Carter County Circuit Court Passport Services

For most adult passport renewals (Form DS-82), you are typically instructed to renew by mail if you meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having your previous passport in good condition and issued within the last 15 years. The Carter County Circuit Court, as an acceptance facility, primarily handles new passport applications using Form DS-11, which requires an acceptance agent to witness your signature. If your renewal situation requires a DS-11 application – for instance, if your previous passport was lost, stolen, significantly damaged, or issued when you were under 16 – then yes, you would schedule an appointment here just as you would for a first-time passport. Always double-check your eligibility on the Department of State’s website before planning your visit to determine the correct application form.

While the Carter County Circuit Court aims to serve the Elizabethton community efficiently, appointments are strongly recommended for all passport services. Operating within a busy courthouse environment, the Circuit Court Clerk’s office prioritizes scheduled visitors to minimize wait times and ensure dedicated staff availability. Unexpected walk-ins, particularly during peak hours like weekday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, may experience significant delays or might not be accommodated at all if no slots are available. To guarantee service and a smoother experience, it is highly advisable to book your appointment in advance through the official scheduling system. This helps the dedicated staff at Suite 906 manage their workload effectively and ensures you receive the attention needed for your application.

Absolutely, when applying for a passport for a minor (under age 16), an appointment is not only required but is critically important for several reasons. The process for minors is more involved, requiring both parents or legal guardians to be present with their valid IDs, along with the child. This ensures proper consent and identity verification. Having a scheduled appointment at the Carter County Circuit Court allows the passport acceptance agent to dedicate sufficient time to review all necessary documents, including the child’s birth certificate and parental identification, and to witness signatures in accordance with federal regulations. This attention to detail is crucial for preventing any delays in processing. Without an appointment, the office in Suite 906 simply cannot guarantee the availability of an agent or the necessary time slot to complete this complex, but vital, application process.

The primary distinction between routine and expedited passport processing lies in the speed of service and the associated cost. Routine processing is the standard service, which typically takes a longer duration for your application to be processed and your passport to be mailed. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks. Expedited processing, on the other hand, is a faster service designed for individuals who need their passport sooner. This quicker turnaround comes with an additional federal fee of $60 per application. With expedited service, as of November 2024, processing averages 2.5 weeks. Both options are available when you apply at the Carter County Circuit Court in Elizabethton, and you can select your preferred method at the time of your appointment. Remember, the $60 fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State, separate from the execution fee paid to the Circuit Court.

If your child needs a passport, the Carter County Circuit Court is fully equipped to assist you with the application process. For any applicant under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present with the child during the appointment at Suite 906. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053) along with a copy of their valid identification. You will need to bring the child’s original birth certificate (or other proof of U.S. citizenship), both parents’ valid government-issued identification, a recent passport-compliant photo of the child, and a completed but unsigned Form DS-11. The acceptance agent will witness your signatures and ensure all documentation is correctly prepared before submission. It’s a thorough process designed to protect minors, and the Elizabethton staff is here to guide you.

The passport office is located at 900 E ELK AVENUE STE 906, ELIZABETHTON, TN 37643. Get directions

Hours are 8:00-15:30. Call ahead at 4235421893.0 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 “CARTER COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Carter County Circuit Court is generally convenient, especially if you arrive outside of peak court session times. The most accessible option is the large, free public parking lot located directly behind the Carter County Justice Center building, accessible via F Street, which runs parallel to Elk Avenue. This lot, designated for public visitors, offers approximately 120 clearly marked spaces, including several ADA-compliant spots directly adjacent to the building’s rear entrance. For those preferring street parking, limited two-hour free parking is available along sections of East Elk Avenue, particularly between Hattie Avenue and Lynn Avenue. However, these spots tend to fill quickly, especially on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM when court is in session. An alternative free surface lot with about 55 spaces is situated one block north of Elk Avenue, off North Sycamore Street, requiring a pleasant 0.2-mile walk to the Justice Center’s main entrance. During summer months, be mindful that direct sunlight can make car interiors quite hot, so consider parking in shaded areas or using a sunshade. In winter, Elizabethton can experience icy conditions; the main parking lot behind the building is usually cleared promptly, but exercise caution on untreated sidewalks and secondary street parking areas. To ensure a stress-free experience for your passport appointment, planning to arrive 15-20 minutes early and aiming for the larger F Street lot is highly recommended.

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.