Clerk Of Court Columbia County Site

passport

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS

Everything you need to get started with obtaining a passport

Passport Applications

Hours of Service

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9:00 am to 11:00 am AND 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Appointments (required)

  • Online only—please use the appointment calendar at the bottom of this page. Or by clicking here.
  • Appointment reservations need:
      • Full Name – First, Middle, Last, Suffice
    • Type of passport – New or expired only accepted at this location.

Location

Passport Application Fees

Applicants must pay two separate fees: the application fee (paid to the U.S. Department of State) and the acceptance fee (paid to the Clerk of Superior Court).

Application Fees (Payable to the U.S. Department of State by personal check or money order).

  • Adults (16 and over)
    • Passport Book: $130.00
    • Passport Card: $30.00
    • Passport Book & Card: $160.00
  • Minors (under 16)
    • Passport Book: $100.00
    • Passport Card: $15.00
    • Passport Book & Card: $115.00
  • Expedited Service (for passport book return)
    • Per application: $60.00

Acceptance Fees (payable to Clerk of Superior Court)

  • Standard Application: $35.00 (cash only).
  • Expedited Application: $67.00 (cash only).
    • Note: Expedited application refers to processing application via USPS express priority mail, not expedited return by the State Department.

Required Documents for Passport Applications

  1. Completed Application (Form DS-11) https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds11_pdf.PDF.
  2. Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (see next section).
  3. Passport Photo (see next section).

Evidence of citizenship (born in United States)

  • Provide a U.S. birth certificate that meets these requirements:
    • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth.
    • Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
    • Lists parent(s) full names.
    • Has the signature of the city, county, or state registrar.
    • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth).
    • Has the seal or stamp of the city, county, or state which issued it.
  • Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport.
    • Full validity means the document is or was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

Evidence of citizenship (born outside United States)

Passport Photo Guidelines

  • Color photo only: Black-and-white photos are not acceptable.
  • Head Size: The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm to 35 mm) or 50%-69% of the total height from chin to top of the head.
  • Taken Within the Last 6 Months: The photo must reflect your current appearance.
  • Background: Plain white or off-white background.
  • Pose: Full-face view, directly facing the camera.
  • Expression: Neutral facial expression with both eyes open.

Clothing Guidelines

  • Wear everyday clothing (uniforms are not allowed unless they are religious garments worn daily).
  • Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes, provided the full face is visible and no shadows are cast.
  • No hats or head coverings that obscure the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for religious reasons.

Other Restrictions

  • No eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are no longer permitted in passport photos, except in rare circumstances (e.g., medical reasons). If you must wear them, a signed medical statement is required, and:
    • The frames must not cover the eyes.
    • No glare, shadows, or reflections should obscure the eyes.
  • Hearing devices: Can be worn in the photo if typically used.

For more detailed guidelines, refer to the U.S. State Department’s Passport Application Fee Guide.

Schedule Your Appointment