Chester County Justice Center Passport Services

When applying for a new U.S. passport at the Chester County Justice Center, you’ll encounter two primary fees: the application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State and the execution fee paid to the Justice Center. A standard passport book costs $130, while a passport card is $30; you can apply for both for a combined fee of $160. These amounts are payable by personal check or money order only, addressed to ‘U.S. Department of State’. Additionally, a separate $35 execution fee is required for the acceptance facility’s services, payable directly to ‘Chester County Justice Center’ via check or money order. For expedited processing, an additional $60 fee per application is paid to the Department of State, and overnight return shipping costs are extra. Be sure to bring two separate checks or money orders on the day of your appointment at Suite 1425.

Generally, you cannot renew an existing passport by applying in person at the Chester County Justice Center. Most adult passport renewals use Form DS-82 and are processed by mail directly to the U.S. Department of State. This mail-in renewal process applies if your previous passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current name (or you have legal documentation for a name change). The Justice Center’s Passport Acceptance Office primarily handles first-time passport applications (Form DS-11), applications for minors, or replacements for lost, stolen, or severely damaged passports, which require in-person submission. If you meet the DS-82 criteria, gather your old passport, new photos, and the renewal form, then mail it yourself from a local postal facility like the one at 1050 Airport Rd. Always verify the specific renewal requirements on the State Department’s official website before assuming an in-person visit is necessary.

The Passport Acceptance Office within the Chester County Justice Center, located on the 14th floor in Suite 1425, typically operates Monday through Friday. Its standard hours for processing passport applications are from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It’s important to note that these hours may differ from the general Justice Center building hours, which are usually from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for most court-related business. We highly recommend confirming these hours by calling the Chester County Prothonotary’s office (which oversees passport services) at 610-344-6330, especially around federal holidays or inclement weather, as closures can occur. Peak times for passport applications often fall between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so scheduling an appointment earlier or later in the day might result in a quicker visit. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time to allow for building security screening.

For your passport application at the Chester County Justice Center, strict payment guidelines must be followed. The application fee, payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State’ for the passport book or card itself, must be paid by personal check, certified check, cashier’s check, or money order. Cash and credit cards are strictly not accepted for this fee. A separate, non-refundable $35 execution fee, which covers the acceptance facility’s service, is payable to the ‘Chester County Justice Center’. For this specific fee, you may use a check or money order. It is crucial to bring two separate forms of payment if you are applying for a passport book/card: one for the State Department fee and another for the execution fee. Having these prepared in advance will ensure a smooth processing experience during your visit to Suite 1425 on the 14th floor.

Passport photos must adhere to very specific U.S. Department of State requirements to be accepted, and it’s important to have them ready before your appointment at the Chester County Justice Center. Each photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. They must be in color, taken within the last six months, and feature a plain white or off-white background. Your full face should be directly facing the camera with a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, and both eyes open. Glasses are no longer permitted, nor are hats or head coverings unless for religious purposes with a signed statement. The Justice Center does not provide photo services, so you will need to obtain these beforehand. Many local pharmacies, such as the CVS on West Market Street or the Walgreens on Hannum Avenue, offer compliant passport photo services that guarantee adherence to these federal specifications.

The passport office is located at 201 WEST MARKET STREET – SUITE 1425, WEST CHESTER, PA 19380. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-12:00, 14:00-16:00. Call ahead at 6103446050.0 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 “CHESTER COUNTY JUSTICE CENTER” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Securing parking near the Chester County Justice Center at 201 WEST MARKET STREET in West Chester requires strategic planning, especially during peak weekday hours. Metered street parking is available along West Market Street, North High Street, and Church Street, typically costing $1.50 per hour with a strict two-hour limit, enforced Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These spots are often scarce. A more reliable option is the Chestnut Street Garage, located at 120 W Chestnut Street, approximately three blocks north of the Justice Center. This garage offers over 400 spaces at a rate of $1.75 per hour or a daily maximum of $12.00, making it ideal for appointments. Alternatively, the Bicentennial Garage at 20 S High Street, about two blocks east, provides another convenient option at similar rates. For a slightly longer walk of 0.4 miles, the Sharpless Street Garage (220 Sharpless St) often has more availability, particularly useful if your appointment is mid-morning. During winter months, be mindful of potential ice accumulation on side streets and in garage stairwells. In summer, direct sun exposure in open lots can make interiors hot, so consider covered parking. Arriving 20-30 minutes before your scheduled passport appointment is a prudent strategy to find suitable parking without rushing.

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.