Circuit Court Clerk Passport Services

The Circuit Court Clerk in Mountain City accepts several forms of payment for passport application fees. You can pay with cash, a personal check drawn on a local bank (such as Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank or Skyline National Bank, both conveniently located within walking distance), a money order, or a cashier’s check. Credit and debit card payments are not directly accepted at the Clerk’s office. For the $35 execution fee payable to the Department of State, card payment is possible. Many applicants find it convenient to visit Skyline National Bank, just across the street at 241 West Main, to withdraw cash or obtain a money order before their appointment. Keep in mind that checks must be made payable to ‘U.S. Department of State’.

Passport costs are determined by the U.S. Department of State and consist of two separate fees. For a first-time adult passport book, you’ll pay $130 directly to the Department of State. At the Circuit Court Clerk in Mountain City, you’ll also pay a $35 execution fee. Passport cards, which are valid for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, cost $30 to the Department of State plus the $35 execution fee. Children under 16 require a passport book costing $100 plus the $35 execution fee. Expedited processing incurs an additional $60 fee paid directly to the Department of State. Remember that these fees are subject to change, so checking the official Department of State website for the most up-to-date information is always recommended before your appointment at the Mountain City Circuit Court Clerk.

Getting a passport for your child involves a few extra steps. Both parents (or legal guardians) must be present when applying, or you’ll need to provide documentation proving sole custody. Each parent needs to present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license. You’ll also need to submit your child’s original birth certificate to prove citizenship. The child also needs to be present at the Mountain City Circuit Court Clerk so they can verify identity (if they’re old enough to be recognizable). Make sure you bring a recent passport photo that meets the specific U.S. Department of State requirements; Walgreens on North Shady Street, about a 5-minute walk from the courthouse, can help with this.

The time it takes to process a passport application varies depending on the current workload at the U.S. Department of State. As of November 2024, routine processing averages 7.2 weeks, expedited averages 2.5 weeks. These estimates include mailing time. You can check the latest processing times on the Department of State’s website. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited service. Even with expedited processing, it’s wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel date, especially during peak travel seasons. The staff at the Circuit Court Clerk in Mountain City can advise you on current processing times when you submit your application.

If you have a life-or-death emergency and need to travel internationally within 72 hours, contact the National Passport Information Center immediately. They may be able to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency. If your travel is not related to a life-or-death emergency but is still urgent, consider paying for expedited processing. While this doesn’t guarantee a specific delivery date, it will significantly speed up the process. As mentioned earlier, as of November 2024, expedited processing takes around 2.5 weeks. The Circuit Court Clerk in Mountain City can assist you with submitting an expedited application.

The passport office is located at 222 WEST MAIN ST, MOUNTAIN CITY, TN 37683. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-12:00, 13:00-17:00. Call ahead at 4237279012.0 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 “CIRCUIT COURT CLERK” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking near the Circuit Court Clerk is primarily on-street, with metered spaces available along West Main Street directly in front of the courthouse. These meters accept coins and credit cards, with rates typically around $0.50 per hour, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A small, free public parking lot with approximately 25 spaces is located one block north on Church Street, behind the Mountain City United Methodist Church. However, these spaces tend to fill up quickly, especially during weekday business hours. For longer appointments, consider parking in the larger (but still relatively small) public lot at the corner of West Main and South Church Streets; it’s a 0.2-mile walk to the Clerk’s office. During the winter months, be aware that snow and ice can make walking challenging; allow extra time to navigate slippery sidewalks. In the summer, the black asphalt of the parking lots can get quite hot, so wear comfortable shoes. If arriving during peak court hours, consider having someone drop you off to avoid circling for parking.

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.