Passports

Passport Applications

We may be able to help you expedite your passport application in an emergency, report lost passports and monitor overseas travel restrictions. To request assistance, please call my district office at 773-267-5926 or send me an email here.

For general questions regarding the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs passport services, see the State Department's Frequently Asked Questions about Passports web page.

If you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing an expired passport, follow these instructions or visit this website.

Applying for a New Passport

  • A DS-11 Form is used for first-time passport applicants aged 18 or over or adults who do not qualify for renewal because your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged; issued over 15 years ago; or issued when you were under age 16.
  • Must be submitted in person.
  • Requires evidence of US citizenship.
  • More information can be found here.

Steps to applying for a new passport

  • Ensure all forms are correctly formatted:
    • Complete all parts of the form, excluding the signature, which you should not do until you are asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent.
    • Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms.
    • Check your date of birth and the previous passport issuance date. If you did not receive the form you expected on the form filler.
       
  • Get evidence of U.S. Citizenship: Your evidence of U.S. citizenship must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office that issued it. You must provide one of the following documents, as well as a photocopy of that document:
    • U.S. Birth Certificate.
    • Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport.
    • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or similar birth documents issued by the U.S. Department of State.
       
  • Get a photo ID: The most common photo ID is a driver’s license. If your ID is from a different state than the state you are applying for, bring a second photo ID. Find the full list of accepted photo IDs here. You must also provide a photocopy of your photo ID.
     
  • Provide additional documentation: You may need additional documentation if:
    • Your current valid passport is lost or stolen.
    • Your valid passport is damaged.
    • You are a sex offender covered under International Megan’s Law
       
  • Provide a photo: You must provide one photo with your application. Digital photos will only be accepted with online renewal. Go to this Passport Photo page for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:
    • Some passport acceptance facilities
    • A company that offers photo services (Walgreens, CVS)
    • Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo-quality paper.
       
  • Pay your fees: When you apply for a passport using Form DS-11, you will need to pay two fees: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application. For the first fee, pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash. For the second fee, find an acceptance facility to learn what payment methods they accept.
    • Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service.

    • Add $22.05 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-3 days after we issue it.
       

      DocumentFormPassport Application ForFacility Acceptance Fee
      Passport BookDS-11$130$35
      Passport CardDS-11$30$35
      Passport Book & CardDS-11$160$35

       

  • Find a location to submit your application: You must submit all your documentation at an authorized passport acceptance facility. The passport agent will verify your ID, give you an oath, and have you sign the application in front of them. To find an authorized passport acceptance facility, follow this link or go to a Public Library that offers passport services.
     
  • Track your application status: Application status updates will be sent to the email address used in the application. You can also check the status here.


Renewing a Passport

  • Needs a DS-82 Form.
  • Use form DS-82 to apply for your first passport book if you only have a passport card, or to apply for your first passport card if you only have a passport book.
  • You are eligible for passport renewal if your passport:
    • Is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear).
    • Has never been reported lost or stolen.
    • Was issued within the last 15 years.
    • Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
    • Was issued in your current name (or you can provide a document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name).
       
  • If you want to renew a limited validity passport that is valid for less than the normal period of 10 years, you must meet these requirements:
    • One of your previous passports must have been issued for 10 years.
    • Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve lost multiple passports.
    • Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve had multiple damaged passports.
       
  • Can be submitted by mail or online.
  • More information can be found here.

Process of renewing a passport

  • Ensure all forms are correctly formatted:
    • Complete all parts of the form. Sign and date your form before you mail it.
    • Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms.
    • Check your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive on the form filler.
       
  • Submit most recent passport: When you renew by mail or in person, you must submit your most recent passport(s) with your application. We will return your most recent passport book or card in a separate mailing. The most recent passport may not arrive for up to four weeks after you get your new passport.
     
  • Submit other documents if changing your name: If the name you are using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a certified copy of the legal name change document. Examples include:
    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce decree
    • Court-ordered name change document.
       
  • Provide a photo: You must provide one photo with your application. Digital photos will only be accepted with online renewal. Go to the Department of State's Passport Photo page for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:
    • Some passport acceptance facilities
    • A company which offers photo services (Walgreens, CVS)
    • Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 
       
  • Pay your fees: Pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash.
    • Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service.
    • Add $22.05 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-3 days after we issue it.
       
DocumentFormApplication Fee
Passport BookDS-82$130
Passport CardDS-82$30
Passport Book & CardDS-82$60

 

  • Submit completed application: If you need an expedited passport, check the instructions in this document under Waiting Times. If you are traveling in more than 3 weeks, all Illinois residents should send their application to the following address:

    National Passport Processing Center
    Post Office Box 640155
    Irving, TX 75064-0155

  • Track your application status: Application status updates will be sent to the email address used in the application. You can also check the status here.

     

Applying for a Child Under 16

  • Both parents / guardians must give their approval and must be present during application.
  • More information can be found here.

Process of applying for a child under 16

  1. Ensure all forms are correctly formatted:
    1. Complete all parts of the form, excluding the signature which you should not do until you are asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent.
    2. Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms.
    3. Check your child’s date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive on the form filler.
       
  2. Get evidence of your child’s U.S. Citizenship: Your child’s evidence of U.S. citizenship must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office which issued it. You must provide one of the following documents, as well as a photocopy of that document:
    1. U.S. Birth Certificate.
    2. Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport.
    3. Certificate of Citizenship.
    4. Consular Report of Birth Abroad or similar birth documents issued by the U.S. Department of State.
       
  3. Show your relationship to your child: If you are not submitting a U.S. birth certificate which shows both your child’s U.S. citizenship and relationship to you, you must submit a document that shows the parent(s) or the legal guardian(s) of the child. For example:
    1. Foreign birth certificate.
    2. Adoption decree.
    3. Divorce or custody decree.
    4. A court order.
       
  4. Get Parent or Guardians’ photo ID: Both parents or guardians must bring a physical photo ID. The most common photo ID is a driver’s license. If your ID is from a different state than the state you are applying, bring a second photo ID. Find the full list of accepted photo IDs here. You must also provide a photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID.
     
  5. Provide additional documentation: You may need additional documentation if:
    1. Your child’s current valid passport is lost or stolen.
    2. Your child’s valid passport is damaged.
    3. One or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child. To see what to do in these circumstances, click here and go to subheading Provide Photocopies and More Documents.
       
  6. Provide a photo of your child: You must provide one photo with your application. Digital photos will only be accepted with online renewal. Go to our Passport Photo page for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:
    1. Some passport acceptance facilities
    2. A company which offers photo services (Walgreens, CVS)
    3. Home. Take your child’s photo yourself. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper.
       
  7. Pay your fees: When you apply for a passport for your child using Form DS-11, you will need to pay two fees: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application. For the first fee, pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash. Write the child’s name and date of birth in the memo section. For the second fee, find an acceptance facility to learn what payment methods they accept.
    1. Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service.

    2. Add $22.05 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-3 days after we issue it.

       

DocumentFormPassport Application FeeFacility Acceptance Fee
Passport BookDS-11$100$35
Passport CardDS-11$15$35
Passport Book & CardDS-11$115$35
  1. Find a location to submit your child’s application: You must submit all your documentation at an authorized passport acceptance facility. The passport agent will verify your ID, give you an oath, and have you sign the application in front of them. To find an authorized passport acceptance facility, follow this link or go to Public Libraries in this document to find libraries that offer passport services.
     
  2. Track your child’s application status: Application status updates will be sent to the email address used in the application. You can also check the status here.

 

Applying for Your Passport as a 16-17 Year Old

  • Any adult age 16 or 17 applying for the first time or renewing a passport issued under age 16 should follow these instructions.
  • You must apply in person on Form DS-11 for your first adult passport.
  • You must show one parent or legal guardian is aware you are applying.
  • Passports for applicants 16 and older are valid for 10 years.

Process of applying as a 16-17 year old

  1. Ensure all forms are correctly formatted:
    1. Complete all parts of the form, excluding the signature which you should not do until you are asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent.
    2. Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms.
    3. Check your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive on the form filler.
       
  2. Get evidence of U.S. Citizenship: Your evidence of U.S. citizenship must have the original, official seal or stamp of the government office which issued it. You must provide one of the following documents, as well as a photocopy of that document
     
  3. U.S. Birth Certificate.
    1. Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport.
    2. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
    3. Consular Report of Birth Abroad or similar birth documents issued by the U.S. Department of State.
       
  4. Get a photo ID: The most common photo ID is a driver’s license. If your ID is from a different state than the state you are applying, bring a second photo ID. If your ID is a learner’s permit, you may need to show a second ID. Find the full list of accepted photo IDs here. You must also provide a photocopy of your photo ID.
     
  5. Show that one parent is aware you’re applying: You can show that a parent / legal guardian is aware in one of the following ways.
    1. They apply with you and sign Form DS-11. Bring a photocopy of that parent or guardian’s ID.
    2. Submit a signed note from that parent. Bring a photocopy of that parent or guardian’s ID.
    3. Submit a check / money order with your legal parent or guardian’s name.
       
  6. Provide additional documentation: You may need additional documentation if:
    1. Your current valid passport is lost or stolen.
    2. Your valid passport is damaged.
       
  7. Provide a photo: You must provide one photo with your application. Digital photos will only be accepted with online renewal. Go to our Passport Photo page for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:
    1. Some passport acceptance facilities
    2. A company which offers photo services (Walgreens, CVS)
    3. Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper.
       
  8. Pay your fees: When you apply for a passport using Form DS-11, you will need to pay two fees: one to the U.S. Department of State and one to the facility where you submit your application. For the first fee, pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash. For the second fee, find an acceptance facility to learn what payment methods they accept.
    1. Add $60 to your application fee if you want expedited service.

    2. Add $22.05 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-3 days after we issue it.

       

DocumentFormPassport Application FeeFacility Acceptance Fee
Passport BookDS-11$100$35
Passport CardDS-11$15$35
Passport Book & CardDS-11$115$35

 

  1. Find a location to submit your application: You must submit all your documentation at an authorized passport acceptance facility. The passport agent will verify your ID, give you an oath, and have you sign the application in front of them. To find an authorized passport acceptance facility, follow this link or visit a Public Library that offers passport services.
     
  2. Track your application status: Application status updates will be sent to the email address used in the application. You can also check the status here.

 

Authorized Passport Acceptance Public Libraries

  • Many public libraries have copies of passport forms. At this link you can find your nearest acceptance facility where you can submit your U.S. passport application or see the following list for libraries in / near district.

Within District

  • Ela Area Public Library: 275 Mohawk Trail, 60047

Borderline District

  • Bensenville Community Public Library: 200 S. Church Road, 60106
  • Berkeley Public Library: 1637 N Taft Ave, 60163
  • Cary Area Public Library: 1606 Three Oaks Road, 60013
  • Glenview Public Library: 1930 Glenview Road, 60025
  • Morton Grove Public Library: 6140 Lincoln Avenue, 60053
  • Niles-Maine District Library: 6960 W. Oakton Street, 60714
  • Northlake Public Library District: 231 N. Wolf Road, 60164
  • Prospect Heights Public Library: 12 N. Elm Street, 60070
  • River Grove Public Library: 8638 W. Grand Avenue, 60131

 

Waiting Times

  • Routine processing times are 4-6 weeks. This DOES NOT include the time your passport is in transit, which can be up to 2 weeks on the way to the passport agency and up to 2 weeks back for you to receive it.
  • Therefore, we recommend sending your passport a MINIMUM of 10 weeks before it is required.
  • If you have a life-or-death emergency, and you need to travel in less than 14 days, see the Department of State’s Life-or-Death Emergencies page.
  • If you need a passport in less than 2-3 weeks, visit the Department of State’s Online Passport Appointment System if you have not yet applied, or call 1-877-487-2778 if you have applied. This will create an appointment to fast-track your passport application.
  • If you need a passport in less than 6 weeks, you can expedite your service at an acceptance facility or by mail. An expedited service takes 2-3 weeks (not including delivery times) and will cost an extra $60.

If any additional information is required, please feel free to contact our office at 773-267-5926.

Washington DC Office
2083 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-4061
Fax: (202) 225-5603

Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Chicago District Office
1925 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL  60614
Phone: (773) 267-5926
Fax: (202) 225-5603

Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5:00pm