Carbon County Prothonotary Office Passport Services

While the Carbon County Prothonotary Office prioritizes scheduled appointments to ensure efficient service for all applicants, they do sometimes accommodate walk-ins on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. It is strongly advised to call their office at (570) 325-2241 during business hours, ideally on a Monday or Tuesday morning, before making the trip to 2 Broadway. Walk-in availability largely depends on the current staffing levels and the day’s appointment schedule, which can fluctuate significantly. Arriving without a prior booking, especially during peak tourist season in Jim Thorpe or on a busy Friday afternoon, significantly increases your wait time, and there’s a possibility you might be asked to schedule an appointment for another day. To guarantee a smooth and timely experience, securing an appointment beforehand is always the most reliable strategy.

No, the Carbon County Prothonotary Office does not provide on-site passport photo services. Applicants are responsible for obtaining their own compliant 2×2 inch, color passport photographs before arriving for their appointment at 2 Broadway. Several local options in the broader area can assist with this crucial step. For instance, the CVS Pharmacy at 1238 Mauch Chunk Road in Lehighton, just a 5-mile drive from downtown Jim Thorpe, offers photo services, typically costing around $16.99 for two prints. Another option is the Rite Aid at 838 Blakeslee Blvd Drive East in Lehighton. Ensure your photos meet all U.S. Department of State requirements regarding size, background, and expression to avoid any potential delays in your application processing.

Yes, an appointment is absolutely required for all minor passport applications at the Carbon County Prothonotary Office, and this process demands careful attention to specific federal guidelines. For any applicant under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present at the appointment with their valid government-issued identification. If only one parent can attend, the absent parent must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a clear photocopy of the front and back of their ID. For minors aged 16 or 17, only one parent is required to attend, but they must also present their ID. It’s crucial to bring the minor’s original birth certificate and any previous passport. Calling ahead to (570) 325-2241 to confirm all necessary documentation for minors, specific to your situation, is highly recommended before visiting the courthouse on Broadway.

Yes, parking is available, though options and ease of access can vary around the Carbon County Prothonotary Office at 2 Broadway in historic Jim Thorpe. Direct metered street parking on Broadway is often available for shorter durations, costing $1.50 per hour with a 2-hour limit, payable via meter or the ParkMobile app. For appointments, it is generally more practical to use one of the nearby municipal lots. The Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking Lot on Hazard Street, located just two blocks east, offers a larger number of spaces for a daily rate of $10. Another option is the Stone Row Parking Lot off Race Street, about three blocks north, with an $8 daily fee. During peak tourist seasons, especially summer weekends and fall, these lots fill up quickly. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time is a wise strategy to ensure you find a convenient spot.

If you find yourself in need of an urgent passport, the Carbon County Prothonotary Office can certainly accept your expedited application, but it’s important to understand the associated process and limitations. Expedited service currently carries an additional $60 fee per application, paid directly to the Department of State, on top of the standard application and execution fees. While the Prothonotary’s office processes your application quickly and sends it off, the actual processing time by the National Passport Center, even for expedited requests, still averages 2.5 weeks as of November 2024. For true emergency situations, such as documented life-or-death travel within 72 hours, you would bypass local facilities entirely and need to contact the National Passport Information Center immediately to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, typically in Philadelphia or New York, which are several hours drive from Jim Thorpe.

The passport office is located at 2 BROADWAY, JIM THORPE, PA 18229. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 5703252481.0 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 “CARBON COUNTY PROTHONOTARY OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Carbon County Prothonotary Office at 2 Broadway in Jim Thorpe requires strategic planning, especially given the borough’s popularity as a tourist destination. Directly on Broadway, metered street parking is available, costing $1.50 per hour and enforced Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. These meters accept quarters or the ParkMobile app, but often carry a strict 2-hour limit, which might be too short for some appointments, especially if unexpected delays occur. For those anticipating a longer stay, or during peak seasons when street parking is scarce, several municipal lots offer more reliable options. The most convenient is the Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking Lot on Hazard Street, just two blocks east of the courthouse (approximately a 0.2-mile walk). This lot provides 45-50 spaces at a daily rate of $10, payable at automated kiosks. Another good choice is the Stone Row Parking Lot, located off Race Street, about 0.3 miles or three blocks north, offering approximately 30 spaces for $8 per day. During summer weekends, fall foliage season, or any major town event, these lots can fill by mid-morning. It is highly advisable to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled passport appointment to secure suitable parking and allow for the walk to the courthouse. In winter months, be mindful of snow and ice conditions; some street parking might be temporarily unavailable due to plowing efforts.

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.