Hartselle AL Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Steps & Tips

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Hartselle, AL
Hartselle AL Passport Guide: Forms, Facilities, Steps & Tips

Getting a Passport in Hartselle, AL

Hartselle residents in Morgan County, Alabama, often need passports for international business from nearby Decatur industries, family trips abroad, student exchanges, or urgent travel. Peak demand in spring, summer, and holidays strains limited local slots, leading to photo rejections (25-30% of issues), incomplete minor apps, or name mismatches on docs. This guide streamlines the process with official steps, local tips, and pitfalls to avoid—plan 6-8 weeks ahead, or 10+ for routine during peaks [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Picking the wrong form wastes time: DS-11 (in-person, new apps) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal). Key decisions:

Situation Form In-Person? Common Mistake
First-Time (never had one or issued <16) DS-11 Yes Using DS-82—causes full re-do.
Renewal (issued <15 yrs ago, ≥16 at issue, undamaged) DS-82 No (mail) Mailing if damaged/minor—revert to DS-11.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged DS-64 report + DS-82 (if <12 mo) or DS-11 Varies No police report for theft—delays approval.
Child <16 DS-11 Yes (parents too) Missing one parent's notarized DS-3053—top rejection.

Urgent? Routine: 6-8 weeks (11-14 peaks). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Life/death within 14 days: Agency appt post-routine (+travel proof). No Alabama agency; Atlanta's 4+ hr drive, appt-only [5]. Local tip: Hartselle/Decatur volumes spike with students/business—book early.

Gather Required Documents and Forms

Download single-sided from travel.state.gov [2]. Photocopy citizenship/ID on plain paper.

Essentials:

  • Form (DS-11/DS-82; don't sign DS-11 early).
  • Citizenship: Certified AL birth cert (raised seal via Vital Records or VitalChek; 1-2 wks) [7].
  • ID: AL DL (match names exactly; renew at Morgan County Probate if expired).
  • 2x2 photo (specs below).
  • Fees: Check/money order (personal to facility for $35 execution; official to State Dept).

Minors Extra: Both parents/DS-3053 notarized, parents' IDs/relationship proofs.

Fees (verify latest via State Dept Fee Calculator; as of 2024) [1]:

Type Routine Adult Expedited Adult Routine Child Expedited Child
Book $130 $190 $100 $1

60 | | Card | $30 | $90 | $15 | $75 | | Both | $160 | $220 | $115 | $175 | | Execution | $35 | $35 | $35 | $35 |

+$60 expedited, +$21.36 1-2 day return. Total varies; no cash at all spots—call ahead.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25-30% local rejections from glare/shadows/wrong size. Rules [6]:

  • 2x2in (head 1-1⅜in), neutral face, eyes open, white background, matte paper.
  • No glasses/selfies/home prints (fail often).

Get at Hartselle Post Office, Walgreens/CVS/UPS in Hartselle/Decatur ($15-17). Double-check before submitting.

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

  1. Pick service/form; download [2][3].
  2. Get citizenship proof (AL Vital Records [7]); photocopy.
  3. ID + photocopy (DL matches exactly).
  4. Photo (local spots; verify specs).
  5. Partial form (no sig/staples).
  6. Fees (two payments/checks).
  7. Minors: DS-3053/parents' docs.
  8. Book appt 4-6 wks early (peaks fill fast).
  9. At facility: Arrive early; agent reviews, oath/sig, seals. Expect 20-45 min; busy Mon/midday—go Tue-Thu AM/PM.
  10. Track: travel.state.gov/passportstatus (+$19.53 USPS email/text [8]).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hartselle

Limited in Morgan County—slots vanish quick from Hartselle/Decatur demand. Confirm services/hours via phone or State Locator (ZIP 35640) [10]. No on-site issuance; they forward to agency.

  • Hartselle Post Office: 297 Highway 67 S, Hartselle, AL 35640. (256) 773-7121. Google Maps. Photos appts common [8].
  • Decatur Main Post Office: 1275 Central Parkway SW, Decatur, AL 35601. (256) 355-8601. High volume [8]. Google Maps.
  • Morgan County Circuit Clerk: 302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601. (256) 351-4770. DS-11 ok [9]. Google Maps.

Renewals: Mail DS-82 to NPP C via USPS Priority from Hartselle PO [3]. Urgent: Atlanta Agency [5].

Tips: Appts required (call 2-4 wks ahead). Bring all; no-shows hurt. Peaks: Summer/holidays—plan 3-6 mo out.

Expedited and Urgent Travel Options

  • Expedited: +$60 at submit; 2-3 wks (+return fees) [5].
  • Urgent ≤14 Days: Routine appt first, then 1-877-487-2778 w/ itinerary/death cert. Atlanta only [5].

Local peaks overwhelm—submit early; students align w/ program deadlines [1].

Tracking and Aftercare

Status: [travel.state.gov/passportstatus](https://travel.state.

gov/passportstatus) (name/DOB/last 4 SSN). Wait 10 bus days. Errors: Online form [1]. Lost mail: DS-64 [4].

Frequently Asked Questions

Child passport sans other parent? No; DS-3053 notarized or both appear [2].

Routine time from Hartselle? 6-8 wks; 11-14 peaks [1].

AL DL as ID? Yes, if current/name matches [2].

Damaged old passport? DS-11 in-person + explain [4].

Photos at PO? Yes, Hartselle/Decatur—call [8].

Mail renewal? DS-82 + old + photo/fees to NPPC [3].

Book vs card? Book worldwide; card land/sea Canada/Mexico/Caribbean [1].

Appt needed? Yes, most; 2+ wks ahead [8][9].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] Apply in Person (DS-11)
[3] Renew by Mail (DS-82)
[4] Lost/Stolen
[5] Fast Track
[6] Photos
[7] AL Vital Records
[8] USPS Passports
[9] Morgan County Clerk
[10] Facility Search

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations