How to Get a U.S. Passport in Decatur, AL: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Decatur, AL

Decatur, in Morgan County, Alabama, sees steady demand for passports due to frequent international business travel from nearby Huntsville's tech corridor, seasonal tourism spikes in spring/summer and winter breaks, student exchange programs at local colleges like Calhoun Community College, and occasional urgent trips for family emergencies or last-minute opportunities. However, high demand often leads to limited appointments at acceptance facilities, especially during peak seasons. Common hurdles include photo rejections from shadows or glare, incomplete documents for minors, and confusion over renewal forms or expedited options for travel within 14 days [1]. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, helping you avoid pitfalls and prepare effectively.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct process and forms. The U.S. Department of State handles all passports, and applications must go through approved channels—no walk-ins at embassies or consulates for routine service [1].

• First-Time Applicant: No prior U.S. passport, or previous one issued before age 16/expired over 15 years ago. Must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility using Form DS-11. No fee exemption [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, undamaged, and issued in your current name (or name change documented). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person required. Not eligible if it expired over 5 years ago and you need it urgently [2].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it via Form DS-64 (free online), then apply using DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail if eligible). Provide evidence like a police report for theft [3].

• Name Change, Data Correction, or Multiple Passports: Use DS-5504 by mail if within one year of issuance; otherwise, treat as new application [2].

• Child (Under 16): Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [4].

• Urgent Travel (within 14 days): Life-or-death emergency or immediate travel—seek in-person expedited at a passport agency (nearest: Atlanta, ~3-hour drive). Routine/2-4 week service unavailable last-minute during peaks [5].

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: Passport Application Wizard [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Decatur and Morgan County

Decatur has several U.S. Postal Service locations and county offices as acceptance facilities. Book appointments online via the USPS locator, as walk-ins are rare due to demand [6]. Expect waits during spring/summer and holidays.

• Decatur Post Office: 800 6th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601. Handles first-time, minors, replacements. Call (256) 355-4611 or book at USPS Locator [6].

• Priceville Post Office (nearby): 30 County Rd 224, Decatur, AL 35603. Smaller volume, good for appointments [6].

• Morgan County Clerk of Circuit Court: 302 Lee St NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Accepts applications; verify hours at (256) 351-4770. County clerks often process vital records too [7].

• Libraries: Decatur Public Library (248 Morgan St SE) may offer service—check USPS Locator [6].

For renewals by mail, send to the address on DS-82. Nearest passport agency for urgent: Atlanta Passport Agency (230 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA)—appointment only via 1-877-487-2778 [5]. No regional agencies in Alabama.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

Use this checklist for first-time, child, or replacement applications. Print forms single-sided; do not sign DS-11 until instructed [2].

1. Fill Out Form DS-11: Download from travel.state.gov. Black ink, no corrections. One form per person [2].

2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

   • Birth certificate (Alabama vital records: alabamapublichealth.gov—order certified copy if needed) [8].
   • Naturalization certificate, etc. Photocopy on white paper [1].

3. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):

   • Valid driver's license (Alabama DDS), military ID, etc. Name must match application [1].

4. Passport Photo: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream background, taken within 6 months. No selfies—use CVS/Walgreens or facilities. Common rejections: shadows under eyes/chin, glare on glasses, wrong size [9].

5. Parental Consent for Minors (under 16): Both parents on DS-11, or Form DS-3053 notarized from absent parent. Divorce decree if sole custody [4].

6. Fees (exact cash/check/money order; separate checks for application/execution fees):

   • Book (10yr adult): $130 + $35 execution [1].
   • Card (5yr adult): $30 + $35.
   • Child: $100/$35 book/card.
   • Expedited: +$60.
   • 1-2 day: +$21.36 [1].

7. Book Appointment: Via facility website/phone. Arrive 15 min early with all docs.

8. Submit In Person: Oath, sign DS-11, pay fees. Track at travel.state.gov [10].

Pro Tip: Photocopy everything front/back before submitting. Routine processing: 6-8 weeks (longer peaks); expedited 2-3 weeks [1]. No hard guarantees—plan ahead.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

Eligible renewals skip in-person. Verify eligibility first [2].

1. Complete DS-82: Download/print. Sign in black ink [2].

2. Include Old Passport: Place on top.

3. Photo: One 2x2 affixed to form [9].

4. Fees: Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State":

   • Book: $130 adult/$100 child.
   • Expedited: +$60 [1].

5. Name Change Docs (if applicable): Marriage cert, court order.

6. Mail To: National Passport Processing Center, P.O. Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (or expedited box) [2].

Processing mirrors in-person times. Old passport returned separately.

Photo Requirements and Common Pitfalls

Photos cause 25%+ rejections [9]. Specs:

• 2x2 inches head size 1-1.375 inches.
• Full face, neutral expression, eyes open.
• Even lighting, no shadows/glare.
• Head coverings only for medical/religious reasons (face visible) [9].

Local options: Walgreens (2122 Danville Rd SW, Decatur), CVS (1817 Beltline Rd SW). Verify dimensions with ruler [9]. Alabama humidity can cause glare—dry day preferred.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Peak seasons (spring/summer, Dec-Jan) add 2-4 weeks—don't rely on last-minute [1][5]. Track status online; no phone updates under 7 days [10]. For travel within 14 days, prove with itinerary; non-urgent denied [5].

Special Considerations for Minors and Alabama Residents

Alabama birth certificates from vital records office (order online/mail; $15-20) [8]. Minors need both parents—common issue: absent parent consent missing, delaying months [4]. Students on exchanges: Start early for summer programs.

Lost passports: Report immediately online [3].

Costs Breakdown

Pay execution to facility; application to State Dept. No refunds [1].

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Decatur

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and replacements. These sites do not process passports on-site; instead, they verify your documents, administer oaths, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Decatur, you'll find such facilities scattered across the city and nearby counties, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

To apply, prepare in advance by completing the required forms (such as DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), providing proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), a valid photo ID, passport photos meeting State Department specs (2x2 inches, white background, recent), and payment via check or money order for application fees. Expect a short wait for staff review—typically 15-30 minutes—where they check completeness, take your signature under oath, and seal the application in an envelope. Not all locations handle every type of application, so verify eligibility beforehand via the State Department's website. Expedited services may be available at select spots for an extra fee, cutting processing time from 6-8 weeks to 2-3 weeks.

Surrounding areas like nearby towns and counties also host acceptance facilities, expanding options during peak demand. Always confirm details through official channels, as participation can vary.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer months and holidays, when vacation planning surges. Mondays tend to be crowded due to weekend backlogs, and mid-day hours (roughly 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) usually peak with working professionals and families. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and consider mid-week visits. Many sites offer appointments via online systems—booking ahead is wise, especially seasonally. Check facility websites or the State Department's locator tool for current guidance, and arrive with all documents organized to streamline your visit. Patience and preparation go a long way in busier periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I expedite a first-time application in Decatur?
Yes, add $60 at acceptance; 2-3 weeks. For <14 days, drive to Atlanta agency [1][5].

How do I get a birth certificate in Morgan County?
Order certified copy from Alabama Center for Health Statistics (alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords) or local probate court. Needs for citizenship proof [8].

What if my renewal passport is expiring soon but I don't need it yet?
Renew up to 9 months before expiration using DS-82. Valid 10 years from issuance date [2].

Do Decatur post offices do passport photos?
Some do; check USPS Locator. Otherwise, pharmacies [6][9].

My child has only one parent's info—what now?
Other parent must complete DS-3053 notarized, or provide custody docs. Both appearances ideal [4].

How do I track my application status?
Enter info at passportstatus.state.gov after 7 days [10].

Is there a passport fair in Decatur?
Rare; check travel.state.gov/events or USPS [1][6].

Can I use a foreign passport for U.S. citizenship proof?
No—needs U.S. birth/naturalization cert [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[3]U.S. Department of State - Lost/Stolen Passports
[4]U.S. Department of State - Children Under 16
[5]U.S. Department of State - Get My Passport Fast
[6]USPS Passport Services
[7]Morgan County Circuit Clerk (Note: Verify passport services by phone)
[8]Alabama Vital Records
[9]U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[10]Passport Status Check