United States Passports

IMPORTANT NOTICE UPDATED 5-8-2020

For everyone’s health and safety, we will not begin processing passports again until June 1st, 2020. At that time, they will be conducted by appointment only. This is to ensure we are in compliance with guidelines directed by our State Governor of no more than 10 individuals gathering together. To make an appointment, please contact our Recorders Office at (479) 271-1017.


* Please remember – face coverings are required to enter all county buildings.


Important Do’s and Don’ts

* Please arrive by 4:00 P.M. in order for us to have ample time to process your passport applications.

  • The Circuit Clerk’s office does now take passport photos for all citizens.
  • You do need to bring check or money order, the U.S. Department of State doesn’t accept cash.
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries as well as re-entering the U.S.
If you have already applied for a passport (at least 5-7 days ago), you can  track passport status online.
If your passport has been lost or stolen, you can  get emergency help online.


The Office of the Circuit Clerk accepts the following forms of payment: cash, personal checks, business checks, cashier’s checks, postal money orders and non-postal money orders as well as accepting credit/debit cards. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Please note there is a service fee associated with all debit and credit card transactions

Step 1: DETERMINE the kind of passport you need.

 Passport Book Info

 Passport Card Info

Step 2: GATHER the required documents.

  1. One 2″ by 2″ passport photo
  2. U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy) or naturalization papers
  3. Completed passport application
    • Fill out form in black ink and don’t sign until you are asked to do so in office.
  4. Driver’s license or a state-issued I.D. card
  5. For children ages birth to 15:
    • signatures of both parents
    • child(ren) must be present at time of application
    • both parents or childs legal guardian must appear in person with valid ID
      • Special Circumstances
        If there are any special circumstances (i.e. birth abroad, only one parent available, lost or expired passport, etc.) there may be addtional forms or documentation necessary. Please ask a clerk or contact our offices at 479-271-1017
  6. For children ages 16 & 17:
    • signatures of one parents (child’s signature is required)
    • child(ren) must be present at time of application
    • one parent or legal guardian must appear in person with valid ID

Step 3: Familiarize yourself with Passport Laws, Fees and Processing Times

  1. All first time applicants must apply in person at an authorized Passport Application Acceptance Facility.
  2. The Application Fee is a non-refundable processing fee and is retained by the Department of State whether or not the passport is issued.
  3. Passport Fees including payment types and renewal information
    • The Recorder’s Office only accepts checks or money orders. No Debit or Credit Cards will be taken.
TIME WARNING – Routine processing service takes approximately 4-6 weeks from time of application.
Learn more about expediting process time to within 3 weeks (additional fees apply)
U.S. citizen children under age 16 arriving by land from Canada or Mexico may present an original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship.