Westmoreland County Court Of Common Pleas Prothonotary Passport Services

Yes, both parents can apply for a child’s passport at the Westmoreland County Court Of Common Pleas Prothonotary office. When applying for a minor under 16, federal regulations strictly require *both* parents or legal guardians to be present, along with the child. If one parent cannot appear, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, along with a copy of the front and back of their government-issued identification. The Prothonotary staff are very particular about these requirements to ensure child protection protocols are met, aligning with the office’s rigorous adherence to legal standards. It’s always advisable to call the Prothonotary’s office at (724) 830-3466 ahead of time to confirm all necessary documentation specific to your family’s situation, as unique circumstances sometimes require additional paperwork. Be prepared for a thorough review of birth certificates, previous passports, and parental identification to ensure a seamless process.

While the Westmoreland County Court Of Common Pleas Prothonotary accepts applications for expedited processing, they do not directly *expedite* the application themselves; they meticulously prepare and forward it to the National Passport Processing Center with the expedited service clearly requested. For an additional fee of $60, plus applicable costs for expedited return mailing services, your application will be prioritized by the federal agency. As of November 2024, expedited processing typically averages 2.5 weeks from the time the application is officially received by the passport agency. If you require a passport even faster, such as within 2-3 business days due to immediate international travel plans, you would need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, often located in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, which is outside the scope of services provided at the Greensburg Prothonotary’s office.

Your passport photos must meet very specific federal requirements to be accepted, and it’s critical to get them right the first time. The key is a 2×2 inch color photo, taken within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background. Your face should be centered, with a neutral facial expression or a slight, natural smile, and both eyes open. Absolutely no glasses are permitted, unless medically necessary with a signed doctor’s statement accompanying the application. Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons, and you’ll need to provide a signed statement clarifying this. It’s highly recommended to have professional passport photos taken; nearby options include the Greensburg Post Office (0.2 miles away on South Pennsylvania Avenue) or local pharmacies like the CVS on West Pittsburgh Street (0.25 miles), where staff are specifically trained in these specifications. Expect to pay around $15-$18 for two compliant photos. Avoid taking selfies or using home printers, as these rarely meet the strict quality standards required by the U.S. Department of State.

The Westmoreland County Court Of Common Pleas Prothonotary accepts certain forms of payment for the *execution fee* charged by their office. For the $35 execution fee, which covers the cost of processing your application at their facility, you can typically use cash, a personal check, or a money order made payable to “Westmoreland County Prothonotary.” It is important to understand that the primary passport application fee itself, which is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State, must be submitted via a personal check, certified check, or money order. They do not accept credit or debit cards for the federal portion of the fees. This means it’s crucial to bring two separate forms of payment if you are covering both fees at your appointment. Always confirm current payment policies when you schedule your visit, as specific details can occasionally change, ensuring you are fully prepared.

Obtaining a passport for a minor, particularly a child under 16, requires a few extra steps and strict adherence to federal guidelines to ensure their protection and proper documentation. Generally, both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child at the Westmoreland County Court Of Common Pleas Prothonotary. You’ll need the child’s original birth certificate (or a certified copy) clearly showing parental information, valid government-issued identification for both parents, and typically, any previous passport the child may have held. If one parent is genuinely unable to attend, a notarized DS-3053 form (Statement of Consent) along with a copy of the front and back of their government-issued ID is mandatory. The Prothonotary staff at the Westmoreland County Courthouse are highly experienced with these detailed requirements and will meticulously guide you through each step, verifying all documents for accuracy before final submission. This thorough approach minimizes potential delays and ensures everything is in order.

The passport office is located at 2 NORTH MAIN ST SUITE 501, GREENSBURG, PA 15601. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-15:30. Call ahead at 7248303670.0 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 “WESTMORELAND COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PROTHONOTARY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Navigating parking for your passport appointment at the Westmoreland County Court Of Common Pleas Prothonotary requires a strategic approach given its downtown Greensburg location. Limited metered street parking is available directly on North Main Street and West Pittsburgh Street. These meters typically charge $1.25 per hour, with enforcement from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, spaces can be highly competitive, especially during the peak morning court sessions between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. A more reliable and recommended option is the Robert Bell Parking Garage, conveniently located at 104 West Otterman Street, approximately 0.2 miles (a brisk 3-minute walk) west of the courthouse. This multi-level facility offers hourly rates of $1.50 for the first hour and $1.00 for each subsequent hour, with a reasonable daily maximum of $8.00. Another viable choice is the Greensburg Parking Garage at 100 East Otterman Street, situated about 0.3 miles (a 5-minute walk) east, providing similar pricing structures. For a typical 20-minute passport appointment, utilizing one of these parking garages is often the best strategy to avoid the stress of finding an open street spot or needing to frequently feed a meter. Parking in the Robert Bell Garage and walking east on Otterman Street, then turning left onto North Main Street, will bring you directly to the courthouse entrance. Consider seasonal weather conditions: during winter months (December to March), street parking can be problematic due to snow accumulation and icy sidewalks, making the covered, safer access of a garage preferable. Summer brings heat and potential afternoon thunderstorms, so the brief, sheltered walk from a garage remains appealing. Always allocate an additional 10-15 minutes into your schedule for parking and walking, particularly if you are unfamiliar with Greensburg’s downtown area, to ensure a relaxed arrival.

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.