South Charleston Public Library Offers Passport Acceptance Services

South Charleston Public Library Adds Official Passport Services

The South Charleston Public Library has officially integrated passport processing into its community services, acting as an authorized acceptance agency for the U.S. Department of State. This shift allows local residents to manage their international travel documentation without traveling to larger regional hubs, though the service operates exclusively by appointment.

The library’s staff includes certified Passport Acceptance Agents trained to guide applicants through the federal requirements. Because the Department of State mandates strict adherence to application protocols, the library requires that applicants arrive prepared with specific documentation.

Application Requirements and Payment Protocols

To finalize an application at the South Charleston Public Library, individuals must present a completed but unsigned application, using black ink only. Applicants are also required to provide a valid photo ID, proof of U.S. citizenship—typically in the form of a certified birth certificate from a city, state, or county—and a 2-inch by 2-inch color passport photo. For those who do not have a photo ready, the library now offers on-site photography services for an additional $10 fee per person during scheduled appointments.

Payment for these services must be handled with precision. The library requires two separate payments: one check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State for the application fee, and a second check or money order for the library’s processing fee. No other forms of payment are accepted.

Service Costs and Processing Timelines

The total cost depends on the type of document requested and the applicant’s age. For an adult passport book, which covers all forms of international travel, the fee structure includes $130 for the Department of State and $35 for the library. For children under 16, the federal portion is $100, plus the same $35 library fee. Passport cards, which are restricted to land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, are available for $30 for adults and $15 for children, plus the library’s $35 processing fee.

Standard service typically results in delivery within four to six weeks. For those requiring faster turnaround, the Department of State offers an expedited service for an additional $60, which reduces the processing time to two to three weeks. While overnight delivery and return options are available for further fees, these still fall within the two-to-three-week expedited window.

Appointment Scheduling

Because the library manages these applications through certified agents, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Appointments are available throughout the work week to provide flexibility for residents:

Day	Hours
Monday	12:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thursday	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday	10:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Residents seeking to book a time slot or obtain further information regarding the U.S. Department of State guidelines are encouraged to call the library directly at 304-744-6561.