Getting a Passport in Childersburg, AL: Forms & Facilities

Getting a Passport in Childersburg, Alabama

Childersburg residents in Talladega County typically fly from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), with direct routes to Europe, the Caribbean, and connections for University of Alabama at Birmingham study abroad. Apply 3+ months ahead during spring/summer peaks or winter escapes to avoid delays. Watch for photo issues (glare, shadows, wrong size), early DS-11 signing, missing minor consents, or expired ID. Always verify details on travel.state.gov or usps.com, as they change.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Use the State Department's form wizard at travel.state.gov to select DS-11 or DS-82 and prevent reapplications.

Decision Tips: Check your old passport's issue date and your age at issuance. DS-82 can't be done in-person—agents will turn you away. Report losses via DS-64 online first.

Common Errors: Mistaking eligibility (e.g., 14-year-old passport from age 15 requires DS-11); signing DS-11 before the agent; skipping lost passport reports.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Childersburg

No passport agencies in Childersburg—use post offices, county offices, or libraries for DS-11. Agents conduct a brief 10-15 minute interview: review originals, confirm eligibility (citizenship, ID, purpose), witness your signature, seal the envelope, and issue a receipt. No on-site passports; expect 8-11 weeks processing.

Appointments fill quickly in Talladega County, especially Mondays and mid-days during peaks—book via phone or online. Early mornings or late afternoons work best; January/September are slower. Walk-ins are uncommon.

Find and book current locations:

• [USPS Passport Locator (search Childersburg, AL)](https://tools.usps.com/find-location.htm?locationType=passport&address=Childersburg%2C+AL

)

• State Department Facility Search

Call ahead to confirm participation, hours, and slots—services can vary.

Required Documents and Fees

Bring originals (no photocopies for primary docs); make front/back copies of ID/citizenship proofs on plain paper.

Adults (16+): DS-11, citizenship evidence (certified birth certificate/naturalization certificate/old passport), photo ID (AL driver's license, military ID), 2x2 photos, photocopies, fees.

Minors (<16): DS-11, parents'/guardians' presence or notarized DS-3053 from absent parent + their ID photocopy, child's birth certificate listing both parents, custody papers if applicable, child's photos (solo), photocopies, fees. Agents probe parental rights closely.

Alabama births require certified raised-seal copies from Alabama Dept of Public Health or local county health departments ($15+; 15-20 days processing).

Current Fees (check travel.state.gov):

Pay separately: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State" (application); check/cash/card to facility (execution). Add $21.36 for 1-2 day return shipping.

Pitfalls: Unsigned DS-11; hospital birth summaries (need certified full version); cash for State fee (checks/m

oney orders only).

Passport Photos: Specs and Local Tips

Photos must be 2x2 inches, color, <6 months old, white/off-white background, 1-1⅜ inch head size (eyes 1⅛-1⅜ inches from bottom), neutral face, no uniforms/glasses/selfies/glare travel.state.gov photo tool. Rejections spike from home prints—use pros.

Local options near Childersburg: Walmart, CVS ($15-17), or select USPS locations ($15). Call to confirm.

Routine Adult First-Time Checklist (DS-11)

1. Run form wizard: travel.state.gov.
2. Collect certified birth cert (AL specifics via adph.org), ID, photocopies.
3. Get 2 compliant photos.
4. Complete DS-11 (unsigned).
5. Prepare two payments.
6. Schedule appointment.
7. At facility: Present docs, answer questions (e.g., "U.S. citizen?"), sign DS-11, get sealed packet/receipt.
8. Track online: 8-11 weeks total.

Minor Passport Checklist (Under 16, DS-11)

1. Both parents or DS-3053 notarized from absent + their ID copy.
2. Custody docs if solo parent.
3. Child's certified birth cert (parents named).
4. Child's solo compliant photo.
5. Fees ready.
6. Unsigned DS-11.
7. Book extra-time appointment.
8. Track: Often 10-13+ weeks.

Avoid: Parent in child's photo; single parent without DS-3053.

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Routine: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing (8-11 weeks); peaks add delays. Track at travel.state.gov.

• Expedited: +$60 fee at acceptance; 2-3 weeks processing (3-5 weeks total).
• Urgent (<14 days): Life-or-death only (proof required); call 1-877-487-2778 for regional agency appt (e.g., Atlanta).
• DS-82 renewals: Mail; same timelines.

For BHM summer flights, apply by early spring.

Alabama Vital Records for Birth Certificates

Order certified copies online/mail/in-person from Alabama Vital Records or Talladega County Health Dept. Raised-seal essential; hospital abstracts insufficient. Out-of-state births: Contact that vital records office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Childersburg appointments required? Yes at listed facilities; walk-ins rare.
Passport expired 16+ years? Treat as first-time (DS-11).
Single parent on minor's birth cert? Need DS-305

3 + ID from other parent.
Can I submit birth cert photocopy? No—original + backup copy.
Lost passport steps? File DS-64 online, then DS-11/DS-82.
Passport events nearby? Check travel.state.gov/events for Birmingham fairs.
Post office photo services? Varies (e.g., some near Sylacauga); inquire ahead.

Sources

[1] U.S. Dept of State - Apply In-Person
[2] Processing Times
[3] Renew by Mail
[4] USPS Passport Locations
[5] Talladega Probate
[6] AL Vital Records
[7] Passport Photos