The County Clerk’s office has seen an unprecedented uptick in the number of passport applications over the past several months.

And according to county clerk Donna Thomas, it’s the most she has ever seen.

“This has broken all the records,” she said. “Several times we’ve questioned what’s the deal, where’s everybody going. And I don’t know if it’s because travel has opened back up or maybe they’re giving good rates. But it’s been a good thing so far.”

Thomas said their office has seen a 300% increase between today and this time last year with 678 applications coming in this year.

“Because there’s such a high demand right now, Nashville post office and other passport agencies including Rutherford who typically have a lot, you can’t get an appointment,” said Thomas.

Like everywhere else, appointments are required to apply for a passport. The application has to be done with a certified passport agent. The Bedford County Clerk’s Office has five, which Thomas said has helped with the increase of applications.

But instead of waiting weeks or even months at a time for an appointment, residents are finding it’s easier to book an appointment within a couple of days here in Bedford.

“People were traveling for spring break and summer so they were needing them,” said Thomas. “We can usually get them in in about a week.”

Thomas said she’s had people come as far away Spring Hill, Smyrna, Columbia, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville.

This uptick actually has positives. Thomas says when they get people from out of town, they will ask about good lunch spots to try or places to see here in the county. “And they always give us compliments how nice we are,” said Thomas.

Plus, Bedford County receives $35 for every passport the office executes as well as $15 for every photo.

In addition to being the “eyes and ears of the passport agency,” the Bedford County clerk’s office also provides photo services. If you are interested in getting your passport application, call 931-684-1921. 

You will need to bring a passport form, a photo ID, and proof of citizenship (like with a previous passport or with a certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate). The cost is $130 for an adult and $100 for a child. In the case of a minor, both parents have to be present (or the proper forms brought in).

For more information, visit travel.state.gov.