passport services available by appointment only.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, but if we’re not available then please visit the U.S. State Department Website.
A Note on processing times from the U.S. State Department:
Routine service takes 8-11 weeks from the day an application is in process to the day it is mailed out.
Expedited service (for an additional $60) takes 5-7 weeks from the day an application is in process to the day it is mailed out.
Processing times do not include mailing times. Mailing times vary across the country. Check your application status at passportstatus.state.gov. It may take up to 2 weeks form the day you apply to the day your passport is “In Process.”
What to consider when applying for a new passport:
All United States citizens must have a passport when traveling internationally. If you plan on traveling to another country in the near future, it is important to understand the protocol for getting a U.S. passport.
- You need to schedule an appointment for an expedited passport at a passport agency or center if you need your passport in less than three days. Note that the passport agency may require additional information for expedited passports, such as proof of international travel.
- You can order an expedited passport at an acceptance facility if you need your passport between five to seven weeks.
- Routine passport orders will take eight to eleven weeks to receive.
To be prepared for your passport application at the Library, follow the steps below:
1. HAVE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION
Proof of Citizenship and Proof of Identity are both necessary documents for your passport application.
- Proof of Citizenship includes a previous U.S. passport or an original birth certificate for those born inside the U.S. For those born outside the U.S., a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship will be necessary.
- Proof of Identity includes items like a previous U.S. passport, driver’s license, current government or military ID, or a Naturalization Certificate. These items should have your photo and your signature.
- If you do not have one of those forms of ID, you will need two forms of what are called “secondary identification.” These include items like a social security card, credit card, or library card. You can also appear with an identifying witness, who will need their own sufficient forms of identification.
2. GET A PASSPORT PHOTO
The Library does not take passport photos, so you will need to bring one with you. A passport photo is specifically sized and formatted picture. More detailed passport photo information is available here. Many businesses in the local Kane County area also offer passport photo services. Local businesses with passport photo services include Walgreen’s (Elburn, St. Charles, Batavia, Geneva), CVS (Geneva), Postal Annex (Batavia), and FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (St. Charles, Elgin).
3. FILL OUT THE APPROPRIATE FORM
In most cases, the necessary passport application is Form DS-11. We ask that this form be filled out in advance using black ink. This form requires important information, such as social security number, current address, and birth details.
4. SUBMIT FORM AND DOCUMENTATION IN PERSON
The person applying for the passport will need to come into the Library in person.
- If the applicant is 15 years old or younger, both parents or guardians will need to fill out and submit their application.
- If the applicant is between 16 and 17 years old, only one parent or guardian is needed to fill out and submit their application.
- Adult applicants aged 18 and older fill out their own and submit their own applications.
5. have money prepared for the fee
A first-time passport fee is composed of an application fee and a processing fee. The application fee is paid via check or money order to the U.S. Department of State and the processing fee is paid separately to the Library via check, credit card, or cash.
- Passport books are used for international travel by air, sea, or land. They are the most commonly-used passport.
- A first-time passport book fee for applicants 16 and older are $165 ($130 application fee and a $35 processing fee.
- A first-time passport book fee for applicants 15 and younger are $135 ($100 application fee and a $35 processing fee).
- Passport cards for entering the U.S. by land or sea are cheaper than passport books.
- A passport card for applicants 16 and older is $65 ($30 application fee and a $35 processing fee).
- A passport card for applicants 15 and younger is $50 ($15 application fee and a $35 processing fee).
- 1-2 Day Shipping from the Library costs $17.56 This service does not impact passport application time, just the amount of time your passport application spends in the mail.
A comprehensive list of all passport fees is available here.
*The Library does not accept passport renewals. These should be completed by mail.
Passport renewals can be completed using one of two different forms:
- Form DS-82 for standard adult passport renewals.
- Form DS-5504 for renewals data correction, passport replacement, or after a name change.
These forms should be printed in color, completed in black ink, and then sent in by mail. The Library has these forms available, but the patron is responsible for filling out the form and sending it in. More information on renewals by mail is available here.
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