then a short turn north to the office. Another option is the Chemung Canal Trust Company’s public lot at 1 Chemung Canal Plaza, approximately 0.2 miles southwest, which occasionally offers limited hourly parking; verify current rates upon entry. Arriving 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment is advisable to locate suitable parking. During winter months, particularly from December to March, heavy snowfall can restrict street parking availability, making the Elmira Parking Garage a safer and more convenient choice to avoid icy sidewalks and ensure timely arrival.
The Chemung County Clerks Office is readily accessible via Elmira’s local public transportation system, operated by Elmira Transit. The most direct routes are Bus #1 (North Main/Elmira College) and Bus #2 (South Main/Arnot Mall), both of which have stops within a block or two of 210 Lake Street. The closest major stop is situated at the intersection of Lake Street and East Church Street, directly across from the Steele Memorial Library. From this stop, the County Clerk’s Office is a mere 1-block walk north on Lake Street, an easy two-minute stroll. Elmira Transit buses typically operate on a 30-minute frequency during peak weekday hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) and hourly during off-peak times, Monday through Friday. A single ride costs $1.00, with a daily pass available for $3.00, offering a cost-effective way to reach your appointment. All Elmira Transit buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps and designated seating, ensuring full accessibility for passengers with mobility devices. For those connecting from further afield in Chemung County, transfers between routes at the Downtown Transportation Center on East Second Street are seamless, and the center is only about a five-block walk from the Clerk’s Office.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the CHEMUNG COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE’s office at 210 LAKE STREET. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into CHEMUNG COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE (210 LAKE STREET) 8:30-15:30. We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 6077372920.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
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 Chemung County Clerks Office begins typically upon entering the south-facing main entrance on Lake Street, identifiable by its sturdy wooden doors recessed slightly from the sidewalk. The architectural style here is functional, reflecting mid-20th-century civic construction with its brick facade and understated classical elements around the entryway. Once inside the main lobby, you’ll find the general reception desk situated directly ahead, usually staffed by a friendly county employee who can direct you. For passport services, you will proceed to the designated passport counters, often labeled clearly and located towards the left side of the main hall, typically Window 3 or Window 4, within the County Clerk’s area. This section is arranged to facilitate a smooth, queue-based system.
The waiting area, equipped with several rows of sturdy chairs, is located just past the initial entrance, allowing for comfortable, if brief, waits. Typical appointment durations at this facility are quite efficient, averaging between 18 to 22 minutes for a single new application, provided all documentation is correctly prepared. The layout is straightforward: a public waiting zone transitions into a service counter area, ensuring privacy during your interaction with the passport acceptance agent. The facility is fully accessible, featuring a ramp on the Church Street side entrance for those requiring mobility assistance, and accessible restrooms are conveniently located on the ground floor, just off the main lobby, maintaining an inclusive environment for all visitors.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at CHEMUNG COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While CHEMUNG COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. CHEMUNG COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The ELMIRA post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
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