Monroe County Prothonotarys Office Passport Services

When you submit your passport application at the Monroe County Prothonotary’s Office, the processing timeline aligns with national averages established by the U.S. Department of State. As of late 2024, routine processing for a passport book typically averages between 7-10 weeks from the day your application is received at a passport agency, not from your appointment date in Stroudsburg. If you opt for expedited service, which incurs an additional $60 fee, the turnaround time is considerably shorter, usually 3-5 weeks. This doesn’t include the mailing time, which can add a few extra days on either end as your application travels from Stroudsburg to a processing center and then your new passport returns to your Monroe County address. The Prothonotary’s office staff can provide current estimates during your visit, but it’s always wise to check the State Department’s official website for the very latest processing updates before planning critical travel.

The Monroe County Prothonotary’s Office requires two separate payments when you apply for a new passport, which is a standard procedure across most acceptance facilities. The first payment, for the passport application fee itself, must be made directly to the U.S. Department of State. This payment can only be made by personal check or money order. Cash, debit cards, or credit cards are not accepted for this portion. The second payment is for the execution fee, which is a separate $35 fee paid directly to the Monroe County Prothonotary’s Office for processing your application. For this $35 fee, the office generally accepts cash, personal checks, or money orders. It’s crucial to have both payments ready in the correct form to avoid delays during your appointment at 610 Monroe Street.

Applying for a passport for a minor (under 16) at the Monroe County Prothonotary’s Office requires strict adherence to the U.S. Department of State’s Two-Parent Consent Law, designed to prevent international child abduction. Both parents or legal guardians must appear in person with the child. You’ll need to bring proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (like their original birth certificate), proof of your parental relationship (birth certificate or adoption decree), and your own valid government-issued identification. If only one parent can appear, they must present the second parent’s notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a photocopy of the absent parent’s ID. The Prothonotary’s staff are very accustomed to these specific requirements and will meticulously verify all documents to ensure compliance, so having everything organized before your visit to 610 Monroe Street will expedite the process significantly.

Once your passport application is accepted and mailed from the Monroe County Prothonotary’s Office, you can typically track its status online through the U.S. Department of State’s official website. You’ll need the locator number provided on your application receipt, which is usually a 10-digit number. The online tracking system allows you to see when your application was received, if it’s currently being processed, and when your new passport has been mailed. It’s important to remember that it can take 7-10 business days for your application to be entered into the system after it leaves Stroudsburg and arrives at a passport agency. The Prothonotary’s Office itself does not have access to real-time tracking information once the application leaves their facility, so direct inquiries should be made to the National Passport Information Center.

Passport photos submitted with your application at the Monroe County Prothonotary’s Office must meet very specific U.S. Department of State requirements to be accepted. The photos must be 2×2 inches in size, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, and taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. You’ll need two identical photos, both in color, with a plain white or off-white background. Ensure your face is fully visible, with a neutral expression or a natural, slight smile, and both eyes open. No glasses are permitted unless medically necessary with a doctor’s statement. Many local pharmacies in Stroudsburg, such as the CVS Pharmacy at 700 Monroe Street or the Rite Aid on West Main Street, offer passport photo services that guarantee compliance with these strict guidelines, providing a convenient option before your appointment at the courthouse.

The passport office is located at 610 MONROE STREET, STROUDSBURG, PA 18360. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 5705173370.0 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 “MONROE COUNTY PROTHONOTARYS OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking in downtown Stroudsburg, particularly near the Monroe County Courthouse, requires a strategic approach, especially during peak weekday hours. Directly on Monroe Street, metered parking is available, typically costing $1.25 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These spots are highly sought after, with only about 15-20 available within a block of the courthouse, making them a gamble for appointments. A more reliable option is the Stroudsburg Municipal Parking Garage, situated at 200 Ann Street, just two blocks south and one block east of the Prothonotary’s Office. This multi-level garage offers approximately 280 spaces and charges a flat rate of $0.75 for the first hour and $1.00 for each subsequent hour, with a maximum daily rate of $8.00. The walk from the garage to 610 Monroe Street is a manageable 0.3 miles, approximately a 5-minute stroll. Limited free, unrestricted street parking can sometimes be found further out on residential streets like Thomas Street or Sarah Street, about 3-4 blocks west of the courthouse, but these spots are not guaranteed. For shorter appointments, searching for a metered spot on North 7th Street, directly behind the courthouse, or on Main Street (one block north) can be viable, though availability varies. During summer months, factor in higher temperatures if walking from a distant spot, and in winter, be mindful of icy sidewalks and potential snow accumulation on residential streets, which can impact accessibility and walking times. Arriving 15-20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment allows ample time to locate suitable parking and walk to the office without stress.

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.