Hazel Green, AL Passport Process: Facilities, Forms, Fees

Obtaining a Passport in Hazel Green, Alabama

Hazel Green residents in Madison County rely on passports for international trips via nearby Huntsville International Airport (HSV, ~20-minute drive), family vacations during spring/summer peaks, or urgent needs like student exchanges and emergencies. Local facilities face high demand, with slots filling 4-6 weeks ahead—plan early to sidestep delays [1].

This guide details the process for Hazel Green locals: service selection (DS-11 new vs. DS-82 renewal), nearby facilities, documents, photos, fees, timelines, checklists, and pitfalls like form errors or photo rejections. Verify updates on official sites.

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Choose based on your history—use the State Department's wizard for confirmation: https://pptform.state.gov/ [1].

DS-11 vs. DS-82 Decision Tips: Can't renew by mail if passport >15 years old, issued <16, damaged, or name changed significantly. Mistake here restarts the process—double-check eligibility to save time.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hazel Green

No passport agencies (urgent only) in Hazel Green; use acceptance facilities for DS-11 applications. All need appointments via https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ [5] or phone—book early amid Madison County demand.

Expect 10-20 minutes: Staff verify docs/identity, witness signature/oath, collect fees, seal application, and mail to State Department. Bring extras (photos, photocopies). No walk-ins; photos available at many USPS (~$15) [6].

Top Local Options:

• Hazel Green Post Office (15890 US Highway 231, Hazel Green, AL 35750): Compact spot for new apps. Google Maps | Call (256) 828-1001 [6].
• **N

ew Market Post Office** (~5 miles north, 9516 Hwy 231 N, New Market, AL 35761): Quick access for locals. Google Maps.

• Madison Post Office (~10 miles, 127 Al Highway 252, Madison, AL 35758): Handles photos/docs reliably. Google Maps [6].
• Huntsville Main Post Office (~15 miles, 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801): High-capacity with on-site photos. Google Maps.
• Madison County Circuit Clerk (100 Northside Sq, Huntsville, AL 35801): Useful for judicial docs. Google Maps.

Mail DS-82 renewals directly—no visit [2]. HSV proximity aids post-passport travel planning.

Required Documents

Originals only (photocopy fronts/back for submission) [1]:

• Citizenship: Birth certificate (Alabama long-form preferred; order via https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/, 1-4 weeks) [7], naturalization cert, or old passport.
• ID: Driver's license matching application name.
• Minors <16: Both parents or DS-3053 notarized consent + proofs [8].
• Name Changes: Marriage/divorce certs.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25%+ Alabama rejections from glare/shadows/smiles [9]. Must be: 2x2", color, white background, head 1-1⅜", even light, no glasses (medical exceptions need note), neutral face, <6 months old.

Options: USPS/CVS ($15), or DIY (matte paper, natural light). Samples: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html [9]. Local tip: HSV-area stores stock compliant printers.

Fees and Payment

Dual payments [10]:

+$60 expedite, +$21.36 1-2 day delivery. Check/money order to "U.S. Department of State"; facility cash/check/cards vary. Details: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html [10].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (peaks +2-4) [11]. Expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Urgent: Agencies only. Track: https://passportstatus.state.gov/ [11]. Renew at 9 months pre-expiration.

Nearest agency: Atlanta (1-877-487-2778) [4].

Special Considerations for

Minors and Families

Both parents or consent [8]. Hazel Green families: Factor HSV flights + visas (3+ months). Incomplete docs common pitfall.

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

1. Wizard check [1]; gather docs/photocopies.
2. Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned [12].
3. Photos ready [9].
4. Book slot [5].
5. Fees prepared.
6. Attend: Sign on-site, minors present.
7. Facility mails.
8. Track [11].

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

1. Confirm eligibility [2].
2. Fill/print DS-82.
3. Add old passport, photo, fees.
4. Mail: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].
5. Track [11].

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment Slots: Madison County books out—schedule 4-6 weeks early, use alerts.
• DS-11/DS-82 Error: Quiz yourself; wrong form delays 8 weeks.
• Photos: Measure head size; test print.
• Minors: Notarize consent ahead.
• Peaks: Spring/summer doubles waits—apply January.
• Birth Cert Delays: Order 4+ weeks early [7].
• Facility Expectation: Arrive 15 min early; no phones during oath.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long from Hazel Green? Routine 6-8 weeks; expedite 2-3 [11].
Mail renewal OK? Yes, most qualify [2].
Birth cert? alabamapublichealth.gov [7].
Appointment needed? Yes [6].
3-week trip? Expedite + agency [4].
Glasses in photo? No, unless medical [9].
Lost passport? DS-64 then replace [3].
Huntsville agency? No, Atlanta [4].

Sources

[1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-to-apply.html
[2] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/renew.html
[3] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/lost-stolen.html
[4] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html
[5] https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/
[6] https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm
[7] https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/
[8] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html
[9] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
[10] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html
[11] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
[12] https://pptform.state.gov/