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The Washington County Circuit Clerk at 125 E. ELM STREET in Nashville serves as the designated passport acceptance facility for residents across Washington County and its adjacent rural communities in Southern Illinois. Situated prominently within the historic Washington County Courthouse complex, this facility anchors the town’s civic heart, just a block east of the iconic intersection of Main Street and Mill Street. This central location in what locals often refer to as the “Courthouse Square District” makes it readily accessible for individuals driving from surrounding areas like Okawville, Addieville, Hoyleton, and Lively Grove. The office functions as a critical resource, particularly for first-time applicants, minors, and those renewing expired passports who require in-person verification. It caters to a diverse demographic, including young families preparing for international vacations, college students embarking on study abroad programs, business professionals needing updated travel documents for regional excursions, and retirees planning global adventures. The Circuit Clerk’s office is an enduring presence, having fulfilled various public service roles from its location within the stately courthouse for decades.
Built in the early 20th century, the Washington County Courthouse itself is a significant landmark, a testament to enduring civic architecture in rural Illinois. Its robust construction and classic design, featuring red brickwork with limestone accents and a distinctive cupola, stand as a beacon in the Nashville streetscape. The Circuit Clerkās operations have been an integral part of this edifice, handling everything from court filings to marriage licenses, and now, international travel documentation. The passport acceptance service, a relatively more recent addition to their comprehensive duties, was introduced to alleviate the travel burden on county residents who previously had to drive considerable distances to larger cities for similar services. Before its establishment here, residents commonly faced a 30-45 minute drive to facilities in Mount Vernon or Centralia, making local access a significant improvement in convenience.
Specifically, the facility is positioned on the north side of E. Elm Street, directly across from the Nashville City Hall at 118 E. Elm Street, establishing a clear government services corridor. Just one block west, at 102 S. Mill Street, stands the Nashville Public Library, a familiar landmark often used for directional cues by locals. Two blocks south along S. Mill Street, one encounters the local branch of Farmers and Merchants National Bank, making the entire civic and commercial core highly concentrated and walkable. The general vicinity is characterized by a blend of long-standing family businesses, modest residential properties, and other governmental offices, reflecting the quiet, community-oriented atmosphere of Nashville. The town itself, founded in the 1830s, maintains a deep connection to its agricultural roots and German heritage, which influences the steady, methodical approach often found in its public services. The Circuit Clerkās office embodies this efficiency, providing a reliable and structured environment for what can sometimes be a complex bureaucratic process.
While the primary function of the Circuit Clerk involves court records and administrative tasks for the 20th Judicial Circuit, the integration of passport services demonstrates a commitment to holistic community support. The dedicated staff, many of whom are long-term residents themselves, are well-versed in the specific requirements for various passport applications, including first-time applications (Form DS-11), renewals for minors, and emergency situations requiring expedited processing. They understand the nuances of verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and ensuring all necessary documentationāfrom original birth certificates to valid photo identification and passport photosāis correctly prepared and submitted. This attention to detail is paramount, minimizing common errors that can delay processing through the Department of State. The environment is typically quiet, especially outside of peak court hours, allowing for focused and individualized attention during passport appointments. This level of personalized service distinguishes a local county facility from busier, more impersonal alternatives in larger metropolitan areas. Residents appreciate the ability to conduct such important civic business close to home, often combining their visit with other errands within the downtown area, such as a quick stop at Doehrings Pharmacy or Nashville Pharmacy, both just a short stroll away on South Washington Street or East Adams Street respectively. The Circuit Clerk’s office thus remains an indispensable part of Nashville’s infrastructure, extending beyond its traditional court duties to facilitate global connections for its citizens.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 6183274800.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK at 125 E. ELM STREET. Easy access from major highways.
Parking for the Washington County Circuit Clerk is notably convenient, reflecting the less congested nature of downtown Nashville. The most direct option is the free public parking available around the Washington County Courthouse Square. Immediately in front of the building on E. Elm Street, you will find several parallel parking spaces, typically with a two-hour limit, ideal for short appointments. Additionally, a dedicated, free surface parking lot with approximately 40 spaces is situated directly to the south of the courthouse, accessible from S. Mill Street. This lot is generally less busy and offers ample room for maneuverability, placing you less than a 0.1-mile walk from the east entrance. Further street parking is available on S. Mill Street and S. Washington Street, both within a one-block radius, usually without time restrictions beyond typical business hours. During peak court times, particularly Tuesday mornings, these spaces can fill up, so arriving 15-20 minutes early is a sound strategy. In summer months, consider parking closer to the buildingās shaded areas along the north side of E. Elm Street to keep your vehicle cooler, as exposed pavement can get quite hot. Conversely, during winter, these unplowed street spots might be less reliable; the main courthouse lot is usually cleared first. Regardless of the season, securing a spot is rarely an issue, offering a stress-free start to your passport application.
Public transportation options directly serving the Washington County Circuit Clerk in Nashville, IL, are extremely limited, reflecting the rural character of the region. Unlike major metropolitan areas, Nashville does not operate an intra-city bus system or have a dedicated metro or train station for daily commuter services. The community primarily relies on personal vehicles for travel. For those without private transport, ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft are not consistently available or frequently operating within Nashville or Washington County; advance booking or checking app availability is strongly advised if you consider this option. Regional intercity bus services, like Greyhound, might have stops in larger nearby cities such as Mount Vernon or Centralia, but these are typically 20-30 miles away and do not offer onward connections to Nashville. Consequently, visitors planning to access the Circuit Clerk’s office for passport services should primarily arrange for private vehicle transportation. If driving from out of town, allow sufficient time for travel on Illinois Route 127 or Route 15, which are the main arteries into Nashville. Carpooling with a local resident or arranging for a friend or family member to provide transportation remains the most reliable alternative to driving yourself. The facility’s central location in downtown Nashville means that once you are in town, it is quite walkable from any part of the immediate commercial district.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK’s office at 125 E. ELM STREET. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK (125 E. ELM STREET) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 6183274800.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 ā
Visitors to Washington County Circuit Clerk will find a welcoming, professional environment housed within the sturdy, historic Washington County Courthouse. The building itself, a fine example of early 20th-century public architecture, features classic red brick with stately limestone trim and broad, inviting steps leading to the main entrance. For passport services, applicants should utilize the main entrance on the east side of the building, facing E. Elm Street. Upon entering, proceed directly to the ground floor, where the Circuit Clerk’s office is prominently located. There, a clearly marked āPassport Servicesā counter, typically Window 3 or 4, is staffed by knowledgeable clerks dedicated to processing applications. The layout is straightforward, with a small, discreet waiting area adjacent to the processing desks, ensuring privacy and minimizing distractions. Appointments are highly recommended, and walk-ins are accommodated based on availability, with priority given to scheduled applicants. The typical appointment duration for a standard DS-11 application, including document review and oath administration, is efficiently handled within 18 to 22 minutes. The facility is fully accessible, featuring a permanent ramp to the left of the main E. Elm Street entrance for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. Restrooms are accessible on the ground floor, and staff are always ready to provide assistance as needed, embodying the helpful spirit of a small-town county office.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK versus using our expedited service.
While WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. WASHINGTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The NASHVILLE post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
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