Mercer County Prothonotary Passport Services

The Mercer County Prothonotary office, like most passport acceptance facilities, operates under specific payment guidelines for passport fees. For the federal application fee (payable to the U.S. Department of State), they strictly accept personal checks, certified checks, or money orders. Cash or credit/debit cards are not accepted for this portion of the fee. However, the separate execution fee, which is currently $35 and paid directly to the Mercer County Prothonotary, can typically be paid via cash, local personal check, or money order. It’s always prudent to come prepared with both a checkbook and cash to cover both components of the cost, ensuring a smooth transaction. This distinction is crucial to avoid delays in processing your application.

Yes, expedited service for your passport application is available through the Mercer County Prothonotary office. When you complete your DS-11 form, you simply indicate your desire for expedited processing by checking the appropriate box. There is an additional fee for this service, currently $60 per application, which is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State with your main application fee. You also have the option to pay for expedited shipping, ensuring faster delivery of your completed passport. While the Prothonotary’s office processes all applications promptly, expediting primarily shortens the State Department’s processing time, significantly reducing the waiting period for your new passport book or card. Always confirm current expedited fees and processing windows during your appointment.

While the Mercer County Prothonotary aims to be accessible to all residents, highly recommends scheduling an appointment for all passport services. This approach guarantees that a clerk will be available to assist you without extensive waiting, ensuring a dedicated slot for your application. Due to the office’s other judicial responsibilities and staffing levels, walk-in applicants may experience significant wait times or, in some cases, may be asked to schedule an appointment for a later time or day if the office is particularly busy. To avoid any inconvenience and ensure your visit is as efficient as possible, it is always best to call the Prothonotary’s office directly to book your appointment in advance. This ensures a seamless and prompt experience for your passport application.

Once your passport application has been processed and mailed by the Mercer County Prothonotary, tracking its status becomes quite straightforward. You will use the official U.S. Department of State passport tracking system, which becomes active typically 7-10 business days after your application has been received by the national processing center. You can access this system online via the Department of State’s website by entering your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Additionally, if you opted for expedited shipping or included a prepaid return envelope, you might receive tracking information directly from USPS. The Prothonotary’s office cannot provide specific updates beyond the initial mailing, so direct inquiries should be made through the federal tracking portal.

Yes, parking is available for visitors to the Mercer County Prothonotary office, though it requires some awareness of the local options. You’ll find metered street parking directly on South Diamond Street and surrounding blocks like North Pitt Street, typically costing $0.50 for 30 minutes with a two-hour limit. For those preferring free parking, there’s a small county lot behind the courthouse, accessible from East Market Street, though spaces are limited and fill quickly, especially during mid-day. It’s wise to arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure a convenient spot. Considering the small-town environment, most parking options are within a very short walking distance, usually less than two blocks, making access to the Prothonotary’s office relatively hassle-free.

The passport office is located at 125 SOUTH DIAMOND STREET SUITE 105, MERCER, PA 16137. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-16:00. Call ahead at 7246623800.0 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 “MERCER COUNTY PROTHONOTARY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Mercer County Prothonotary office, located at 125 South Diamond Street, requires careful planning, especially during peak weekday hours. Metered street parking is available directly along South Diamond Street and extends to adjacent thoroughfares like North Pitt Street and East Market Street. These meters typically cost $0.50 for 30 minutes, with a two-hour maximum enforcement period from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It’s advisable to bring quarters or dollar coins for these meters. For those seeking free options, a small, unmarked county lot is situated directly behind the Mercer County Courthouse complex, accessible via an alleyway just off East Market Street. This lot offers approximately 35-40 spaces, but it tends to fill quickly, particularly between 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM. A slightly larger municipal lot is located one block east on East Market Street, near the Mercer Area Public Library, offering additional metered spots for $0.50 per hour. Most parking options are within a 0.1 to 0.2-mile walk (1-2 blocks) of the Prothonotary’s office. During colder months, especially from December through March, winter weather can significantly impact parking availability and walking conditions. Heavy snow or ice can reduce the number of usable street spaces, and icy sidewalks make longer walks less appealing. Conversely, summer appointments might mean contending with warm, humid conditions, making closer parking a definite convenience. Arriving 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment is a sound strategy to allow ample time to locate a suitable parking spot, particularly if aiming for the limited free options.

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.