Passports

We process applications by appointment as well as walk-ins, based on availability. Please allow 30 minutes per person when booking your appointment. To schedule an appointment, click here or call 815.459.1687, x4. Applicants must arrive on time for an appointment. Applicants arriving more than 15 minutes late will forfeit their time slot.

Applicants must come to the Library completely prepared, with all forms completed and copies made. Do not sign the application until asked to do so by an agent.

Application – Applications may be filled out online at travel.state.gov and then printed single-sided. The Library also provides applications which must be filled out in black ink with no whiteout. Do not sign the application until asked to do so by an agent.
Applicants and relevant parties – The applicant must be present. Both parents and children must be present for all applications for children under the age of 16.
Valid photo identification – Applicants and parents of applicants under age 16 must have a valid photo ID. In addition, a color photocopy of the front and back of the same photo ID must be provided with the application. Both the front and back of the ID must be copied on one side of the 8½” x 11″ plain white paper. The Library has a color copier available for you to make copies for a small fee.
Original proof of citizenship – Applicants must provide original proof of citizenship, such as certified, original, long form birth certificates, naturalization papers, or a U.S. Passport for applicants over the age of 16.
Current passport photo – A 2” x 2” color photo of yourself, taken within the last six months, is required. The Library does not provide photo services; however, there are several places near the Library that provide the service, such as Walgreen’s, CVS, and Sam’s Club. Please review the State Department’s guidelines for passport photos. General requirements: All-white background and no eyeglasses. Avoid wearing uniforms, camouflage, bare shoulders, spaghetti straps or white shirts. We don’t recommend individuals attempt to take their own passport photos.
Payment – There are two separate payments required. Application fee: Please make your check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.” Acceptance fee: The Library accepts payment by check or cash. For specific fee information, please contact the Library or visit United States Passport Fees.

Two separate payments are required: The application fee is paid directly to the Department of State. The acceptance fee is paid directly to the acceptance facility (CLPL).

All payments payable to “U.S. Department of State” must be made by check or money order.

The acceptance fee can be paid to the Library by check or cash.

For specific fee information, please contact the Library or visit United States Passport Fees.

You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your most recent passport meets all five of these requirements:

1. Is submitted with your application
2. Is undamaged (other than normal “wear and tear”)
3. Was issued when you were age 16 or older
4. Was issued within the last 15 years
5. Was issued in your current name (or you can document your name change with an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

Visit travel.state.gov to download Form DS-82. Complete the application and mail it, your passport, and payment directly to the address on the form.

If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must Apply in Person using form DS-11.

The Library cannot process mail-in renewal applications.

Youth passports are not renewable. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, you must reapply in person at a passport acceptance facility.

If one parent is unable to attend, a notarized DS-3053 Statement of Consent form must be submitted along with a copy of the front and back of the non-applying parent’s ID.

Acceptable forms of identification are a valid Illinois Driver’s License, Illinois state ID card, valid passport or military ID card.

If the applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, one parent must accompany the applicant. Both the parent and the applicant must bring valid photo identification. If the applicant does not have a valid state issued ID, a school ID is acceptable.

Additional documentation is needed for births abroad and domestic and foreign adoptions. Please contact the Library, or visit travel.state.gov.