Russellville, AL Passport Guide: Facilities, Forms, Tips

Getting a Passport in Russellville, AL

Residents of Russellville and Franklin County rely on passports for Gulf Coast cruises, European family reunions, or study abroad at the University of North Alabama. Demand peaks during spring break, summer vacations, and holidays, straining local post offices and clerks—plan 4-6 months ahead to dodge appointment shortages and processing backlogs common in rural North Alabama [1].

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Use the State Department's wizard to confirm [2]. Key distinctions prevent 25% of local delays:

• First-Time or Ineligible for Renewal (DS-11): Never had a passport, expired over 15 years ago, issued before age 16, lost/damaged, or name/gender change. Apply in person at an acceptance facility—no mailing.

• Renewal (DS-82): Passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, and not for name/gender changes. Mail it yourself—faster and fee-free for execution. Mistake: Russellville locals often default to DS-11, wasting trips.

• Replacement: Lost/stolen (DS-64 + DS-82 if eligible, or DS-11 in person). Report online immediately.

• Minors Under 16: Always DS-11 in person with both parents/guardians (or consent docs)—frequent for Franklin County school exchanges.

Gather Required Documents and Forms

Citizenship proof (original + front/back photocopy on plain paper):

• Alabama birth certificate (from ADPH or county registrar; avoid hospital-issued souvenirs) [3].
• Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate or Consular Report.

Identity: Alabama driver's license (REAL ID preferred), military ID, or passport card. Names must match exactly.

Minors: Both parents' IDs/consent, or court order.

Forms from travel.state.gov [1]: DS-11 unsigned until agent witnesses; black ink only.

Fees preview: $130 adult book/$100 minor + $35 execution (facility pays State Dept via check/money order; execution cash/card locally) + $60 expedite optional [1].

Local tip: Franklin Cou

nty Health Department expedites birth certs (2 weeks vs. Montgomery's 4); order ahead for kids' apps.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Rejections hit 25% of Russellville apps from glare (harsh Alabama sun) or poor home lighting. Must-haves [1]:

• 2x2 inches, color, <6 months old, photo paper.
• Head 1-1⅜ inches, eyes open/neutral face, white/off-white background.
• No glasses, hats, shadows, selfies, or filters.

Get at Walmart Vision Center, CVS, or Walgreens ($15); USPS sometimes. Validate with State Dept tool [5]. Pro move: Take multiples—agents picky.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Russellville and Franklin County

Limited spots mean book early (usps.com or phone); slots vanish in peaks. Expect 15-45 min waits: Staff verify docs, oath-swears, collect fees (separate payments), issue receipts. No on-site photos/expedites usually—confirm by call. Walk-ins rare; appointments rule [4].

• Russellville Post Office (1000 S Jackson Ave, Russellville, AL 35653): Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM appts. (256) 332-2170. Handles DS-11/minors [4].
• Franklin County Circuit Clerk's Office (410 Jackson Ave N, Russellville, AL 35653): County resident-friendly. (256) 332-8805 for appts/hours [6].

Backups: Muscle Shoals PO (25 miles). Renewals: Mail only to National Center.

Birmingham agency (3 hrs): Emergencies (<14 days travel) with proof—appt via 1-877-487-2778 [1].

Busy hacks: Tuesdays/Wednesdays early AM; avoid Mondays/post-holidays. Prep docs to skip reschedules.

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

1. Run wizard [2]; download DS-11 [1].
2. Secure citizenship proof + photocopies [3].
3. Valid ID + photocopies.
4. Passport photos (validated [5]).
5. Fill DS-11 (unsigned).
6. Fees ready: Check to State Dept ($130/$100); $35 execution separate.
7. Appt at PO/Clerk [4].
8. Arrive 15 min early w/everything (parents for minors).
9. Agent verifies/signs; get receipt.
10. Track after 7-10 days [7].

Expedite: +$60 fee + fast mail. Peaks (summer/holidays): Apply early—no rush guarantees.

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

1. Verify eligibility [1].
2. Fill/sign DS-82 + new photo.
3. Old passport + $130 check.
4. USPS Priority (tracked) to address on form [4].
5. Track [7]. Expedite: +$60 + overnight.

Processing Times and Tracking

Routine: 6-8 wee

ks (mail-inclusive). Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60). Track passportstatus.state.gov [7]. North Alabama surges (Gulf trips) add 1-2 weeks—don't cut close.

Urgent (<14 days): Submit first, call NPIC w/itinerary.

Fees Breakdown

Check/money order only for State Dept; facility takes cash/card [1].

Common Challenges and Tips for Russellville

• Appt Crunch: 2-4 weeks lead; use backups if full.
• DS-11/DS-82 Mixup: Quiz yourself—renewals mail-save time/money.
• Photos/Docs: Glare rejections soar; birth cert delays kill timelines.
• Minors: Notarized consent if solo parent—school trips spike these.
• Rural Mail Risks: Priority track for renewals; photocopy everything.
• Old Records: Russellville Clerk aids pre-1900 births [3].

FAQs

How long in Russellville? 6-8 weeks routine; plan ahead for Franklin County peaks [1].

Post Office photos? No—CVS/Walgreens yes [5].

Urgent in 10 days? Expedite + call 1-877-487-2778 w/proof; Birmingham appt [1].

Child passport parents? Both or consent docs for <16 [1].

Birth cert source? ADPH/Franklin Health (2 weeks) [3].

Clerk renewals? No—new apps only [6].

Lost abroad? DS-64 online; photocopy spares [1].

REAL ID needed? No, but ideal ID [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] Passport Wizard
[3] Alabama Vital Records
[4] USPS Passports
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] Franklin County Clerk (Call to confirm)
[7] Status Check